AEK - Now or Never!

ΑΕΚ – Now or Never!

By Michael



Rather unlike me that I’m writing a blog on AEK, but here I am giving you a preview on their big clash against Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in the Europa League Play-Offs to qualify for the Group Stages.


First things first, this is not an easy game. Wolfsburg are a tough nut to crack and are also great performers in Europe. AEK on the other hand, have the home advantage, but does it really matter since there is no fans allowed yet to attend football matches due to the coronavirus? It is all eyes on Massimo Carrera and the players.


I happen to tune in on AEK’s 3rd round qualifier against Swiss side St. Gallen. Sure, they progressed to the Play-Offs with a narrow 0-1 victory in Switzerland though the lineup Carrera selected was simply preposterous. 4-3-3 with Livaja and Ansarifard on the wings was obviously an experiment and of course failed miserably. Apart from a rather peculiar attacking trio, the first half for AEK was abysmal and I questioned how they managed to keep the game scoreless at the break.


The midfield trio of Mantalos, Krsticic and Simoes was shaky but managed to find their ground in the second half of the game, whereas the defence had various moments allowing St. Gallen to pounce on the attack and create goal scoring opportunities. Thank God for Tsintotas, who played a massive influence in AEK’s win.

I’m expecting changes from Massimo Carrera and has given thoughts on 3-5-2 or stick with the 4-3-3, but seems like he will go for the latter.


100% Tsintotas keeps his spot between the sticks who has been solid since Barkas departed for Celtic. No Bakakis for the game, the first choice right-back is out injured so expect Vasilantonopoulos to fill in once again, which is the correct choice with the underutilised right-back has been performing fantastically recently. Chygrynskiy and Svarnas as the centre-back pairing with Insua at left-back. Carrera looks to be shuffling up the midfield that could see Shakhov alongside Krsticic (brilliant goal against Lamia by the way) with Simoes holding the six. 


So, no Mantalos in midfield and looks very likely to start at left-wing with Trinidadian gun Levi Garcia on the right with Oliveira up top, though Carrera has his options and may contemplate on starting Livaja or Ansarifard instead.


Tsintotas - Vasilantonopoulos, Chygrynskiy, Svarnas, Insua - Shakhov, Simoes, Krsticic - Garcia, Oliveira, Mantalos


Now you see the predicted lineup, is that the recipe for AEK to overcome Wolfsburg and progress to the Group Stages? Remember, unlike the Champions League, the Europa League Play-Offs are one off games

Olympiacos the only Greek team in the Champions League after PAOK missed out after last night’s disaster against Kranosdar in the Play-Offs.


As I previously mentioned, it is all eyes on AEK. For the sake of our coefficient points, Carrera’s side must pull off a great result against the Germans and have a third Greek team in Europe.


Hellas Football 


Follow @michael_vissini

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