The Europa League returns next week with Greek side AEK Athens hosting Dynamo Kiev in the first leg of their Round of 32 tie, with the visitors having been one of the most impressive teams during the group stage of the competition. The Ukrainian giants are certainly the favourites to progress over the two legs, but AEK will be confident of recording a positive result on home turf.
Europa League – AEK Athens v Dynamo Kiev – Olympic Stadium, Athens – Thursday 15th February – 20:05 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 2 at Coral |
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AEK Athens
Dynamo KievMatch Preview
Despite having drawn each of their three Europa League matches so far this season, Young Boys are still in with a good chance of qualifying for the knockout phase of the competition, with three points against Dynamo Kiev enhancing their chances significantly. With the two teams having played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Ukraine last week, fans are expecting another close encounter this time around. With betting markets also offering both teams similar odds, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, as well as our expert betting tip.
AEK Athens Team News & Form
AEK managed to go the whole of their group campaign unbeaten in order to qualify for the knockout phase of the Europa League, drawing five and winning one of their encounters. In a group which contains AC Milan, this was certainly no mean feat. Manager Manuel Jiménez Jiménez will be in confident mood after his side saw off rivals Olympiacos in the Greek Cup earlier this week, with the likes of Helder Lopes, Marko Livaja and former Barcelona youngster Sergio Araujo being among their biggest talents.
Dynamo Kiev Team News & Form
Dynamo Kiev won four of their six matches in reaching this stage of the competition, scoring a massive 15 goals in the process. Manager Alyaksandr Khatskevich has also led his team on a terrific run in the Ukrainian top-flight, with his side now just three points off the top of the table following an unbeaten run of five matches. The Dynamo Kiev squad is still good enough to compete with anyone at this level, with Junior Moraes and Captain Serhiy Sydorchuk among their most recognisable talents. Elsewhere, former Norwich City loanee Dieumerci Mbokani is a striker rejuvenated in recent months.
Head to Head
The two teams are yet to meet in a competitive fixture, meaning that no conclusions can be made when it comes to the head-to-head record between AEK Athens and Dynamo Kiev.
AEK Athens v Dynamo Kiev – Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their status as the home team, it is AEK Athens who are the narrow favourites for victory with the majority of online bookmakers. The hosts can be backed for victory at best odds of 11/8 wit William Hill, while the same bookmaker has Dynamo Kiev at odds of 5/2 for an away success. Meanwhile, with draws in first legs of such encounters often occurring, odds of 2 for this outcome from Coral are well worth considering.
Top Betting Tip AEK Athens v Dynamo Kiev
Our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams to score during the 90 minutes in Switzerland, with odds of 21/20 available at William Hill.