On Thursday evening, AEK Athens hosts Brighton at the OPAP Arena as the two teams battle it out in Group B of the Europa League.
AEK Athens form guideThe team from the Greek capital heads into this clash on the back of two straight league wins over Lamia and PAS Giannina.
However, their Europa League form has been far from consistent this season, as they have taken four points from as many games in Group B. Two straight defeats against French club Marseille have left them with a mountain to climb to make the competition's knockout stages.
However, a victory in this clash would move the Greek team level on points with the second-place Seagulls in the group. With fourth-place Ajax just two points behind, AEK must pick something up from this encounter.
The fact that AEK have failed to win in five home games, suffering four defeats in the Europa League, doesn’t bode well for a home victory.
Brighton form guideRoberto De Zerbi’s team made it six games unbeaten in all competitions last time out by recording a 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest. The game broke a run of uncharacteristic low-scoring matches, as their previous five matches in all competitions produced under 2.5 goals.
The Seagulls kicked off their Europa League campaign with a surprise 3-2 defeat by AEK before a 2-2 draw with Marseille. However, back-to-back victories over Ajax have taken Brighton into second place. Another win would seal their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Despite their recent unconvincing form, Brighton have been prolific in front of goal in the Europa League, scoring at least two goals in all four games.
What am I backing?Both teams will be lifted by their recent results, and this could be a highly entertaining clash. I expect goals, so the bet I am backing is over 2.5 goals scored.
