AEK’s start to the Champions League group stage was a dream come true, but now—at least until October 14—the team needs to come back down to earth and face the reality of Greek soccer. After all, following the draw against Kifisia, it doesn’t want to suffer another loss in the league.
Marko Nikolić, who has insisted since the start of preseason that the team’s primary goal is the league title, has focused on the mental preparation of his players to ensure they do not repeat the performance they gave at Leoforos. AEK’s goal is nothing less than a 3-0 record in the remaining matches before the break—first on Sunday against Asteras AKTOR in Tripoli (7:00 p.m.) followed by a match against Panserraikos for the Superbet Greek Cup in Nea Filadelfia, and finally next week’s match against Volos Elabet at Panthessaliko (the dates and times for the next two matches have not yet been announced).
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The Serbian coach is considering making some changes—but not many—to his starting lineup for the Tripoli match. The injured Strakosa is definitely out, with Brignoli remaining in goal. It’s possible we’ll see players like Kairinen, Gacinovic, Zini, Zubkov, or even Lykoiannis start from the beginning. However, it’s unlikely there will be more than 3–4 changes to the lineup, though the picture isn’t entirely clear yet. A broader rotation will take place in the upcoming Superbet Greek Cup match, in which two starting players born in 2004 or later must play anyway.
*photo source: KYPE
