AVS vs Porto – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday evening, Porto will travel to face AVS in what is essentially a meaningless encounter in the Primeira Liga.

Currently, Porto is leading the Primeira Liga table by nine points, while AVS has already confirmed their position at the bottom.

Match overview

After three years without a top-flight title in Portugal, Porto is celebrating their 31st league victory with two matches left to play.

Françasco Farioli’s squad secured their 27th win in 32 matches last time around with a 1-0 victory over Alverca.

While Porto did not fully exhibit their dominant abilities, this fourth consecutive hard-fought win boosted their lead over Sporting Lisbon and Benfica to nine points.

The team’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success, with only 15 goals conceded, including just six at Estadio do Dragao.

Moreover, their remarkable away form shouldn’t be overlooked, as they’ve accrued 43 points from 14 wins across 16 matches.

Despite the disappointment of their only league loss being against 16th-placed Casa Pia, winning their remaining two matches will allow them to equal the 91 points required to clinch the 2021-22 title.

AVS, on the other hand, is experiencing their finest form of the season since late February, losing only two of their last nine matches.

However, after recording six draws in that span, Joao Henriques’ team managed just their second victory of the season with a 2-1 win against Nacional last match.

Certainly, AVS has accrued six points from their past five away games in the top flight of Portuguese football.

In parallel, they achieved the same results from their last five outings at Estadio do CD Aves, showcasing an admirable improvement over the last two months.

AVS secured a 1-1 draw at home against Sporting Lisbon on April 26, a result that is bound to boost their confidence for this upcoming match.

Team News

Assuming no injuries arise, Henriques has little incentive to alter his AVS starting XI.

Although Diego Duarte has not found the back of the net since mid-February, he is expected to lead the attack for AVS, aided by his assist in the last fixture.

Nevertheless, Tomane is likely to push for a place in the final third, having scored in consecutive matches before being benched last time.

With the title now secured, Farioli must decide whether to rest Porto midfielder Pablo Rosario, who has been playing despite a broken hand.

Borja Sainz and Rodrigo Mora may get chances to shine in the attacking positions, along with Martim Fernandes who could feature at right or left back.

Thiago Silva and Alan Varela are also available in defense and midfield should Farioli opt for squad rotation.

AVS probable starting XI:

Adriel; Pivo, Devenish, Vitor, Rivas; Galletto, Roni, Lima; Akinsola, Duarte, Neiva

Porto probable starting XI:

D.Costa; Fernandez, Bednarek, Silva, Sanusi; Froholdt, Varela, Veiga; Pepe, Gul, Sainz

With no stakes in this matchup, Farioli might make adjustments to his Porto lineup, which could present an opportunity for their hosts. However, it is still anticipated that AVS will be outmatched in this contest, even if they manage to minimize the goals conceded.