AEK Athens vs Antwerp Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in the Champions League. Can AEK turn around the 1-0 defeat in Belgium and qualify for the group stages of the Champions League or will be Antwerp celebrating? Read on for our free predictions and tips.
[wptb id=395635]
Match Live Wednesday, 30th August at 8:00 pm In:
AEK Athens vs Antwerp Predictions
[wptb id=393902]
The Battle for European Supremacy
Key Stats
– Vincent Janssen has an impressive average rating of 7.70 in the Pro League 23/24 season and leads the goal charts for Antwerp with 4 strikes.
– Antwerp haven’t won any of their last four competitive away fixtures, reflecting a potential vulnerability on their travels.
The Agia Sophia Stadium is set to experience an electrifying atmosphere as AEK Athens prepare to host Royal Antwerp, in the second leg of their Champions League qualifying playoff tie. With the Belgians enjoying a slim lead courtesy of their 1-0 home victory, the Athens outfit faces an uphill task.
Previous Encounter:
Last week’s face-off saw Antwerp triumphing even after being reduced to 10 men for a good 40 minutes. AEK Athens, possibly grappling with the aftereffects of their earlier success against Dinamo Zagreb, struggled to find their rhythm. Vincent Janssen, previously of Tottenham Hotspur, found the net for the visitors within 16 minutes.
[wptb id=388759]
Despite AEK’s impressive 64% ball possession and 23 goal attempts, they seemed to have misplaced their accuracy in Belgium, hitting the mark with just 4 shots.
Champions Struggle:
AEK Athens, reigning champions of the Greek Super League, recently displayed an alarming lack of ruthlessness. A weekend game against Panserraikos saw them manage a mere draw, even after possessing the ball 82% of the time and taking 36 shots. Their profligacy could spell doom on the more significant European platform.
Antwerp’s Ascent:
Under Mark van Bommel’s leadership, a former European Cup winner with Barcelona, Antwerp is on the cusp of history. Their Champions League journey so far has been remarkable, considering their past dismal performances in Europe. However, their away record recently has been less than stellar, with no wins in their last four outings.
Key Players and Team News:
AEK will deeply miss the services of striker Levi Garcia due to injury. Tom van Weert is likely to lead the line in his stead. Gacinovic, having scored shortly after coming off the bench in the weekend game, is set to be reintroduced to the starting XI.
Antwerp, meanwhile, will have to work around the absence of left-back Jelle Bataille, red-carded in the previous game. They are also grappling with several injuries. However, the pairing of Toby Alderweireld with young Soumaila Coulibaly promises a solid defence.
Predictions:
1. Match Outcome:
Given Antwerp’s recent lacklustre away form and AEK’s desperate need for a win, AEK Athens seems likely to triumph, albeit with a narrow margin. Considering both teams’ stats and past performances, backing AEK Athens to win seems a justified move.
2. Correct Score:
AEK Athens’ recent goal drought combined with Antwerp’s solid defensive performances suggests a low-scoring affair. A 1-0 victory in favour of AEK seems a plausible outcome.
3. Goalscorer:
With Levi Garcia out, the responsibility will be on Tom van Weert for AEK. Considering his potential and the increased likelihood of him playing the full 90 minutes, he seems a good pick to find the net for the hosts.
[wptb id=393902]
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
[wptb id=389092]
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
