AEK returns to Stoiximan Super League action as it hosts Levadiakos (5:00 p.m.) in Nea Filadelfia for the 10th matchday of the league and is aiming solely for a win before the break for national team duty.
AEK desperately needs the “three points” following their defeat in the derby against Panathinaikos, as they sit in 5th place with 17 points and trail the league-leading “clover” by 7 points, though they have played one fewer game. On the other hand, the Boeotians are in 11th place with six points, tied with Asteras AKTOR.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Midweek, the yellow-and-blacks came close to a historic result against Real Madrid, but in the end, the “Queen’s” immense quality prevailed with Valverde’s goal in stoppage time. AEK put on an inspiring performance against one of the best teams on the planet, managing to take the lead twice through Koita and Pilios, and delivering an outstanding performance overall.
However, AEK must put this match behind them and get back to winning ways in the league, where they have lost ground at the top of the table. Marko Nikolić will be without Rota, who is serving a suspension, as well as Zubkov (who has suffered a stress fracture in his tibia), João Mário (who has been suffering from pneumonia). On the positive side, Strakosha is back and may well be in the starting lineup for the first time since his injury.
Georgiev, Christakopoulos, and Gacinović, while the return of Marin and Vitalis to the midfield looks all but certain.
“The transition from the Champions League to the league isn’t easy. However, we have a fairly large and strong roster. So, the coach has the ability to make changes and manage the players. But we also have to be able to keep up with this pace. After all, we have two games every week. It’s not easy, but that’s our job. We’ve had a very good preseason since the start of this season. Everyone is full of energy, so I believe everything will go well,” Varga said, among other things, in his remarks ahead of today’s match.
On the other side, Levadiakos not only scored its first goals of the league season last matchday but also celebrated its first “three points” with an impressive 3-0 victory over Aris, thanks to goals by Nika, Vichos, and Pantea.
Ilias Charalambous’s team has boosted its morale and secured a much-needed victory, knowing that today’s match will be particularly difficult on the home turf of last season’s champions. Admittedly, the Boeotians aren’t under any pressure to get a result, and that could make them dangerous against AEK, who will be under pressure to win.
Probable starting lineups:
AEK (Marko Nikolić): Brignoli (Strakosa) – Georgiev (Christakopoulos), Moukoudi, Relvas, Pilios – Mayer, Marin, Vitalis, Koita (Koutesa) – Varga, Zini.
Levadiakos (Ilias Charalambous): Elias – Kornezos, Liagas, Panzo – Vichos, Elneni, Nikas, Manthatis – Kostis, Popescu, Mooses.
*photo source: KYPE
