AEK will play today (3:00 p.m.) its final friendly match on Dutch soil during the first phase of preseason training, facing Groningen in a particularly challenging test.

This is AEK’s first match since Orbelin Pineda’s permanent departure, with Marko Nikolić now tasked with shaping the team’s playing style without the Mexican midfielder.

The Serbian coach expects to see noticeable improvement compared to the 0-0 draw against Vitesse, both in build-up play and in high-pressure defense, and it’s possible he’ll field a lineup for the first time that closely resembles his core ideas for the upcoming season.

The most likely scenario features Rota, Mukundi, Relvas, and Pelio in defense, Kairinen and Marin in midfield, Zubkov and Koita on the wings, with Jovic and Varga leading the attack.

Zini has overcome the minor niggles he was dealing with and is expected to see some playing time, unlike Gacinović, who is not in the plans for the friendly.

AEK will face a particularly competitive Groningen. The Dutch team finished ninth in last year’s league and competed in the playoffs for a spot in European competition.

Under the guidance of Dick Lucien, they typically play a 4-2-3-1 formation, features several young players from its academy, and so far represents the toughest test of the “Yellow-and-Blacks’” summer preseason.

After the match, the AEK squad will return to Athens for a few days’ rest before heading back to the Netherlands on July 23, where the second phase of their preseason training will take place.

*photo source: KYPE