AEK is putting its grueling match against Real Madrid behind it and returning to the reality of Greek soccer, with Marko Nikolić calling on his team to deliver a convincing performance and a win in tomorrow’s match against Levadiakos in Nea Filadelfia, for Matchday 10 of the Stoiximan Super League.
AEK played with tremendous intensity in the European match, took the lead twice, and fought for a result right up until stoppage time, but now the goal is to retain as much of that momentum as possible and get back to winning ways in the league.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Nikolić knows that tomorrow’s match requires a different approach. AEK must be patient, move the ball effectively, and maintain intensity so as not to give Levadiakos the chance to organize and close down the spaces.
One change to the starting lineup is certain and concerns the right side of the defense, as Lazaros Rota is suspended and ineligible to play.
Georgiiev, Christakopoulos, and Gacinović are in the running for his spot, with the Serbian coach weighing his options until the last minute.
The picture is clearer in midfield. Marin and Vitalis are expected to return to the starting lineup, with Nikolić counting on their energy and work rate, as well as their ability to help AEK build plays from the back.
Up front, the plan once again calls for a partnership between Luka Jović and Barnabás Varga. The presence of two pure strikers could give AEK more options inside the box, as well as immediate solutions against a defense that is expected to focus primarily on protecting the area in front of its goal.
As for injuries, in addition to the suspended Rota, João Mário—who has been suffering from pneumonia—is out of the lineup, as well as Oleksandr Zubkov, who has suffered a stress fracture in his tibia and will be sidelined for 6–8 weeks.
On the positive side, Thomas Strakosha is back, and it’s possible he could return to the starting lineup for the first time since his injury.
*photo source: KYPE
