Portuguese FA Cup 4th round:
Portimonense v Braga, Saturday 3.30pm
Portimonense have had plenty of time to analyse the 6-1 second half league debacle at Braga three weeks ago during the current Euro 2024 qualification fortnight ahead of this Saturday afternoon’s FA Cup 4th round ‘rematch’ at the Municipal Stadium.
Manager Paulo Sérgio should have most of his first team squad – 5-2 winners over their U-23 counterparts during a training session last week – fit and available for selection including this season’s break-through star Hélio Varela who was in action for Cape Verde for their goalless 2026 World Cup qualification draw with Angola.
Meanwhile, Farense, without a match this Cup weekend due to their earlier exit against Vilaverdense, defeated fourth division Louletano 3-1 in a friendly, with Elves Balde, Kastrati and Ponde finding the back of the net. Not present on that occasion was right back Zach Muscat, who swapped the São Brás de Alportel academy training pitch for the glory of Wembley where he helped Malta hold England to a meagre 2-0 success.
By SKIP BANDELE
