Relegation Showdown: Casa Pia AC Host Struggling AVS in Crucial Liga Portugal Clash
In a pivotal Liga Portugal Betclic relegation battle, Casa Pia AC will host the struggling AVS. Both teams are deeply embroiled in the fight to avoid the drop, and the outcome of this match will significantly impact their season's fate. Casa Pia hopes to leverage home advantage to climb out of danger, while AVS desperately seeks a win to end their dismal run.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Liga Portugal Betclic encounter is a critical fixture for both Casa Pia AC and AVS, with significant implications for their respective seasons. Casa Pia currently sits 15th in the league with 14 points, barely clinging above the relegation playoff spot on head-to-head record. AVS, on the other hand, is rooted at the bottom of the table in 18th place with a mere 4 points, and remarkably, remains winless this season. The Liga Portugal features 18 teams, with the bottom three facing relegation to Liga Portugal 2, making this a crucial 'six-pointer' for both sides, especially AVS, who are in dire need of points to avoid an early descent.
Recent Form
Casa Pia's recent form has been unconvincing, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five official matches. Their most recent outing was a 3-1 defeat to Rio Ave in early January, following a goalless draw against Vitória. Prior to that, they secured a 2-1 victory over Tondela, drew 1-1 with Gil Vicente, and suffered a 0-1 loss to Santa Clara. This indicates a struggle on the defensive end, with six goals conceded in their last two matches highlighting their fragility. AVS is in an even more severe crisis, having extended their losing streak to three games after a 0-1 defeat to Arouca. AVS remains winless in the league and has lost all of their last six away games, pointing to a deeply concerning overall performance.
Key Players & Injury News
Casa Pia's attack will rely on key players such as Jérémy Livolant, who has contributed 3 goals and 4 assists this season, along with Cassiano and Renato Nhaga, both with 2 goals each. Experienced defender José Fonte has also scored once this season. The team faces several injury and suspension concerns: defenders Duplexe Tchamba and Kaique Rocha are sidelined with injuries, with Tchamba expected to return in mid-February 2026 and Rocha suffering from a muscle injury. Kiki Silva is out with a cruciate ligament rupture, while André Geraldes is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. For AVS, there is no specific information available regarding key players or recent injury news in the public domain.