Seven-time European champions AC Milan take on AEK Athens next week, with a win for the Italian giants sending them through to the knockout phase of this seasons Europa League. However, with their Greek opponents being unbeaten in Group D themselves, it could well be a close encounter in Athens.
Champions League – Athens Olympic Stadium, Athens – Thursday 2nd November – 19:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 23/10 at Ladbrokes |
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AEK Athens
AC MilanMatch Preview
Despite Milan’s ultimate goal being to return to the Champions League, Vincenzo Montella’s men look set on having a crack at Europa League glory first, with their upcoming clash against AEK Athens perhaps their toughest test so far this season. The duo played out a goalless draw at the San Siro just a week ago, with AEK hoping to spring another surprise, this time in front of a capacity crowd at the Athens Olympic Stadium. With the encounter set to attract a large number of bets, let’s take a closer look at the two teams to help you on your way, as well as providing our expert tip for the match.
AEK Athens Team News & Form
Having preserved their unbeaten run in Group D with a point at the San Siro last time around, AEK Athens will look to be a little more attacking on their home turf. Manager Manuel Jiménez Jiménez may not have the star names in which Milan have to call upon, however the experience of Jakob Johansson and Helder Lopes, among others, should mean that they can put up another good fight against their more successful opponents. AEK reached the semi-finals of this competition way back in 1977, however they have struggled to make any impact since then. AEK surprisingly lost to Atromitos in the Greek top-flight on Monday, meaning that they are not in the best form coming into this match.
AC Milan Team News & Form
Having spent a huge sum of money on transfers over the summer, the fact that Milan already find themselves 13 points behind Serie A leaders Napoli will be of huge disappointment to many in Italy. Montella’s men struggled to a goalless home draw with Genoa last time around, with Leonardo Bonucci receiving a first-half red card. The Italian defender will be available for selection in Greece next week however, alongside the likes of fellow newcomers Lucas Biglia and Andre Silva. Opening wins against Austria Vienna and Rijeka mean that Milan are just three points away from guaranteeing their place in the next stage of the Europa League.
Head to Head
Before last week’s clash in Italy, the two teams have previously met twice, with both fixtures coming back in the Group stage of the 2006/07 Champions League. Both teams won their respective home fixtures, with AEK defeating Milan by a single goal in Athens, before the Italians gained revenge with a 3-0 thrashing at the San Siro.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given the result in Italylast week, it perhaps doesn’t come as a surprise that odds for this game are relatively even. The home side can be backed for the win at odds of 5/2 with Ladbrokes, while at Ladbrokes has the visitors as the slight favourites with odds of 5/4.
Top Betting Tip
Our top betting tip for the match is to bet on AC Milan to claim all three points and both teams to score, which can be backed at best odds of 7/2 at Ladbrokes.