Porto will be determined to bounce back from last weekend’s setback when they welcome AVS for round 26 of the Primeira Liga this Saturday.
The Dragons head into this encounter following a 1-0 defeat at Braga, a result that has placed their top-three position under serious threat.
Match preview
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Porto’s inconsistency was evident once again as they failed to build on their win at Arouca and squandered a chance to extend their advantage over Braga, falling behind to a sluggish start that proved costly.
Just 17 minutes in, Ricardo Horta struck the decisive blow, condemning the Dragons to defeat and halting their six-match unbeaten run (W2, D4).
As a result, Martin Anselmi‘s side now find themselves level on points with Braga, only holding onto third place by virtue of goal difference, making victory this weekend imperative as they look to strengthen their grip on the Europa League spot.
The Blue and Whites boast the third-best home record in the division, having collected 30 points from 12 matches, standing as the only team yet to taste defeat in front of their fans.
However, they have dropped points in the last three of these outings, playing out 1-1 draws against Santa Clara, Sporting Lisbon and Vitoria de Guimaraes.
Even so, Porto will be confident of securing maximum points this weekend, especially against a side they dismantled 5-0 in October’s reverse fixture, the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
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Meanwhile, AVS have endured a turbulent debut campaign in the top flight, spending much of the season embroiled in a survival battle despite undergoing two managerial changes.
After Vítor Campelos‘s dismissal, Daniel Ramos was appointed on November 15, but his tenure lasted only three months before Rui Ferreira took charge.
Ferreira has now overseen four matches, recording one win and two draws, with his first defeat coming last time out in a 1-0 home reverse against Arouca.
That result leaves AVS in the relegation playoff spot with 23 points from four victories, 11 draws and 10 losses, trailing safety on goal difference.
The only triumph under Ferreira’s reign came on the road in a 1-0 success over SC Farense, which remains their solitary away league win this season — a result they will look to draw inspiration from as they head to Porto.
Team News
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Fabio Vieira‘s return from suspension is a timely boost for Porto, with the playmaker’s creativity sorely missed against Braga, likely leading to Goncalo Borges making way.
Joao Mario is expected to retain his place on the offensive flank, supported by Martim Fernandes at right-back, with Anselmi seemingly placing his trust in the youngster.
Andre Franco could drop to the bench, allowing Stephen Eustaquio to reclaim his spot in midfield after offering a bright spot off the bench last weekend.
Vasco Sousa, Pepe, Rodrigo Mora and Marko Grujic remain sidelined through injury and will play no part on Saturday.
For AVS, Rafael Rodrigues was forced off in their last outing and is set to miss out, joining Lucas Moura, Aderllan Santos and Gerson Rodrigues on the injury list.
Kiki Afonso would be the natural replacement, but with his fitness still in question, Eric Veiga is likely to slot in at left-back.
Meanwhile, Jaume Grau is available again after missing the Arouca match and could be preferred to Lucas Fernandes in midfield, given his stronger defensive attributes to help contain Porto’s attacking threat.
Porto possible starting lineup:
Costa; Perez, Marcano, Otavio; Moura, Varela, Eustaquio, Fernandes; Joao Mario, Aghehowa, Vieira
AVS possible starting lineup:
Ochoa; Veiga, Devenish, Rodriguez, Tavares; Assuncao, Mendonca, Grau; Piazon, Luis, Mercado
We say: Porto 2-0 AVS
While Porto’s inconsistency has been evident, with their struggles to turn draws into wins at home compounding their woes, they should still have enough to overcome an AVS side that has also struggled on their travels.
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