AEK looks to avoid early European exit

AEK will be keen on turning a 1-0 deficit against Omonia in order to progress to the next round of the UEFA Cup. Struggling in the home leg, AEK fell 1-0 on a defensive error that cost the Athenian club dearly. Needing to score in order to progress, plenty of pressure will be on AEK tonight in Nicosia.

It’s been a bad week for the ‘Enosi’. Amidst reports Demis Nikolaidis will be stepping down from his role as club president this coming May, club captain Rivaldo also announced his departure as well. Finding his way out much earlier than Nikolaidis, Rivaldo transferred to Uzbeki club Bunyodkor earlier this week.

Now the club switches to new era, much like their rivals Olympiacos did last year. They will be hoping Olympiacos will provide them with the lessons to overcome Omonia, but not because of Olympiacos’ success but their failures. Olympiacos were knocked out by Anorthosis, and now face a UEFA Cup run. However, if AEK are to fall to their own Cypriot opposition, there won’t be the parachute fall into another European competition.

With attack part of the main focus, it is suggested AEK will line-up in a 4-3-3 formation. Sebastián Saja gets the nod between the posts; his duty will be to preserve a clean sheet. In defense, Edson Ramos and Juanfran will man either sides of the AEK backline. In the center, Sotiris Kyrgiakos and Daniel Majstorović pair up as the central defenders. The midfield sees summer signing Angelos Basinas make his summer debut. The Greek international has won the race to fitness, and will play alongside Antonis Rikka (or Perparim Hetemaj) and Ignacio Scocco. Edinho has recovered from a painful tooth injury, and the 26-year old will feature alongside Ismael Blanco and Panagiotis Lagos (or Panagiotis Zorbas).

For Omonia, the capital club will look towards their Larnaca rivals for inspiration; managing to reach the Champions League group stages, the achievement has sent Anorthosis supporters – if not all of Cyprus – into a state of pandemonium. Despite holding the edge ahead of the return in Nicosia, Omonia will have to keep their composure.

It is expected that the Cypriot club will line-up with a familiar look, but most likely sporting a defensive look. Despite the ingredients on hand for an Omonia win, the Cypriot club will be very much aware of the threat AEK possesses.