AEK Athens vs Univ. Craiova prediction: EUROPE: Conference League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-12-17 20:00.
[p]Having already secured progression, AEK Athens look to secure their spot in the round of 16 against Universitatea Craiova, who arrive with a mere one-point cushion to 25th.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Losing the first league phase game must seem like a distant memory for AEK, who now enter the final round with progression already secured (W3, D1, L1). A win will guarantee a top-eight berth and with it a place in the round of 16, and that’s exactly what the Greek title chasers may expect as they enter this round in red-hot competitive form which stretches back to late October after winning 5-0 at the weekend (W10, D1). Winning their last three home games while conceding only once in the process, anything short of securing a second 4+ game winning run at home this season would be a disappointment for the hot favourites here. [/p]
[p]After a winless two-game start to their first league phase campaign (D1, L1), Craiova have picked up six of the following nine available points to leave them clinging on to a knockout round play-off spot ahead of the final round (W2, L1). Seven points was enough to secure passage in the first league phase last season, although the Romanians know that securing three points here could even see them secure one of the seeded spots for the knockout play-off round. Playing away could aid Craiova in that sense, as they arrive unbeaten in their last seven competitive trips (W5, D2).[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]This will be the third meeting between these sides since AEK dumped Craiova out of the 2019 Europa League qualifiers (W1, D1). Those were Craiova’s only games against Greek opposition, but AEK have faced Romanian sides on eight occasions overall (W4, D1, L3), with a positive home record across those games (W3, D1). [/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Only one side has accumulated more shots on target than AEK’s 32 in this league phase.[/p]
[p]AEK have scored a joint-league phase high three goals beyond the 75th minute. [/p]
[p]Only five sides have accrued more than Craiova’s 14 Conference League yellow cards and none more than their two reds. [/p]
[p]Craiova have taken a Conference League-low seven corners this league phase. [/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]AEK’s Romanian midfielder Răzvan Marin scored his side’s first goal and was booked in the previous round – he will be well aware of his opposition having faced them four times previously with his first club Viitorul (W2, L2). Craiova’s Monday Etim seems to relish playing outside of the league, with three of his last four competitive goals coming in cup competitions. [/p]
[p]Neither side appears to have any fresh absentees ahead of this clash. [/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]Given what is at stake and the positive form of both sides pre-match, we’re backing the draw. [/p]
[p][i]Author: Matthew Billon[/i][/p]