AEK returns to where it belongs after an 8-year absence, facing LASK Linz in a packed Allwyn Arena (7:45 p.m.), kicking off their eight-game run in the Champions League Group Stage.
A game that, on paper, represents the ideal starting point for AEK as it faces the major challenge ahead, since it is theoretically the easiest of the eight matches it will play, and, moreover, at home, where they’ve gotten off to an impressive start!
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Marko Nikolić’s team has scored 13 goals in three home matches, five of which came before the first 20 minutes were even up! AEK defeated Heraklis 4-0, Levski Sofia 4-0, and Aris 5-0 in their most recent match.
“It’s important that we’re playing at home, as our fans help us a lot—they’re our 12th man,” Nikolić said at the outset, before adding: “We didn’t come here on vacation; we’re here because we deserve to be, and we’ll do everything we can to earn as many points as possible.”
And the truth is that this year’s AEK team looks much more prepared to handle these matches, unlike the 2018–19 team, which finished its six group-stage matches without a single point.
On the field, Strakosha did not participate in the last training session, with Brignoli appearing to be the favorite for the starting goalkeeper spot. All other players on the European roster are available.
AEK will face a team that didn’t make it this far by accident. LASK Linz made history by qualifying for the Champions League group stage for the first time in its history. In fact, they did so in a way that speaks to their character: after a 3-0 loss to Celtic in Glasgow, they staged an incredible comeback in the second leg, winning 4-1 in regulation and ultimately securing their spot in extra time (5-1).
The Austrian team is also in excellent form in its domestic league, with five wins in as many matches and having already scored 15 goals. However, there is one factor that gives AEK hope: LASK has not won in its last 11 European appearances, with a record of one draw and 10 losses!
Playing a 3-5-2 formation with Ljubišić in the starting lineup, the Austrians bring plenty of speed and intensity to their game, which AEK will need to match. Valuable forward Adeniran is listed as doubtful, having missed every match since the game against Celtic. The in-form Lang is expected to fill the void, playing alongside the very dangerous Usor.
Probable starting lineups:
AEK (Marko Nikolić): Brignoli, Rota, Mukundi, Relvas, Pilios, Kairinen, Marin, Meyer, 65′ Koita, Jović, Varga.
LASK (Dittmar Kichbauer): Jungwirth, Bujamba, Alemao, Andrade, Jorgensen, Ljubišić, Bogarde, Horvat, Bello, Usor, Lang.
UEFA appointed Luis Godinho as the referee for the match.
The Portuguese referee had previously officiated Enosis’s away match against Celje in the Conference League Round of 16, where Nikolić’s team prevailed 4–0.
The assistant referees will be Pedro Martins and Gonçalo Nuno Soares. André Narciso has been appointed as the fourth official, while Tiago Martins will serve as the VAR and Fábio Oliveira Melo as the AVAR.
*photo source: KYPE
