Football Prediction
The runners-up and third-placed teams in Group B of the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League group stage meet on Thursday evening as AEK Athens host Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
And it’s a fascinating contest with the Seagulls currently three points ahead of their hosts, who would go above them if they win. That’s because they beat them in England in the opening game of the group, but a lot has changed since then. Brighton has quickly adapted to European football and after a draw in Marseille, completed a double against fallen Dutch giants Ajax.
AEK’s progress has been hampered by home and away defeats to Marseille in the Europa League. Domestically, they defeated Ioannina at the weekend and sit in third place – a point off the top.
H2H / Stats
Brighton’s European debut ended in disappointment when they were edged out by AEK in a 3-2 loss at the AMEX back in September. That’s the only time that two meets have met.
Team News
AEK Athens head coach Matías Almeyda will again be without the services of Paolo Fernandes on Thursday due to injury. The Right-winger joins the likes of Jens Jönsson (muscle), Levi García (hamstring), and Harold Moukoudi (muscle) in the treatment room. Tom van Weert, Alexander Callens, Paolo Fernandes, Vedad Radonja, Stavros Pilios, Konstantinos Chrysopoulos, and Zini are all ineligible to play in Europe, but Athens number-one Stankovic will return to the starting eleven after serving his one-match European ban.
For Brighton, Lewis Dunk was shown a straight red card for dissent towards Anthony Taylor in Brighton’s win over Nottm Forest in the Premier League last weekend but that will not result in a suspension in Europe. Mahmoud Dahoud was absent from that game due to suspension following his red card against Sheffield United before the international break, but the midfielder will be available on Thursday.
Nevertheless, Roberto De Zerbi will be without Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck, Julio Enciso, and Pervis Estupiñán, who are all suffering from injuries.
Probable Line-Up
AEK XI: Stanković (GK), Mohammadi, Callens, Vida, Sidibé, Pineda, Szymański, Mantalos, Gaćinović, Zuber, Eliasson
Brighton XI: Verbruggen (GK), Lamptey, Dunk, Paul van Hecke, Veltman, Gilmour, Lallana, Groß, Fati, Ferguson, Adingra
Verdict
This should be an entertaining affair and Brighton should be backed to edge out AEK in a thriller. They have improved in every game and collected plenty of European experience now.
Bet on BTTS❌
Anytime Goalscorer
Steven Zuber❌
The Swiss striker netted the only goal of the game at the weekend and also scored this season in a win at leaders Panathinaikos as well as a vital goal in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb.
Joao Pedro✅
Pedro has more often been used as a sub by Brighton but the double he scored at Nottingham Forest at the weekend, including from the penalty spot, may put him in line for a start in Greece.
Place your bet here 👉 Melbet, Mozzartbet
Extra tips 👇
We’ve got more bold picks from different matches on this day with all of the permutations and possible outcomes in mind.
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1X2 Market
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BTTS
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Over 2.5
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Check out our Jackpot predictions.
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