Primeira Liga | Gameweek 26

Mar 15, 2025 at 6pm UK

Estadio Do Dragao

Porto vs AVS

Match preview

Porto's inconsistency was once again on full display as they failed to build on their win at Arouca and squandered a chance to extend their lead over Braga with a sluggish start that proved costly.

Ricardo Horta struck the decisive blow after just 17 minutes, condemning the Dragons to defeat and ending their six-match unbeaten run (W2, D4).

The result leaves Martin Anselmi's side level on points with Braga and only third on goal difference, making victory this weekend imperative if they are to strengthen their grip on a Europa League spot.

The Blue and Whites boast the third-best home record in the division, with 30 points from 12 games, and are the only team yet to suffer defeat in front of their own fans.

However, they have dropped points in their last three outings, holding Santa Clara, Sporting Lisbon and Vitoria de Guimaraes to 1-1 draws.

Despite this, Porto will be confident of taking maximum points this weekend, especially against a side they thrashed 5-0 in the reverse fixture in October, the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

Meanwhile, AVS have endured a tumultuous debut campaign in the top flight, spending much of the season fighting for survival despite two managerial changes.

Daniel Ramos was appointed on 15 November following the sacking of Vítor Campelos, but his tenure lasted just three months before Rui Ferreira took over.

Ferreira has now overseen four games in charge, recording one win and two draws, with the first defeat coming last time out in a 1-0 home defeat to Arouca.

The result leaves AVS in the relegation zone with 23 points from four wins, 11 draws and 10 defeats.

The only triumph under Ferreira's reign was a 1-0 away win over SC Farense, which remains their only away win of the season - a result they will look to draw inspiration from when they travel to Porto.

Recent Performance

Porto Primeira Liga form:DDWDWL

Porto form (all competitions):DWLDWL

AVS Primeira Liga form:LLDDWL

Team News

Fabio Vieira's return from suspension is a timely boost for Porto, as the playmaker's creativity was sorely missed against Braga, with Goncalo Borges likely to make way.

Joao Mario is expected to retain his place in attack with Martim Fernandes at right-back, with Anselmi seemingly placing his faith in the youngster.

Andre Franco could drop to the bench, allowing Stephen Eustaquio to reclaim his place in midfield after providing a bright spot off the bench last weekend.

Vasco Sousa, Pepe, Rodrigo Mora and Marko Grujic remain sidelined through injury and will not feature on Saturday.

For AVS, Rafael Rodrigues was forced off last time out and will 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 start at left-back.

Meanwhile, Jaume Grau is back in contention after missing the game against Arouca and could be preferred to Lucas Fernandes in midfield, with his defensive qualities helping to contain Porto's attacking threat.

Possible starting lineup

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