BRIGHTON will make history on Thursday when they embark on their first-ever game in European football when they welcome Greek cracks AEK Athens to the Amex.
It doesn't seem to matter who Brighton sell or who is in charge of them, the Seagulls just seem to continue on a very upward trajectory.
Already this season, they are up to third place in the Premier League after yet another win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
It was their fourth win in five games this season and the only blip came when they were surprisingly defeated by West Ham at home.
Their first European adventure sees them in a group with AEK Athens, Ajax and Marseille – quite the introduction to this stage!
But it's a measure of how much respect they have gained that they are regarded as second favourites to win the tournament by many layers.
They face an AEK side who were dumped out of the Champions League by Belgians Royal Antwerp and warmed up for their visit to England with a derby draw against Olympiakos.
AEK have only played three league games this season and drawn two of them, but they are seasoned European campaigners unlike their hosts.
HOW THE BOOKIES VIEW IT
Brighton are viewed here as overwhelming favourites despite their lack oif experience in Europe.
They are hefty odds-on shots at 1/3 with Coral. AEK Athens can be backed at 10/1 with bet365 and the draw is 17/4 with BetVictor.
RECENT HEAD TO HEADS
The clubs have never met before in European competition.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Danny Welbeck returned to his former club Manchester United and netted the opening goal on Saturday. The former England striker is 32 now but still has an eye for a goal and is 7/5 to score anytime on Thursday with bet365.
Argentinian striker Ezequiel Ponce is now on his second spell with AEK and made his name at Spartak Moscow as a prolific scorer. He netted at the weekend against Olympiakos and he is 9/2 to score anytime with bet365.
ANYTHING ELSE CATCH THE EYE?
Brighton are the great entertainers this season. Every game they have played has seen both teams scoring and they have won four out of the five again.
And with AEK seeing three out of their four European games with both teams scoring and the same in their weekend, game the obvious call here is both teams to score and a home win at a nice 11/5 with bet365.
Brighton are going to want to put on a show in their first ever European game and they can be fast starters In their four wins this season, they have been leading at halftime in them all, so go for a home win at half time and full time at 17/20 with Coral.
This UEFA Europa League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and AEK Athens will be played on Sep 21, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brighton and Hove Albion vs AEK Athens prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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