Marco Nikolić’s AEK, after winning last year’s championship, is embarking on a new campaign, to defend its title, with its first game taking place in front of its home crowd against a team that has been away from the top division for quite some time.
“Enosis” welcomes Heraklis (8:00 p.m.) to the “Allwyn Arena” to kick off the new “Marathon” of the Greek league.
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In recent days, Marko Nikolić has had to reset his players’ mindset following the 0-0 loss to Levski in Sofia and ahead of the rematch that will determine whether AEK advances to the Champions League group stage; securing all three points in the season opener is the top priority.
The Serbian coach of “AEK” has specific concerns regarding the composition of his starting 11 for the match against Heraklis (in attack, on the right flank, and in midfield). At the same time, the Thessaloniki-based team is making a fresh start with Walter Mazzarri, and his players are still searching for the path that will lead them to success.
The Italian coach took over during the summer after intense “courtship” from the Greek club’s management, having initially turned down the offer. The “Old Man” returns to the top flight after a decade; he knows what his realistic goal is and will be in Nea Filadelfia without Chromantas.
The Thessaloniki side must overcome the disappointment of being eliminated from the Superbet Greek Cup qualifiers by Volos, but their task is by no means easy.
AEK’s probable starting 11: Strakosa, Rota, Pilios, Relvas, Mukundi, Marin, Vitalis, Zumbkov, Koita, Zini, Varga
Hercules’ roster: Athanasiadis, Tsintotas, Karakasidis, Tsakla, Vouros, Pinia, Ross, Nizet, Soria, Nanou, Munoz, Mer, Radoya, Moreno, Krainz, Anastasiadis, Sourlis, Kaiboué, López, Kusta, Márquez, Kolic
*photo source: KYPE
