AVS vs Star Amateur – News and Probable Lineups

Seeking to achieve back-to-back victories at home, bottom-placed AVS play host to Estrela Amadora at Estadio do CD Aves on Saturday afternoon during the 24th round of the Primeira Liga.

The hosts from Vila das Aves are currently 12 points away from safety, while their opponents stand in 12th place in the Portuguese top-flight, five points above the relegation zone, setting the stage for a compelling match in the battle for survival.

Match overview

Having secured their first Primeira Liga win of the season in impressive fashion against a strong Estoril Praia in their last match, it was unlikely anyone anticipated AVS to follow that performance with a favorable outcome at Estadio da Luz last Saturday.

Indeed, Joao Henriques’s team was thoroughly outperformed in a 3–0 loss to Benfica, with goals from Alexander Bah, Enzo Barrenechea, and Rafa Silva effectively sealing the game before half-time, further highlighting their existing vulnerabilities.

AVS have now succumbed to defeat in 10 of their last 14 matches across all competitions (W2, D2), which includes a painful exit from the Portuguese Cup at the hands of Sporting Lisbon, and they have allowed three or more goals in five of their last six outings during this stretch.

Consequently, the Vila das Aves club has conceded more goals than any other team in the Primeira Liga this season (57), while also scoring the joint fewest (18).

AVS also holds the record for the highest number of losses in the league, having been defeated in 17 of their 23 matches (W1, D5), which makes their position at the bottom of the table hardly surprising.

Currently sitting 10 points behind 16th-placed Santa Clara with 11 games left to play, the Vila das Aves club finds itself embroiled in yet another desperate fight for survival, having managed to retain their top-flight status via the playoff route last season, and another home win this weekend would greatly bolster their efforts to close the gap and attain safety.

On the other hand, Estrela’s efforts to distance themselves from the relegation zone faced another challenge last weekend when they suffered a 2–0 home defeat against Tondela, conceding an early penalty scored by Bebeto, with Pedro Maranhao sealing the win for the visitors late in the game.

Joao Nuno’s squad has lost four of their last six matches (W1, D1), failing to find the net in three of those losses, while a 1–0 victory over Santa Clara on matchday 21 remains their sole success in seven league fixtures in 2026 (D2, L4).

Hoping to stop their decline and strengthen their survival bid, Estrela are buoyed by a 3–0 victory in the previous matchup; however, that is their only win in three past encounters (D1, L1), with their lone prior trip to AVS resulting in a draw.

That said, just two victories from 11 away league matches this season isn’t particularly encouraging, although the Amadorans can take some confidence from their ability to avoid defeat in six of those away fixtures.

Team News

AVS might again be without midfielder Pedro Lima after he was sidelined with an injury sustained during the victory against Estoril.

The winter signing Antoine Baroan broke his leg on his debut and is expected to miss his fourth consecutive match, while right-back Guillem Molina remains out due to a fibular injury.

For Estrela, both Yahya Kalley and Bruno Langa have been missing for the last two matches, meaning Otavio could once again fill in at left-back.

Defensive options are further limited by the suspension of Luan Patrick, who received a straight red card during stoppage time last weekend, although Bernardo Schappo’s return from a one-match ban offers a timely boost.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder Robinho is uncertain to feature after missing the match against Tondela last weekend.

AVS probable starting XI:

Adriel; Pivo, Devenish, Paulo Vitor, Rivas; Mendonca, Roni, Algobia; Akinsola, Duarte, Tomane

Estrela Amadora probable starting XI:

Ribeiro; Otavio, Lekovic, Schappo, Ecanda; Jansson; Marcus, Moreira, Doue, J Cabral; Pine

AVS’ latest setback came against a stronger Benfica side, but the Vila das Aves team should draw confidence from being back in familiar territory, particularly against an Estrela side lacking momentum.

With this match carrying significant importance in the fight for survival, it is expected to be a tense encounter with limited chances, though a single goal could be the difference for the hosts as they aim to leverage home advantage and move closer to safety.