AVS Vs Estrela Amadora

AVS and Estrela Amadora are set to face off in their final match of 2024 at the Estádio do Desportivo das Aves in round 16 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga this Saturday. For both teams, this match represents an opportunity to finish the year on a positive note, with contrasting forms and aspirations shaping the encounter. The Tricolores, struggling in their league form, will aim to halt a dismal run of away results, while Estrela Amadora will be looking to continue their impressive home form as they visit the Estádio do Desportivo das Aves.

AVS, the team based in the northern region of Portugal, have been experiencing a challenging season. After an opening match draw against Braga back in August, where they secured a hard-fought 1-1 result on the road, the team has since failed to find any success away from home. This marks a significant issue for manager Daniel Ramos as they head into their final fixture of the year with just one point from six away games. The team’s woes continued in their last outing against Boavista at the Estádio do Bessa, where they played out a frustrating goalless draw. Despite a total of 22 shots between both teams, neither side could break the deadlock, with goalkeepers on both sides remaining largely untroubled, reflecting a lack of clinical finishing from both teams. This 0-0 result, though lacking excitement, can be considered a fair one given the performance, leaving AVS still searching for their first win in nine matches across all competitions.

The club’s run of poor results stretches back to a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Lusitano Evora, a team from the Campeonato de Portugal, in the fourth round of the Taca de Portugal on November 23. Since then, the Tricolores have struggled to regain any form. Their league record over the past 10 matches in the Primeira Liga is worrying: four losses and six draws, with the last victory coming on September 14 against Rio Ave in a narrow 1-0 home win. The team’s inability to secure wins has left them hovering just above the relegation zone, sitting in 14th place with 13 points from 15 games, a precarious position just two points clear of last-placed Arouca. AVS’s lack of victories is a reflection of their struggles since gaining promotion to the Primeira Liga last season. Despite their strong showing in the second tier, they have found it difficult to compete at the highest level, and their current form suggests that relegation could be a serious concern unless they can turn things around quickly.

Meanwhile, Estrela Amadora have had a contrasting season, showing resilience in front of their home supporters. Their recent 1-0 victory over Rio Ave at the Estádio José Gomes highlighted the team's ability to get results when playing in familiar surroundings. The match saw 20-year-old Tiago Gabriel score the only goal of the game, rising above his marker to head home Alan Ruiz’s corner in the 36th minute. Following this goal, Estrela Amadora maintained their defensive discipline, fending off any Rio Ave attacks to secure all three points. This victory was their third consecutive home win, following successes over Nacional and Arouca, making it clear that the Estádio José Gomes has become a fortress for the team. Over their last six home matches, Estrela have been unbeaten, with four wins and two draws, reflecting their strong home form. This impressive run has lifted them to 12th in the league, with 15 points from 15 matches, just one point behind Rio Ave in 11th place. While the home form has been commendable, Estrela Amadora’s struggles on the road have been significant. They have lost their last four away games, conceding 15 goals and scoring just once, which places a huge burden on their ability to pick up points when playing away from home. Despite these road struggles, Estrela’s home form offers hope for the remainder of the season.

The contrasting fortunes of the two teams make this upcoming clash an intriguing one. While AVS will be desperate to end their winless run and finish the year with a positive result, Estrela Amadora will be eager to maintain their unbeaten home streak as they seek to extend their upward trajectory in the league. The result could have significant implications for both teams as they look to set the tone for the second half of the season.

For AVS, the absence of Georgian midfielder Giorgi Aburjania continues to be a major blow. Aburjania has been sidelined for the last seven matches due to a thigh injury sustained against Famalicao in early November. His creative influence in midfield has been sorely missed, and his return to fitness will be crucial if AVS are to improve their form in the coming months. In addition to Aburjania, goalkeeper Lucas Moura remains unavailable due to a long-term shoulder injury that has kept him out of action since March. Moura’s absence has left the team without a solid backup option in goal, which has only added to their difficulties in securing results. In terms of team selection for the match, AVS are likely to stick with the defensive trio of Christian Castro, Ignacio Rodriguez, and Baptiste Roux, which has shown some stability in recent games. In attack, Vasco Lopes, Lucas Piazon, and veteran Nene will continue to spearhead the offensive efforts, with the hope that they can break their scoring drought and provide the team with a much-needed win.

Estrela Amadora, on the other hand, will be without two key players for this match. Veteran defender Miguel Lopes has missed the last two matches due to injury and will be unavailable for the clash against AVS. His experience and leadership have been crucial to the team’s defensive solidity, and his absence will be felt. Another defensive concern for Estrela is the injury to Ferro, who was forced off during the match against Arouca on December 9. Ferro’s injury is likely to keep him out of action for this match, leaving Estrela Amadora with a depleted defensive lineup. The team will need to rely on their remaining defenders to maintain their solid home form and continue their push for mid-table security.

Looking ahead to the match itself, AVS will be hoping to build on the resilience they have shown in recent weeks, despite their poor results. They have managed to secure draws against some tough opponents, and their defensive structure has been solid, even if they have struggled to score goals. With Estrela Amadora’s weak away form, AVS will be aiming to capitalize on any defensive lapses and finally end their long winless streak. The Tricolores will need to be more clinical in front of goal, and the key to their success may lie in a more fluid attacking performance that can break down Estrela’s defense. If AVS can find the right balance between defense and attack, they could be well-positioned to secure all three points and close out 2024 with a much-needed victory.

For Estrela Amadora, the task will be to continue their impressive form at home while ensuring they do not let the result slip in an away game that has historically been a struggle for them. The team’s defensive resilience will be key, especially without key figures like Lopes and Ferro in the lineup. If they can maintain their organization at the back and capitalize on any counter-attacks or set-piece opportunities, they have a good chance of coming away with another positive result. However, their recent struggles on the road suggest that this match will be far from easy, and they will need to improve their away form if they hope to make a push for a higher league finish in the second half of the season.

In conclusion, this match between AVS and Estrela Amadora promises to be an exciting conclusion to the year for both teams. With contrasting fortunes, AVS will be looking to end their winless run and finish the year positively, while Estrela Amadora will aim to maintain their impressive home form and move further up the table. The result of this match could have significant implications for both teams as they head into 2025, and both managers will be keen to end the year on a high note. The final match of 2024 will likely be a tense affair, with both sides eager to prove their worth and set themselves up for a successful second half of the season.