AEK Athens FC vs Marseille prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-11-08 20:00.
When they drew level at 1-1 against Marseille a fortnight ago, AEK Athens appeared to be heading towards an undefeated three-game start in their UEFA Europa League (UEL) campaign. But a red card shortly after for goalkeeper Cican Stanković and two penalties conceded led to an ill-disciplined 3-1 loss, as they relinquished Group B’s top spot to their opponent.
That result highlighted the disciplinary problems of MatĂas Almeyda’s men, who have conceded five goals this UEL campaign from spot kicks! Now looking to improve their dismal record of just one win from 20 H2Hs against French opposition (D7, L12), the 13-time Greek champions are in great domestic form this season (W6, D4, L1), despite a frustrating 1-1 draw away to Kifisias last weekend in which they led until the 85th minute.
After some ambitious summer signings, Marseille's season has not yet gone to plan, as last weekend’s goalless draw against Lille means they have only won one of their last seven Ligue 1 matches (D3, L3). As a result they sit ninth in their domestic league, a sharp contrast with their first place in Group B of the UEL, although the latter remains precarious with the top-three teams separated by a mere one point.
As pressure mounts on head coach Gennaro Gattuso, this upcoming trip to the Greek capital poses a real challenge for the finalists of the 2017/18 edition, given their record of just one victory in their last 17 away UEL games (D8, L8). But Greece has been a happy destination for Marseille across all UEFA competitions, with the French outfit avoiding defeat in five of six such trips (W3, D2), including a 1-1 draw to AEK way back in 1989.
Key battle: Djibril Sidibé's experience could prove invaluable for AEK, considering he won four of his previous six personal H2Hs against Marseille while playing for Monaco, clocking up four goal contributions in the process (W4, D1, L1 – G1, A3). For the visitors, Marseille’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could have an early impact on the match, having registered four of his five goals this season before half-time.
Hot streak: AEK and Marseille have both seen the opening goal scored within 30 minutes in each of their UEL matches this term.