National vs AVS – News and Probable Lineups

Nacional aims to maintain their impressive late-season form and virtually secure their league status when they face AVS at the Estadio da Madeira this Saturday in round 32 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

With their relegation already confirmed, AVS enters the last three fixtures with little at stake but will strive to put up a fight as they prepare for a return to the second division.

Match overview

After several weeks of average results, Nacional has rebounded with three wins out of four matches in April, successfully avoiding immediate danger while seeking to extend their two-year stay in top-flight football.

The Alvinegros displayed another strong team performance last Friday, narrowly defeating Tondela 2-0 at the Estadio Joao Cardoso, marking their first away victory in 14 matches across all competitions since October.

In-form forward Jesus Ramirez scored his third goal in four matches midway through the first half to give the visitors the lead, followed by an own goal from Colombian defender Brayan Medina in the 31st minute, increasing their advantage.

After enduring eight consecutive matches without a victory between February 1 and March 21, Nacional has secured wins against Estrela Amadora, Alverca, and Tondela in their last four outings, with the exception of a 2-0 defeat to title contenders Benfica on April 12.

This improvement has propelled Tiago Margarido’s squad up to 14th in the Primeira Liga table with 31 points from 31 matches, five points clear of 16th-placed Casa Pia, currently in the relegation playoff position as they approach their final three fixtures.

Just a year after narrowly escaping relegation by defeating Vizela in the playoff, AVS is now facing the drop, as their brief two-year stay in the Primeira Liga draws to a close after another dismal season.

Joao Henriques’s side has managed only one league victory this season, losing 19 of their 31 matches while registering a league-low 22 goals and conceding 65, more than any other team in the division.

AVS delivered one of their standout performances last Saturday, earning a 1-1 draw against title hopefuls Sporting Lisbon at the Estadio do CD das Aves after coming back from behind.

With neither side able to break the deadlock in the first half, Rafael Nel scored two minutes after the break to put Sporting Lisbon ahead, but Pedro Lima equalized with a penalty in the 66th minute, hampering the Leoes’ title ambitions.

AVS has yet to secure an away victory in the league this season and now faces a team they have struggled against in their last five meetings, recording three losses and two draws since November 2023.

Team News

No positive updates have surfaced regarding Nacional’s injury situation, as players like Lucas Franca (thigh), Ivanildo Fernandes (muscle), and Brazilian defender Ulisses (collarbone) remain sidelined.

Spanish midfielder Miguel Baeza has missed the last three matches since exiting injured against Estrela on April 4 and will also be unavailable for the home side.

On the other hand, AVS will be without 31-year-old Kiki Afonso and Frenchman Antoine Baroan, both recovering from injuries.

Diego Duarte had to leave the game against Sporting Lisbon last weekend due to injury, and the Paraguayan striker will miss this weekend’s match, with 33-year-old Tomane expected to take his place in the front line.

Portuguese midfielder Gustavo Mendonca will also miss the trip to Estadio da Madeira due to suspension, having exceeded the yellow card threshold from his booking against Sporting Lisbon.

Nacional probable starting XI:

Pereira; Nunez, Santos, Ze Vitor, Gomes; Veron, Labidi, Liziero; Junior, Diaz, Buoy

AVS probable starting XI:

Adriel; Rivas, Vitor, Devenish, Pivo; Lima, Roni, Neiva; Perea, Tomane, Akinsola

Aiming to maintain a respectable finish, AVS will seek to continue from their performance against Sporting Lisbon last time out and aim for an unbeaten streak of four matches. However, Nacional has increased their intensity in recent weeks, and it is anticipated they will capitalize on their home advantage to secure a fourth win in five games.