AEK Athens vs Brighton and Hove Albion
UEFA Europa League, KO: 17:45 Nov 30, 2023, Agia Sophia Stadium
BRIGHTON travel to Greece for their fifth Europa League group game against AEK Athens.
And it's a fascinating contest with the Seagulls currently three points ahead of their hosts, who would go above them if they win.
That's because they beat them in England in the opening game of the group, but a lot has changed since then. Brighton have quickly adapted to European football and after a draw in Marseille, completed a double against fallen Dutch giants Ajax.
In the league, Brighton chalked up a 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest at the weekend and are once again impressing in English football where they sit in eighth place in the league and are unbeaten in six games in all competitions.
AEK's progress has been hampered by home and away defeats to Marseille in the Europa League. Domestically, they defeated Ioannina at the weekend and sit in third place – a point off the top.
They have only lost once in their league this season – at Crete – and are usually strong at their Agia Sophia Stadium, which will be bouncing on Thursday as they hope to complete a surprise double over English opposition.
How the bookies view it
Brighton are strong favourites despite the hosts' home advantage and they are odds-on in all places. UniBet go 19/20 on a win for the Seagulls.
AEK Athens can be backed at 3/1 with Paddy Power while the draw is 14/5 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
Brighton's European debut ended in disappointment when they were edged out by AEK in a 3-2 loss at the AMEX back in September.
Players to watch
Swiss striker Steven Zuber netted the only goal of the game at the weekend and also scored this season in a win at leaders Panathinaikos as well as a vital goal in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb. He is 6/1 to score anytime with UniBet.
Joao Pedro has more often been used as a sub by Brighton but the double he scored at Nottingham Forest at the weekend, including from the penalty spot, may put him in line for a start in Greece and he is 23/10 to score anytime with UniBet too.
Anything else catch the eye?
This should be an entertaining affair and Brighton should be backed to edge out AEK in a thriller.
They have improved in every game and collected plenty of European experience now. They won't be fazed by the intense atmosphere and can win with both teams to score at 5/2 with Paddy Power.
Back the English side to score over 1.5 goals too in the Athens cauldron at 4/5 with Betfred – something they have managed in all four of their games so far.
It could be a feisty one with 11 yellow cards flashed in the opener so wait until the cards market comes up.
This UEFA Europa League match between AEK Athens and Brighton and Hove Albion will be played on Nov 30, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best AEK Athens vs Brighton and Hove Albion prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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