Sporting Braga are expected to use an adventurous 3-6-1 formation when they host La Gantoise in the second matchday of the UEFA Conference League league phase on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The match will be played at the Stade municipal de Braga, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT. The proposed line-ups indicate contrasting approaches, with Sporting Braga set to prioritise control in midfield and La Gantoise likely to adopt a more traditional shape.
Sporting Braga
Sporting Braga’s predicted system places six players in midfield, giving them a numerical advantage in the centre of the pitch. The structure is designed to help them regain possession, restrict La Gantoise’s options and provide a regular supply of service to a lone striker.
Bernardo Fontes is expected to start in goal, behind a three-man defence made up of G. Lagerbielke, Vitor Carvalho and A. Bajrami.
Travassos, Joao Moutinho, J. Gorby, Pau Victor, Ricardo Horta and Diego Henrique are listed as the likely midfield six. Jonas Wind is expected to lead the attack as the team’s only recognised centre-forward.
The predicted Sporting Braga XI is:
Goalkeeper: Bernardo Fontes
Defenders: G. Lagerbielke, Vitor Carvalho, A. Bajrami
Midfielders: Travassos, Joao Moutinho, J. Gorby, Pau Victor, Ricardo Horta, Diego Henrique
Striker: Jonas Wind
La Gantoise
La Gantoise are expected to line up in a 4-4-2, offering a balanced alternative to Sporting Braga’s midfield-heavy plan.
The Belgian side’s proposed formation is built around two compact banks of four, with the aim of maintaining defensive organisation while allowing the front two to provide the main attacking threat.
K. Peersman is the predicted goalkeeper. The back four is expected to consist of A. Ayinde, M. Volckaert, Christian Burgess and M. Diallo.
Max Dean, Aime Omgba, L. Benes and A. Kadri are set to form the midfield. El Hadji Seck and Hyllarion Goore are the anticipated attacking partnership.
The predicted La Gantoise XI is:
Goalkeeper: K. Peersman
Defenders: A. Ayinde, M. Volckaert, Christian Burgess, M. Diallo
Midfielders: Max Dean, Aime Omgba, L. Benes, A. Kadri
Forwards: El Hadji Seck, Hyllarion Goore
The fixture is the second league-phase match in this season’s UEFA Conference League for both teams. The published 1xbet prices list Sporting Braga at 1.59 to win, with the draw at 3.50 and a La Gantoise victory at 4.50.