AVS Vs Farense

The final match of Gameweek 7 in the Primeira Liga sees newly promoted AVS take on SC Farense at the Estadio do Clube Desportivo das Aves on Monday night. Both teams will be hoping to take a positive result from the encounter, though they enter the fixture under very different circumstances. For AVS, this season marks their debut campaign in Portugal's top flight, and they have already secured seven points from their first six matches, a respectable tally for a team adjusting to the demands of first-division football. In contrast, SC Farense, who finished mid-table last season, have endured a dismal start to the 2024-25 season and are currently sitting at the bottom of the table. With both sides in need of points for different reasons, this contest has the potential to be pivotal.

AVS's Promising Start to Top-Flight Life

For AVS, the 2024-25 campaign represents an exciting new chapter in their history. Under the guidance of coach Vitor Campelos, the team has already shown signs that they can be competitive in the Primeira Liga. Despite being newcomers to the division, they have managed to collect seven points from their first six games, a return that leaves them in the lower half of the table but still above several more established sides.

Supporters of AVS will be particularly encouraged by the fact that their team has been able to outpace six other clubs in terms of points gained by the end of Gameweek 6. While their position might seem precarious at first glance, there are several reasons for optimism. One of the key factors behind their relatively strong start has been their form at home. AVS has proven to be a tough team to beat at the Estadio do Clube Desportivo das Aves, where they remain unbeaten in three matches so far this season.

After playing to a 1-1 draw against fellow newly promoted side Nacional on the opening weekend of the season, AVS went on to secure back-to-back victories at home. The first of these came in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Vitoria Guimaraes, followed by another 1-0 triumph against Rio Ave. These results have bolstered the team’s confidence, and they will now be aiming to extend their unbeaten run on home soil to four matches with a victory over SC Farense.

Coach Vitor Campelos has instilled a sense of discipline and organization in his team, particularly in defense, where AVS has kept clean sheets in their last two home games. This defensive solidity will be crucial as they look to make the Estadio do Clube Desportivo das Aves a fortress. Given their form and Farense's struggles, AVS will fancy their chances of picking up another three points in front of their fans.

SC Farense’s Struggles

While AVS can be pleased with their start to life in the Primeira Liga, SC Farense finds itself in a far more troubling situation. Having secured a 10th-place finish last season, there were hopes that the team could build on that achievement and push for a higher finish in 2024-25. However, things have not gone according to plan. Farense has struggled badly at both ends of the pitch, conceding 13 goals and scoring just two in their first six matches. Their inability to keep the opposition out, combined with a lack of cutting edge in attack, has left them languishing at the bottom of the table.

In an attempt to turn things around, the club made a managerial change, appointing Toze Marreco to replace Jose Mota. Marreco, a coach with experience in the Portuguese leagues, has a tough job on his hands. The team has shown signs of improvement under his leadership, but the results have yet to follow. In their first game back after the international break, Farense put up a spirited fight away to Porto, even managing to score their second goal of the season in a 2-1 defeat. While the performance against a title-challenging side like Porto might offer some encouragement, it did little to ease the pressure on the team. Last weekend, they were back in front of their own fans but failed to build on the previous performance, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Arouca.

Farense's poor form leaves them as one of only two teams yet to secure a victory in the league this season. The other winless side, Estrela Amadora, managed to break their duck with a win over Moreirense in Gameweek 7, leaving Farense in an even more precarious position. Marreco will be hoping that his side can finally get off the mark when they travel to Aves on Monday night, but recent history does not offer much hope.

Farense’s away form has been dismal, with the team losing eight of their last ten Primeira Liga matches on the road. Over that period, they have managed to pick up just four points from a possible 40, a record that underscores the scale of the challenge they face. Their last away victory came back in late April, and their performances on the road since then have been characterized by defensive frailty and a lack of cutting edge in attack. Given AVS’s solid home form and Farense’s poor away record, the visitors will need to produce something special to avoid a fifth consecutive away defeat.

The Key Battles

When AVS and Farense meet on Monday night, the outcome is likely to hinge on a few key battles across the pitch. For AVS, their ability to maintain defensive discipline and capitalize on their chances will be crucial. In their two 1-0 wins at home, they have shown that they can keep things tight at the back and grind out results. Central to their defensive solidity has been the form of their backline, which has been well-organized under Campelos's leadership. The likes of defensive stalwart João Silva and goalkeeper Paulo Vítor have played pivotal roles in keeping opponents at bay, and they will need to be at their best once again if AVS is to secure another clean sheet.

In attack, AVS will look to the creative spark provided by playmaker Ricardo Mangas, whose vision and ability to pick out key passes have been crucial in unlocking defenses. Forward Zé Eduardo will also be tasked with leading the line and providing the cutting edge that has been instrumental in their recent victories. If AVS can control the tempo of the game and create chances for their forwards, they will be well-placed to secure all three points.

For Farense, the key will be to improve at both ends of the pitch. Defensively, they have been far too porous, and if they are to have any chance of coming away with a result, they will need to tighten up at the back. Goalkeeper Ricardo Velho will be under pressure to produce a strong performance, while the defensive unit as a whole must be more compact and organized. At the other end of the pitch, Farense has struggled to find the back of the net, and the likes of Mohamed Belloumi and Paulo Estrela will need to step up if they are to pose a threat to AVS’s defense.

The Tactical Approach

Tactically, both sides are likely to approach the game with caution, knowing that a defeat could have significant consequences. AVS will likely stick to the game plan that has served them well so far at home, focusing on maintaining a solid defensive shape and hitting Farense on the counterattack. They have shown that they are capable of grinding out results, and Campelos will be keen to see his side continue in that vein.

Farense, on the other hand, may look to adopt a more aggressive approach, knowing that they need to start picking up points if they are to avoid a relegation battle. Marreco’s side will need to be more proactive in attack while also ensuring that they do not leave themselves exposed at the back. A more balanced approach could be the key to success, but it will require a marked improvement in both defense and attack.

Conclusion

As AVS and SC Farense prepare to face off in the final match of Gameweek 7, the stakes are high for both sides. AVS will be looking to extend their unbeaten run at home and continue their impressive start to life in the Primeira Liga, while Farense is desperate to secure their first win of the season and climb off the bottom of the table. With contrasting fortunes and different motivations driving both teams, this encounter promises to be an intriguing battle. Ultimately, AVS’s solid home form and defensive resilience could prove decisive, but Farense will be determined to turn their season around and will not go down without a fight.