Two sides struggling for form meet in round 28 of the Primeira Liga as relegation-threatened AVS welcome mid-table Estoril Praia to Estadio do CD Aves on Friday.
The hosts approach this fixture with just one victory in their last eight outings and have suffered three consecutive defeats, while the visitors are winless in four matches.
Match preview
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Having secured promotion to the top flight for the first time at the start of the season, AVS have endured a turbulent debut campaign, and their latest setback came in a 4-1 defeat at Famalicao last weekend.
As a result, Rui Ferreira's men sit 15th in the standings with 23 points from four wins, 11 draws and 12 defeats, hovering just above the relegation playoff spot on goal difference, though they have struggled at both ends of the pitch.
AVS have managed just 21 goals – the joint second-fewest tally – while their 41 conceded means only bottom-placed Boavista have a poorer defensive record.
For a team battling to stay afloat, the debutants have struggled to capitalise on home advantage, failing to win their last three matches and securing just one victory in 10; this leaves them with 14 points from 13 games in front of their own fans — the third-worst record in the league.
AVS will be looking for their first-ever triumph against Estoril, having played a goalless draw in the reverse fixture — the only previous meeting between the sides.
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Although Ian Cathro's men sit ninth with 36 points, 13 clear of the relegation playoff spot, their hopes of securing European football are beginning to slip, as last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Porto left them 10 points behind fifth-placed Santa Clara and a distant 20 adrift of Braga in fourth.
Needing a strong finish to keep their fading aspirations alive, the Canaries have previously shown they are capable of an upturn in form, having put together a blistering run of six wins in seven matches before their current four-game winless streak.
Estoril were also impressive on the road during that strong spell, recording three straight victories, but they have now gone three matches without success, with their 14 points from a possible 39 placing them ninth in the traveller's table.
While defensive frailties remain a concern for the Canarinhos, who have conceded 43 goals – the third most in the division – scoring has not been an issue, as they have found the net in their last nine outings, with only the top four sides and Vitoria de Guimaraes (38) netting more than their tally of 35 this season.
Team News
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Aderllan Santos has recovered fully and is expected to start in central defence, with Nacho Rodriguez also in contention after serving a suspension, while Rafael Rodrigues is set to return and will compete with Eric Veiga for the left-back role.
Gerson Rodrigues remains sidelined through injury, meaning Vasco Lopes and Lucas Piazon are likely to start on the flanks, although John Mercado provides an alternative option in the wide areas should a tactical adjustment be required.
Veteran forward Lucas Moura remains out of action, while Rodrigo Ribeiro is a doubt for Friday's clash, leaving Estoril with decisions to make in attack.
Yanis Begraoui, who netted their only goal last time out, is expected to lead the line once again, likely keeping Alejandro Marques on the bench.
Meanwhile, Eliaquim Mangala, who missed the Porto fixture with a last-minute injury, is back in contention for a starting berth in a three-man defence potentially pairing with Kevin Boma and Felix Bacher.
AVS possible starting lineup:
Ochoa; Veiga, Santos, Rodriguez, Tavares; Fernandes, Assuncao, Grau; Piazon, Luis, Lopes
Estoril Praia possible starting lineup:
Robles; Mangala, Boma, Bacher; Pina, Xeka, Holvsgrove, Amaral; Carvalho, Begraoui, Guitane
We say: AVS 1-2 Estoril Praia
While Estoril have struggled defensively this season, facing an AVS side that has faltered in attack could work in their favour, and the visitors' strong scoring record could play a key role in securing a win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
