Leicester City will hope to continue their UEFA Europa League charge on Thursday evening as they host SC Braga at the King Power Stadium

Both sides have been highly impressive in the competition thus far this campaign, both possessing identical records after their opening two matches, and will aim to claim top spot in the group outright. 

Who are SC Braga? 

A regular on the European stage, the Portuguese outfit embarked on their 17th UEFA Europa League campaign at the start of this season. Os Arcebispos, meaning the Archbishops, are managed by former Swansea City and Sheffield Wednesday Head Coach Carlos Carvalhal and finished third in Liga NOS last campaign. 

One time runners-up in the Portuguese top-flight, Braga reached the last 32 of the Europa League last year, eventually being eliminated by Scottish outfit Rangers. They did however come top of their group having been matched up with another English side in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Team News

Despite Foxes' boss Brendan Rodgers previously being 'hopeful' on Jonny Evans' fitness ahead of the game, he is yet again set to sit out with a back injury. The Northern-Irishman missed Monday evening's 4-1 thumping of Leeds United, as well as the 2-1 victory against AEK Athens last time out. 

His continued absence adds to considerable defensive worries with the likes of Caglar Soyuncu (adductor), Timothy Castagne (thigh), Ricardo Pereira (knee) and Daniel Amartey (thigh) all still restricted to the sidelines. Meanwhile, long-term absentee Wilfred Ndidi is also still out until at least December. 

In more positive news, James Maddison and Cengiz Under both appear to be edging to the starting line-up after fantastic cameos at Elland Road.

Rodgers' opposite number Carlos Carvalhal meanwhile does not have too many injuries to contend with. Only forward Rui Fonte is ruled out with a long-term injury. Midfielder Fransergio is out of contention having tested positive for coronavirus.

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Predicted Line-Ups

Leicester City: Schmeichel; Fuchs, Fofana, Morgan; Thomas, Mendy, Tielemans, Under; Barnes, Maddison, Vardy.

SC Braga: Matheus; Sequeira, Viana, Tormena, Esgaio; Galeno, Castro, Elmusrati, Medeiros, Gaitan, Paulinho.

Ones to Watch

Leicester City: Cengiz Under

Much like in the win against Arsenal just over a week ago, Turkish wideman Under came off the bench at Elland Road to provide an assist for Jamie Vardy as he chipped the ball across goal. It wasn't just his cross for the striker that got fans talking though, his all around display following his introduction was very impressive. 

The on-loan Roma man displayed great pace and skill as Leicester aimed to add to their lead, potentially doing enough to convince Rodgers that he may be worthy of a start against Braga. 

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SC Braga: Paulinho

Despite not quite getting going in the Liga NOS so far this campaign having failed to find the net, the forward has been in positive form in the Europa League. In appearances against Zorya Luhansk and AEK Athens, he has scored twice and provided one assist. The 27-year-old scored 23 goals in all competitions last season so will certainly be a threat at the King Power Stadium. 

What Brendan Rogers has said

His side are certainly in confident mood ahead of the game having racked up four consecutive wins in all competitions but it is clear Rodgers is not resting on his laurels. 

He said: "They’ve [Braga] got a strong history in the competition. They’ve won four of their games so far, and they’re used to winning. They’ve got experience and really good players and we’ve been very impressed by how they play.”

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How to watch

The match in the East Midlands is set to get underway at 8pm GMT. You can watch the clash on BT Sport 1, with coverage to begin at 7:30pm.

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