Chaves vs AVS - Segunda Liga

Chaves prepare to host AVS at the home ground on August 23, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Segunda Liga season. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

The standings paint a clear picture: Chaves in 16th, AVS in 12th, and both keen to climb. The hosts have found wins hard to come by, WLDLL across their last five telling the story of a win rate of 20%. The visitors have found the going tough on their travels, DLWDD in their last five and a win rate of just 16.67% telling its own story. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. The 24-year-old finished first in one of Arsenal's big pre-season testing challenges - a 1.4km run at full pace.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Chaves will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while AVS will back themselves to cause problems on the break. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman Mauro Couto — 0 goals this term — will be one to watch. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. As a box-to-box midfielder, the 23-year-old is putting up numbers that at least mean he is comparable.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. AVS look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 1-2 victory well within their reach. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Segunda Liga picture. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.