Football Season Guide

Chaves finished third in Second Division, so they had to play a playoff against Primeira Liga 16th placed, Moreirense. ‘Flavienses’ won the first leg at home 2-0, which gave them enough margin to hold the advantage until the end of the tie. During regular season, Chaves did very well, finishing 6 points above competition. Unlike Casa Pia and Rio Ave, Chaves went through a big reconstruction of their squad, letting go of many players that were important last season, but weren’t considered top flight material by the club. Besides many players released, the important winger Wellington Carvalho left to join Qatar league and the excellent centre-half Alexsandro joined French football. Among many players coming from Pedras Salgadas and Leixões to build the squad, Chaves brought a handful of players with experience at top flight league. In goal, Paulo Victor should remain the no. 1 option, despite the arrival of Rodrigo Moura. At the back, one between Steven Vitória and Nélson Monte should form a new duo at the back with the important new signing João Queirós. João Correia and Langa should be the full-backs. Habib Sylla is a good option, too. The strong Obiora and playmaker João Teixeira should be unquestionable units in midfield. João Mendes, Pina and Guima will contest the third position in Vítor Campelos’ midfield trio. Angolan João Batxi is expected to be one of the biggest attractions in the Transmontanos’ team, playing on the wings (preferably on the right side). New signing Hector Hernandez should be the main option for the striker position.