* Benfica have lost just once at Estadio da Luz against Braga insince the 1954-55 season. Their record stands at 42 wins, 11 draws, and 1 defeat. In addition, Benfica have won all four of their encounters at home with Braga in cup competitions.
* The Eagles are on a six-game unbeaten run in Europe since the turn of the year, winning four and drawing two.
* Benfica have scored 13 goals in the Europa League this season, but have conceded six times in six games.
* Carlos Martins celebrates his 29th birthday the day after this fixture.
* Braga have drawn their last three Europa League games.
* The Archbishops have scored just four goals in six games since entering the competition, but have conceded just two.
* Braga's Silvio arrived at the club last summer from Benfica.
* Should the Archbishops win on Thursday, they will inflict on the Eagles their 100th loss in Europe.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Benfica (4-4-2) : Roberto; Pereira, Jardel, Luisao, Coentrao; Garcia, Martins, Aimar, Airton; Saviola, Cardozo.
Jorge Jesus made a few changes to the squad that drew away to PSV on April 14, and fielded an experimental line-up in Benfica's most recent domestic game against Beira Mar. The Eagles tend to use a flexible 4-4-2, relying on former Real Madrid man Javi Garcia's bite in midfield, the prowess of wide defenders Maxi Pereira and Fabio Coentrao, and the prolific duo of Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo up front. Jorge Jesus occasionally switches to 4-3-3, sacrificing a midfielder for a striker .
Toto Salvio is definitely out of this game after picking up an injury in the draw against PSV, while Nuno Gomes and Ruben Amorim are long-term casualties.
Braga (4-3-3) : Artur; Paulao, Garcia, Custodio, Silvio; Hugo Viana, Vandinho, Salino; Meyong Ze, Alan, Lima.
Domingos Paciencia likes to tinker with his formation, especially in an attacking sense and occasionally switches from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. With Paulo Cesar suspended, the coach might stick with the duo of Alan and Lima or add Meyong Ze upfront.
Braga will have to do without the services of Quim, who is still rehabilitating from injury, and Vinicius, who has a thigh problem. As mentioned, key striker Paulo Cesar is suspended after picking up a red card against Dynamo Kiev in the last round of the Europa League.
Prediction
Benfica 1-0 Braga 
