Prediction: AFS vs Boavista – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

In what is a season-defining showdown at the foot of the Primeira Liga table, AFS will welcome Boavista to Vila das Aves on Monday night.

AFS

Starting with the hosts, while AVS might have made real history last season as they clinched a famous Primeira Liga return, Rui Ferreira’s side are seeking a miracle in the race to keep hold of their top-flight status. Getting Monday’s showdown underway sat five points adrift of safety with three games remainder, the former Torreense boss faces a must-win contest here. However, blown away last week as they slumped to a 6-0 drumming at the hands of Portuguese giants Benfica, AVS have collected just a single point from any of their previous seven Primeira Liga appearances. Marking their return from March’s international break with a 4-1 defeat against Famalicao, Monday’s hosts have also shown some glaring struggles on home soil. In fact, Ferreira’s camp have landed just a single victory in front of their own supporters since the middle of September.

AFS Team News

Not featuring since returning from March’s international break, Luxembourg international Gerson Rodrigues remains on the sidelines and will play no part on Monday night. However, both serving respective suspensions against Benfica last week, the duo of Jaume Grau and Rafael Rodrigues will return to AFS’ squad.

Returning to Ferreira’s squad last week for the first time since the middle of March, former Aves defender Eric Veiga could be handed a start. Despite turning 40 this summer, Mexican record-breaker Guillermo Ochoa should keep his spot between the sticks.

Boavista

As for the visitors, making an immediate return to losing ways last week following a 5-0 drumming at home against Sporting Lisbon, Boavista know that their fate can be officially confirmed here. Sat rock-bottom of the Primeira Liga table, Stuart Baxter’s side are eight points adrift of safety and are already planning for life in Portugal’s second-tier. Marking their returning from March’s international break with a 3-1 loss against Gil Vicente, Monday’s guests have rightfully come under some serious scrutiny this season. However, although Boavista might have broken plenty of unwanted records this season, they have claimed somewhat of a recent boost on their travels. Including a shock 2-0 win against Rio Ave last month, the former South Africa boss has seen his squad land consecutive Primeira Liga victories away from the Estadio do Bessa.

Boavista Team News

Dealing with what has been a stacked injury list, Boavista will once again be without the likes of Joao Goncalves, Marco Ribeiro, Tiago Machado and former PSG defender layman Kurzawa. However, serving a one-match ban against Sporting Lisbon last week, Sebastian Perez should be handed a full recall.

Arriving at the Estadio do Bessa during the January transfer window, one-time Chelsea youngster Marco van Ginkel will feature in the middle of the park. Despite still waiting to open his Primeira Liga account, ex-Reims striker Moussa Kone will lead the line on Monday night.

AFS vs Boavista Key Factors to Consider

• Including a 6-0 drumming against Benfica last time out, AFS have collected just a single point from their previous seven Primeira Liga appearances.
• Monday’s hosts have shipped 21 goals on that seven-match winless rut.
• Defeat on Monday night would officially confirm Boavista’s Primeira Liga relegation.
• However, the Panthers have secured consecutive top-flight victories away from the Estadio do Bessa.
• AFS have recorded just a single Primeira Liga victory in front of their own supporters since the middle of September.

Conclusion

In what is a real season-defining showdown at the foot of the Primeira Liga table, we look set for a nervy night on Monday. Blown away against Benfica last week as they slumped to a 6-0 drumming, AFS have endured a public crisis on either side of March’s international break. Putting just a single point on the board from their previous seven top-flight appearances, they have also shown some glaring defensive issues. Shipping 21 goals on that winless rut, they have also notched just a sole clean sheet in front of their own supporters so far this calendar year.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet