Porto will visit AVS for a Primeira Liga match on Sunday evening, a game with little significance as both teams have starkly contrasting fortunes. Porto sits at the top of the league, comfortably nine points ahead, while AVS has already secured the bottom spot in the standings.
Match Preview: Porto vs. AVS
This match comes as Porto celebrates its 31st league title after three seasons without clinching the top honor. They achieved their latest victory by a narrow 1-0 margin against Alverca, marking their 27th win in 32 matches. Despite their solid defensive record, where they’ve conceded only 15 goals—six of which came at their home ground, Estadio do Dragao—Porto has still encountered some bumps, including a surprising defeat to 16th-placed Casa Pia.
Porto’s Performance
- Current Position: 1st in Primeira Liga
- Points: 82, with 91 points needed for the 2021-22 title benchmark
- Recent Form: W W W D W W (last six matches)
Porto excels in away matches, recording 14 victories and accumulating 43 points from their 16 games on the road. This strong performance highlights their potential to secure at least the same points total despite remaining challenges.
AVS’s Recent Form
Meanwhile, AVS is showing signs of life after struggling for much of the season. They have experienced a minor resurgence, losing just two of their last nine matches. However, they managed to net only their second win of the season against Nacional with a score of 2-1. Additionally, they have earned six points from their last five away matches, an encouraging sign of improvement.
- Current Position: 18th in Primeira Liga
- Recent Form: D L D D D W (last six matches)
Team News and Potential Lineups
For AVS, coach Joao Henriques is likely to maintain his lineup barring any injuries. Despite struggling to score, Diego Duarte is expected to lead the attack, supported by recent strong performances from Tomane, particularly in the earlier matches of the season.
On the other hand, Porto’s coach Francesco Farioli may consider resting some key players, including Pablo Rosario, who has an injury. Borja Sainz and Rodrigo Mora could get a starting opportunity, along with potential rotations in defense and midfield.
Predicted Starting Lineups
| AVS | Porto |
|---|---|
| Adriel | D. Costa |
| Pivo | Fernandes |
| Devenish | Bednarek |
| Vitor | Silva |
| Rivas | Sanusi |
| Galletto | Froholdt |
| Roni | Varela |
| Lima | Veiga |
| Akinsola | Pepe |
| Duarte | Gul |
| Neiva | Sainz |
Match Prediction
Given the disparity in form and league standing, it is anticipated that Porto will secure a 2-0 victory over AVS. While Porto might rotate their squad due to their title win, they are still expected to demonstrate their superiority over AVS, who may struggle to find the net.
