NJ, Braga still have a long way to go financially before they can begin to bring in more coveted players. Braga don't have the same reputation that SCP, Porto, and Benfica do. They probably never will because Portugal's top 3 have built their prestige over the years by winning numerous championships, both domestic and European. For me, that's what makes Braga so special is that they don't have the most coveted players or the nicest stadium or a history of success in Europe or Portugal. Yet they still play as if they do have all of those things. That kind of heart has to be admired.

I agree with you about Sporting needing to crawl out of the gutter though. It's important that Portugal's big clubs all do their part and SCP have been crap for years now and it's time for a change. Paciencia is the right man for the job I think, but he's going to need some time with that squad. Sporting still need to develop a team identity of some kind (shut down defense, lights out goalscoring, etc...) and they haven't been able to do that with the massive flux of players over the past season.

In the end, I guess I would rather see SCP trump Braga, but I would still like to see Braga keep up with the top 3 as well as they can and give them a run for their money.

I have never hid my dislike for Sporting. But once again, I can't deny the importance of Sporting making into the CL next season. They are over 22 million euros in the hole, and a CL spot is imperative.
I understand and applaud Braga for the run they've had. The problem is that no matter how much money Braga earns, they have shown that they won't build on it. They've actually lost some pieces from last season, and maintained the rest. They've brought in five youngsters, but none with any fan fair.
Am I being unfair? Probably, but Braga will have to prove to me that they are serious at making a CL run and maintain their league standing. I admit that they've surprised me with their play this season, but I still think that their current standing has as much to do with Sportings poor run than anything else. Braga's starters are well established and familiar with each other, while Sporting is doing it on the fly.
Paciencia is quickly learning that eventhough you may be part of a huge club, in Portugal you're still a selling club. There will always be turnover, and if your transfers aren't up to par, you will suffer badly.
As much it pains me, Portugal needs to have Sportings pedigree ridding high once again.

Great podcast as usual.

I couldn't agree more when it comes to Djalo. As a Benfiquista, its a great signing due to the cost. Djalo still maintains his pace, so let's see if JJ is able to get out of him what others couldn't. I will add that Djalo was overhyped for quite a while, so maybe now he'll buckle down and get it done. If not, nothing lost.

Lucho is a great signing for Porto, just for the leadership alone. I would be concerned on how Hulk will react to not being the highest paid player at Porto now. The other concern is Hulk being handed the Captain band, since he's shown to be more of an "I" type of player.
Let's face it, this is a talented squad and all vp did was roll the ball out there.
Remember his comments; "I don't want to ruin what was given to me." "I don't want to over burden the team with new tactics."
Even Hulk has admited to not giving his all during some matches. And now he gets the Captaincy?
This all points to an ineffective vp, and PdC's stubborness of admitting the mistake.

Setubal dropping to the bottom of the table shouldn't surprise anyone. I happen to follow them more due to Setubal being my wife's adopted team.
When I was in Setubal, you would never have known that there might be a game going on that day. No advertising, no buzz, no reaching out to the community by the team. Unless you read the paper, no hint of a home game. Just like other bottom dwellers they depend on tv money and could care less about trying to get people in the stands.
Which leads to the bigger issue at hand. Expanding the league to 18 teams is not only a horrible idea but an irresponsible one as well. It's not shocking, but the fans are once again put asside for money. The funny, or should I say sad, thing is that the money will dwindle due to mediocrity, and fans will suffer due to poor football.
Club B squads might sound good, but the fact is that the competition just isn't good enough for players to get proper development. Secondly, would teams prefer to loan players for a fee, or have them play meaningless games in the Liga de Honra?
Portugal just isn't big enough to expand the league. If anything a stronger argument can be given to reduce the league size to 14 teams.
I would guess it would be silly to expect any sensible decision by the FPF.