AVS begin December’s Primeira Liga action against Braga, keen to end their winless streak in Sunday’s gameweek 12 clash at Estadio Clube Desportivo das Aves.

The promoted side, two points above the relegation zone, could slide into the bottom two this weekend if they lose to their fifth-placed opponents seeking a response to a 4-2 loss against unblemished Sporting Lisbon before November’s international break.

Match preview

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AVS might have started life in the Liga claiming two wins in their opening five top-flight matches, but Vitor Campelos‘s troops have stayed winless since mid-September.

The elation of a historic promotion has given way to the reality of a survival battle, underscored by three draws and as many losses since beating Rio Ave on September 14.

Troubling for Campelos is his team firing blanks in four of the league’s previous six fixtures, having scored in five consecutive matches to begin their maiden Liga experience.

Another loss this weekend could see the Vila das Aves outfit slip closer to the danger area, even if that outcome is contingent on Arouca stunning Benfica and Nacional beating Boavista or vice versa.

Despite a keenness to return to winning ways after six games, the hosts face a daunting task against an in-form fifth-placed side.

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Braga’s previous domestic defeat before losing to the table toppers was at Porto in October, highlighting the Archbishops’ adeptness against the competition’s lesser lights.

Carlos Carvalhal‘s men have secured a domestic cup win over Leixoes (2-0) and a Europa League triumph over Hoffenheim (3-0) after the hiatus and aim for a third straight victory in all competitions.

While losing to Sporting saw Braga slip to fifth, with Santa Clara leapfrogging them, Carvalhal will hope for a favour from the league-leading club against the fourth-placed side, hoping to reclaim that position after the imminent round.

Only the top-placed club (18 points) have accrued more points on the road than Braga (10), and away success this weekend will be the Arsenalists’ fourth of 2024-25.

With Braga’s 2024 road defeats in the Liga coming at Porto (twice), Benfica and Sporting, the travelling support will back their players to avoid losing to the division’s new boys.

Team News

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Gustavo Assuncao is suspended for one match, while Nene and Baptiste Roux are injured for AVS.

With Nene anticipated to miss Sunday’s match, only Vasco Lopes has netted more than one goal for the promoted club.

Braga will monitor Rodrigo Zalazar‘s fitness ahead of the match, but defender Paulo Oliveira is definitely out.

With Amine El Ouazzani (four goals), Ricardo Horta and Bruma (three each) leading the goalscoring charts for Carvalhal’s men, the away side’s starting forwards could hurt AVS on Sunday.

Despite netting three, Bruma leads the way for big chances created (five) and assists (four), and the forward’s creativity could be pivotal in unpicking the home side’s defence.

AVS possible starting lineup:
Ochoa; Fonseca, Devenish, Teixeira, Kiki; Silva, Grau, Aburjania; Lopes, Luis, Mercado

Braga possible starting lineup:
Matheus; Niakate, Bambu, Arrey-Mbi; Fernandes, Moutinho, Carvalho, Martinez; Horta, Ouazzani, Bruma

We say: AVS 0-2 Braga

Despite continental exertions on Thursday, Braga’s impressive run of avoiding an away league loss to every side outside the ‘Big Three’ since September 2023 at Farense should continue this weekend with a routine triumph against off-form AVS.

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