Europa League Group D was always likely to be won by the big spending AC Milan and although the Italians have struggled in Serie A this season, they have been comfortable in Europe. With AC Milan qualifying as group winners, that leaves second place up for grabs and as things stand, AEK Athens are in control of that position in the group. However, they travel to play Austria Vienna on Thursday night knowing they still need a point to progress. The hosts must win this match to stand any chance of going through so we could be in for an exciting night at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion.
Europa League – Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna – Thursday 7th December – 18:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Austria Wien
AEK AthensAustria Vienna Form
Austria Vienna’s recent form in all competitions has been poor and they know they must put in a good performance on Thursday night to stay in Europe for the New Year. Just 1 win in their last 5 games means Austria Vienna have dropped off the pace both domestically and in Europe. They have also won only 1 of their previous 6 games in the Europa League, which was a surprising 4-1 win at Rijeka, who have the same amount of points as the Austrian club. Austria Vienna have failed to win any of their last 7 home Europa League matches and have lost all 3 they have played this season. They have scored just 2 goals in their last 4 home Europa League games, conceding 9 in the process.
AEK Athens Form
AEK Athens travel to Austria full of confidence and know they just need a point to seal their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.
Form has been good and they won 6 and drawn 3 of their last 9 games in all competitions. However, 2 of those 3 draws have been in the Europa League and they both been in home games against AC Milan and Rijeka, the latter of which they were expected to win. AEK Athens are unbeaten in their last 5 away Europa League games and have conceded just a single goal in their 3 away matches in the competition this season.
Team News
Austria Vienna have a long list of absentees for this match and Florian Klein, Christoph Martschinko, Heiko Westermann, Robert Almer, Ruan and Alexander Grunwald will all miss the match due to injury. Alexandar Borkovic could also miss the game with a thigh injury. AEK Athens will be without Jakob Johansson and Petros Mantalos, who have long term injury problems but every other player should be available.
Top Betting Tips
The Greeks know a point will be all they need to qualify for the next round of the Europa League and that’s a result they have specialised in during this group. The draw is 12/5 with Ladbrokes. Given the way they have played against AC Milan, both home and away, AEK Athens have shown they can play for and get a 0-0 draw and they would be more than happy to take this result back with them to Greece. The 0-0 correct score is 11/1 with Ladbrokes. If the correct score is a bit too risky, you can combine the draw with under 2.5 goals at 7/2 with Ladbrokes.