Two sides hovering just above the drop zone in the Primeira Liga go head-to-head on Saturday as AVS host Arouca in a crucial round 25 clash.
Separated by just two points, the visitors sit 13th on 25, while the hosts are one place below, clinging to a one-point cushion over the relegation playoff spot.
Match preview
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AVS head into the weekend's clash with renewed momentum after snatching a last-gasp 1-0 victory on their trip to SC Farense last weekend.
The match seemed destined for a draw until stoppage time, when Ricardo Velho misjudged a cross and caught an opponent, conceding a contentious penalty that Ze Luis confidently converted against his former club to seal a crucial win for Rui Ferreira's side.
While the victory extended AVS's unbeaten streak to three matches, it also saw an end to their four-game winless run, which had started with consecutive defeats to Vitoria de Guimaraes and Santa Clara before securing draws against Rio Ave and league leaders Sporting Lisbon.
Now on the rise, the Vila das Aves-based side will hope this is not just another false dawn, having previously failed to build on their win against Gil Vicente, which snapped a 13-game drought just before their most recent one.
AVS are not only chasing their first consecutive victory of the season but also their first triumph against Arouca, having failed in their only previous two encounters, suffering a 2-1 home loss in Taca de Liga in 2023, followed by a 1-1 stalemate in this season's reverse fixture – the first top-flight clash between the sides – in October last year.
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Arouca endured a tougher turn last weekend, falling to a 2-0 home defeat against Porto, a result that ended their eight-game unbeaten streak while extending their winless run to four matches.
Gonzalo Garcia's side had recorded stalemates in their previous three outings, dropping points after conceding late in each, but this time they were behind early and never recovered, with Samu Aghehowa converting a 13th-minute penalty before Fabio Vieira sealed the result in the 77th minute.
That was the first time in 12 matches the Lobos failed to find the back of the net, with the last such occasion coming on December 1 when they fell to an identical scoreline against Benfica.
Looking to put that setback behind them and create more breathing room from the danger zone, Arouca will take confidence from their impressive away form, having remained unbeaten in their last four such outings with two wins and two draws.
This record becomes even more encouraging, especially considering the hosts have not been formidable on their own turf, with AVS's 14 points from a possible 36 leaving them with the fourth-worst home record in the division.
Team News
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The win over SC Farense came at a cost for AVS, as centre-back Aderllan Santos was forced off in the 27th minute, while Gerson Rodrigues lasted just 17 minutes after coming on as a substitute.
With their availability in doubt, Ignacio Rodríguez, who stepped in for Santos, could retain his place, while Rodrigo Ribeiro — who made way for Rodrigues — now faces one less competitor for a starting role on the right flank.
Kiki remains a doubt, having sat out the last five matches, which could see Rafael Rodrigues continue as his replacement at left-back.
Upfront, Luis is expected to lead the line once again following his decisive display against Farense, with Ribeiro and John Mercado likely to retain their places alongside him.
Arouca, meanwhile, could be without Nico Mantl for a third successive game, making it likely for Joao Valido to continue between the sticks, while Nino Galovic remains sidelined with a long-term injury.
Tiago Esgaio is doubtful for Saturday's clash, having missed the last two outings, which could see Alex Pinto hold onto the right-back spot once more.
Henrique Araujo, who made a brief nine-minute cameo last time out, could be in contention for a return to the starting XI to lead the attack.
AVS possible starting lineup:
Ochoa; Tavares, Devenish, I. Rodriguez, R. Rodrigues; Piazon, Grau, Fernandes; Mercado, Luis, Ribeiro
Arouca possible starting lineup:
Valido; Pinto, Lamba, Fontan, Weverson; Fukui, Simao; Trezza, Gozalbez, Sylla; Araujo
We say: AVS 1-1 Arouca
Arouca's recent defeat may have been nothing more than a blip against a stronger Porto side, leaving them well-positioned to take something from this encounter.
However, AVS's hard-fought victory could provide a major confidence boost, but with the visitors proving difficult to beat — aside from their recent setback — a tight contest is expected, with a low-scoring draw appearing the most likely outcome.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
