Antwerp vs. AEK Athens: Preview and betting tips

The first matches of the Champions League play-offs, the last stage before the group stage, start on Tuesday. Antwerp will challenge AEK Athens in the championship part, what to expect from the Belgian and Greek league winners and what to bet on?

Antwerp took the title in the last round last year. One minute they were third, the next second, but Toby Alderweireld’s set-piece goal turned the game against Genk around. Among other things, Antwerp are now assured of the Europa League.

AEK had a long time on the back of city rival Panathinaikos last year, but eventually managed to leapfrog them. It also showed steady nerves in the third round of the Champions League, when it first fought off extra time with two goals in the setup of the home rematch and then even decided the game in regulation time.

Antwerp’s key figures

Vincent Janssen is thriving at the tip of the attack, with the Dutch hitman striking four times in four games. From last year we can judge that the main offensive partner of Michel-Ange Balikwisha, last season with a record of 10+8.

Key figures of AEK

Levi García dragged the visitors last year, the Trinidadian striker netted 18 goals and added four assists. Orbelín Pineda operated in the middle of the field, the Mexican midfielder netted ten goals and made nine assists.

Prediction

Antwerp are experiencing a mediocre start to the season, with seven points from four rounds for two wins and one draw. On the other hand, they managed their toughest game, dominating the Belgian Super Cup final after a penalty shootout.

AEK are even better off, having won their last five games, scoring an average of 3.2 goals. They even played Antwerp in the preliminary round, beating them 3-0. But preparation is never entirely telling.

Considering the quality of Antwerp’s offense, the home field advantage and the fact that the opponent has a 100-minute battle with Dinamo Zagreb on its feet, I think the Belgian champion can win at home.

Bettingtip l Antwerp win at odds of 2.2