AEK Athens
- AEK Athens are unbeaten at home in the UEFA Conference League with 1 win and 1 draw after 2 matches.
- AEK Athens average 3.5 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per home game in the Conference League so far this season.
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AEK enter Thursday’s game in great form having won 2 consecutive matches.
- 1-0 win at Fiorentina.
- 2-1 away win at Samsunspor.
- The Greek team will rely on possession in Thursday’s fixture, patiently building from the back through the thirds and utilizing their wing-backs to provide width and overloads.
- Their pressing is selective, often sitting back and clogging the central channels to force opponents wide where they have the numbers to win the ball back.
Universitatea Craiova
- Universitatea Craiova have an identical away record in their first 2 European away matches, winning 1 and losing 1.
- Universitatea Craiova meanwhile, are a completely different kettle of fish and rely on high-tempo transitions, energetic pressing and wide play to force mistakes and exploit space.
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Their last 3 results have been mixed:
- 1-1 draw at home to CFR Cluj.
- 1-2 defeat at home to Sparta Praha in Europe.
- 0-0 draw away at AFC Hermannstadt.
- They are unbeaten in 3 away matches with 1 win and 2 draws but have only scored 0.5 goals per away match in Europe whilst conceding 1.0 per match.
Key Players
- AEK have a star in Aboubakary Koita who has 3 goals in 5 Conference League games and is always a threat to score.
- Assad Al Hamlawi tops the European scoring charts for Craiova with 1 goal in 4 games.
Betting Insights
- The bookies make AEK Athens the clear favorites at 1.53, with Craiova 6.86 and the draw 4.32.
- Over 2.5 goals looks a great option at 1.95 with both teams capable of providing enough attacking firepower.
- However, Craiova will make them work for it and set-piece and second ball will likely be where the game is won or lost with both sides ready to pounce on transition.
Prediction
The Greeks are worthy favorites as they are a more structured and effective outfit at the moment and will be confident of claiming maximum points on home turf.
