AVS vs Nacional Prediction: AVS are expected to edge out Nacional with a 2-1 victory in their Primeira Liga opener, leveraging home advantage and pre-season momentum.
The 2024-25 Primeira Liga season kicks off with an intriguing matchup as newly-promoted AVS host CD Nacional at the Estádio Clube Desportivo das Aves. Both sides will be eager to start their top-flight campaigns on a positive note after securing promotion last season.
Match Preview
AVS enter their first-ever Primeira Liga season after a remarkable rise through the Portuguese football pyramid. The Vila das Aves outfit earned promotion via the playoffs, defeating Portimonense 4-2 on aggregate to secure their place in the top division.
Nacional, on the other hand, secured automatic promotion by finishing second in the Segunda Liga last season. The Madeira-based club will be looking to re-establish themselves as a Primeira Liga mainstay after a brief stint in the second tier.
Projected AVS vs Nacional Lineups and Formation
Predicted AVS Lineup (4-3-3): Fonseca, Piazon, Silva, Mercado, Afonso, Rodrigues, Teixeira, Nene, Mendonca, Trigueira, Lucca
Manager Vitor Campelos is likely to stick with the formation that brought AVS success last season. The experienced Nene, who topped the Segunda Liga scoring charts with 23 goals, will lead the line.
Predicted Nacional Lineup (4-2-3-1): Goncalves, Freitas, Santos, Pola, Shatri, Costa, Butzke, Aurelio, Dudu, Franca, Gomes
Tiago Margarido’s side may opt for a slightly more cautious approach away from home, with new signing Adrian Butzke expected to start up front.
Injury and Availability Report
AVS:
- Vasco Lopes (Forward): Long-term injury – Out since March, still recovering
- No other reported injuries or suspensions
Nacional:
No reported injuries or suspensions
Players to Watch:
Nene (AVS):
41-year-old Brazilian striker
Top scorer in Segunda Liga last season with 23 goals
Key to AVS’s attacking threat
Lucas Piazon (AVS):
Former Chelsea prospect
Brings top-level experience to AVS midfield
Bruno Costa (Nacional):
Expected to control midfield tempo
Recent signing looking to make an impact
Adrian Butzke (Nacional):
New signing from Vitoria de Guimaraes
Likely to lead the line for Nacional
Where to Watch?
The match kicks off at 14:30 local time (UTC) on Saturday, August 10th.
AVS vs Nacional Live Stream and TV Schedule for other top-tier countries:
- Portugal: Sport TV Multiscreen, Sport TV1
Head-to-Head
The two sides met twice in the Segunda Liga last season:
- Nacional 2-1 AVS (April 6, 2024)
- AVS 0-1 Nacional (November 19, 2023)
Recent Form
AVS: AVS come into the new season on the back of a strong pre-season, winning five and drawing two of their eight friendly matches. Their only defeat came against Porto B in late July.
Nacional: The Alvinegros also enjoyed a solid pre-season, winning four and drawing two of their eight warm-up games. They enter the new campaign unbeaten in their last 13 competitive matches stretching back to last season.
Standings
As this is the opening fixture of the 2024-25 Primeira Liga season, both teams start level on zero points. Sporting CP currently top the table after winning their opening match, while Rio Ave sit bottom following a defeat.
Who Will Win?
Given their home advantage and impressive pre-season form, AVS will fancy their chances of getting a result. However, Nacional’s experience and strong end to last season make them dangerous opponents.
Both teams will be eager to avoid defeat in their season opener, which could lead to a cagey affair. A closely-fought victory for AVS seems likely, with Nene potentially making the difference in front of the home fans.
AVS vs Nacional Prediction: AVS 2-1 Nacional
This match represents a significant milestone for AVS as they make their Primeira Liga debut. For Nacional, it’s an opportunity to announce their return to the top flight with a statement win. Regardless of the outcome, it promises to be an exciting start to the new season for both clubs.
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