AEK Athens FC – Marseille : Preview & Prediction
AEK Athens looked to be heading for an unbeaten three-match start to their UEFA Europa League (UEL) campaign when they drew 1-1 against Marseille two weeks ago. However, a red card soon after for goalkeeper Cican Stanković and two conceded penalties led to an undisciplined 3-1 defeat, handing top spot in Group B to their opponents.
That result highlighted the disciplinary problems of Matias Almeyda’s men, who have conceded five goals from the penalty spot in this edition of the UEL. Looking to improve their dismal record of just one win in 20 meetings against French opponents (E7, P12), the 13-time Greek champions are in great form domestically this season (G6, E4, P1), despite a frustrating 1-1 draw against Kifisias last weekend in which they were winning until the 85th minute.
After some ambitious summer signings, Marseille’s season has yet to go according to plan as last weekend’s goalless draw against Lille means they have won just one of their last seven Ligue 1 games (E3, P3). As a result they occupy ninth place in their domestic league, a stark contrast to their top spot in UEL Group B, although the latter remains very tight, with the top three teams separated by just one point from each other.
As pressure mounts on coach Gennaro Gattuso, this upcoming trip to the Greek capital poses a real challenge for the 2017/18 finalists, given their record of just one win in their last 17 away games in the UEL (E8, P8). But Greece has been a happy destination for Marseille in all UEFA competitions, with the French side avoiding defeat in five of six of those trips (G3, E2), including a 1-1 draw against AEK back in 1989.
Key battle: Djibril Sidibé’s experience could prove invaluable for AEK, considering he won four of his previous six head-to-head meetings against Marseille while playing for Monaco, adding a goal and three assists in the process (G4, E1, P1). For the visitors, Marseille’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could have an early impact on the match, scoring four of his five goals this season before halftime.
Key stat: Both AEK and Marseille have seen their teams’ goals come and go before the break.
AEK Athens FC – Marseille : Betting Tips
AEK Athens FC – Win Odds: 2.25
