Preview: AVS vs Casa Pia - prediction, team news, lineups

Following defeats in their respective opening fixtures of the Primeira Liga campaign, AVS and Casa Pia will square off on Friday at Estadio do Desportivo das Aves in search of their first points of the season.

Jose Mota’s men suffered a setback away to Arouca over the weekend, while the Geese will be eager to respond after falling to reigning champions Sporting Lisbon.

Match preview

Also taking into account pre-season friendlies, AVS’ 3-1 loss at Estadio Municipal means they have now come away without victory in five of their last six matches (D2, L3) and will be determined to change the tide early in the campaign to avoid being drawn into a relegation scrap at any stage.

The Vilas de Aves outfit endured a tense fight for survival in the closing stages of 2024-25 but managed to clinch the playoff place on head-to-head advantage over Farense, having amassed seven points from their final four matches.

A 5-2 aggregate triumph over Vizela in their promotion two-legged tie ensured Mota’s men preserved their top-flight status – having made their Primeira Liga debut last term – with a 3-0 home victory in the first leg of that playoff proving decisive and standing as their most recent competitive win.

While AVS will aim to recover from their opening-day disappointment, they face a side they have yet to overcome, with both of last season’s encounters ending 1-1 in Lisbon and Vila de Aves.

Casa Pia, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat to Sporting, which brought to an end their unbeaten run stretching back to the close of the previous season when they lost to Famalicao.

For a team that went through five pre-season friendlies without defeat, greater resistance might have been expected, but the defending champions dictated proceedings and found the net in each half.

Despite that early blow, Joao Pereira’s side will aim to build on last season’s historic finish of ninth – matching their highest placing in the top flight – while their tally of 45 points was the most they have ever accumulated in the competition, making a strong start all the more important.

However, Casa Pia will need to address their travel struggles if they are to take anything from this fixture, having ended last term without a win in eight consecutive away matches (D3, L5).

AVS Primeira Liga form:

AVS form (all competitions):

Casa Pia Primeira Liga form:

Casa Pia form (all competitions):

Team News

AVS emerged from the loss to Arouca without injury concerns, so Mota heads into this encounter with a full squad at his disposal.

The head coach could make changes after that result, with Nene in contention to lead the attack following his goal from the bench, while Gustavo Mendonca may replace Edson Mucuana at right back, and new recruit Joao Goncalves could be handed his competitive debut.

For Casa Pia, winger Claudio Mendes remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, while forward Kiki Silva’s involvement is uncertain.

New arrival Kellian Nsona endured a frustrating competitive debut after being forced off in the 71st minute, leaving his availability for this clash in doubt.

AVS possible starting lineup:

Simao; Kiki, Davenish, Santos, Mendonca; Grau, Simao; Akinsola, Lima, Barbosa; Nene

Casa Pia possible starting lineup:

Sequeiral; Fonte, Goulart, Tchamba; Larrazabal, Perez, Roberto, Benaissa-Yahia; Nsona, Cassiano, Livolant

We say: AVS 1-1 Casa Pia

With both teams seeking their first league points of the season, a tightly contested battle is expected, and based on the outcomes of their previous meetings, a share of the spoils could once again be on the cards.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.