AVS vs Sporting Lisbon – News and Probable Lineups

This weekend, Sporting Lisbon travels to face the already relegated AVS, presenting them with a chance to regain momentum and invigorate their struggling title pursuit.

The Lions have not been successful in their last three matches across all competitions (D2, L1), which has seen them fall to third place in the Primeira Liga standings; however, they did achieve progression to the Taca de Portugal final during this period.

Match overview

Sporting has been going through a tough phase recently, with their sole victory in the last five fixtures across all competitions (D2, L2) occurring in a 1-0 win against Estrela Amadora on matchday 29, when hopes of closing the gap at the top were still quite strong.

Yet, a disappointing late 2-1 loss to Benfica in last weekend’s Lisbon derby at Estadio Jose Alvalade has impacted their aspirations, leaving Rui Borges’ team one point shy of the runner-up Eagles and eight behind the leaders, albeit with a game in hand.

With just five matches remaining to close that gap, the goal of replicating last season’s league and cup double has significantly diminished, though Sporting can take some solace from reaching another Taca de Portugal final.

Following a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their semi-final in March, Borges’ squad held Porto to a goalless draw at Estadio do Dragao midweek to secure their place in the final against second-tier Torreense.

Despite progressing, that result highlighted a decrease in their attacking efficiency, as Sporting has not found the net in three of their last five games – including the scoreless draw at Arsenal that resulted in their Champions League exit – managing only two goals during that stretch.

However, having scored a league-high 74 goals this season, the Lions’ attacking slumps appear to be simply a short-lived issue, and facing an AVS team that has conceded the most goals in the league (64) indicates that Sunday’s match provides a prime opportunity to respond as the Lisbon visitors strive to keep their title ambitions alive.

Apart from defensive issues, AVS has faced difficulties in other aspects as well, scoring the fewest goals in the league (21), securing the least victories (one), and recording the highest number of defeats (19) in the division.

With no wins in their past eight matches (D5, L3), the Vila das Aves team has at least displayed some grit in recent weeks, following their draw with Vitoria de Guimaraes by holding Rio Ave to a 2-2 draw last weekend.

After initially trailing, AVS turned the game around with goals from Tomane and Pedro Lima either side of halftime, only to concede an equalizer 11 minutes from the end of regulation, a result that confirmed their relegation after two years in the top flight.

With four matches still to play, Joao Henriques’ side finds itself at the bottom of the table, 13 points away from the playoff position, heading into Sunday’s game with nothing left to play for but pride in an attempt to end the season positively.

Nonetheless, their record of losing nine of their 15 home league games (W1, D5) this season suggests AVS might struggle once more, although a 2-2 draw in their previous encounter with Sporting at Estadio do CD Aves provides some hope.

Conversely, the earlier fixture this season resulted in a heavy 6-0 defeat for the Vila das Aves side, who will be aiming to avoid suffering a league double in this matchup.

Team News

The recent clash with Porto raised new injury concerns for Sporting, with center-back Goncalo Inacio and captain Morten Hjulmand both leaving the field due to injury, making them doubtful for this weekend’s match.

Maxi Araujo is also dealing with a knock from that match, and it remains to be seen if he will be risked or rested, as Ricardo Mangas is a solid alternative at left-back.

Ivan Fresneda is still in recovery from a muscle injury, while Fotis Ioannidis is sidelined with a knee issue, although Nuno Santos is available again after missing the last five matches due to fitness problems.

Currently leading the Golden Boot race with 24 goals, Luis Suarez is Sporting’s main attacking asset, though it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colombian is rested here, potentially opening the door for Rafael Nel to take a starting position upfront.

For AVS, Antoine Baroan seems to be the only one nursing an injury, still recuperating from the knock he sustained during the Taca de Portugal match against Sporting earlier this year.

Additionally, the hosts will miss Tomane, who found the net last time out but is suspended due to a buildup of yellow cards.

AVS probable starting XI:

Adriel; Pivo, Devenish, Vitor, Rivas; Mendonça, Roni, Lima; Akinsola, Duarte, Perea

Sporting Lisbon probable starting XI:

Silva; Vagiannidis, Diamonde, Debast, Mangas; Braganca, Morita; Quenda, Trincao, Pote; In the

After a taxing stretch of matches, Sporting could be somewhat weary come Sunday, with numerous key players facing fitness issues, potentially making this encounter more difficult than it might seem on paper.

Nevertheless, we anticipate the Lions will secure a result, aware that any slip could almost certainly doom their title hopes while also jeopardizing their aspirations for a top-two finish.