AEK Athens entertain Everton on Wednesday hoping to get a win and thus leapfrog the English side in the race for a place in the top two. The Greek side managed to claim only a point from their two encounters with BATE Borisov and now Dusan Bajevic will want to see a better performance against the tough Everton side. AEK will really put themselves in a decent position with a win and the hopes are that they will be able to perform. The team was beset by suspensions in the previous game at home top BATE when the likes of Carlos Araujo, Daniel Majstrovic and Nicolas Arce were all banned. They are back in contention and will hope to play some part in the game. The first two seem certain for recalls at the back and will boost the back four. The manager should name pretty much the same 11 that played against PAOK in the league on Saturday. Then, a solitary goal from Igancio Scocco was enough to secure a 1:0 victory. Bajevic has just one injury worry ahead of the game as Hungarian striker Kristian Nemeth is struggling with a foot injury and misses the game for sure. The rest of the players are fit and will be determined to claim the scalp of the English side. AEK were well beaten 4:0 in Liverpool back in September in the first game between the two teams this season and now the Greek side is aiming for a revenge.
Everton
Everton face a tricky trip to Athens on Wednesday needing at least a point to maintain the two-point cushion from AEK. Everton looked certain for a place in the next stage of the Europa League after winning their first two games in the group but since then they were beaten by Benfica on two occasions and now their place is in a much bigger doubt. Everton were taught a lesson by the Portuguese side in these two games and David Moyes will be keen to see his men re-establish themselves in Europe and show a decent performance. Yet, Everton were struggling for form over the last few weeks and have won a single game in 11 games in all competitions. They were beaten 2:0 by Liverpool on Sunday in the league and it was another frustrating day for the manager as his men played a decent game and had chances but were caught at the back. Once again, the manager will have stretched resources for the game as John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are not eligible to play and miss miss out. Leon Osman is still nursing an ankle injury and remains on the sidelines. Joseph Yobo picked a hamstring problem on Sunday and has been ruled out for the game as well. The defensive worries deepened after it was revealsed that Sylvain Distin picked a hamstring problem on Sunday too and is facing a fitness test ahead of the game. The only good news is that Jack Rodwell has shaken off a groin strain and is set for a recall. He may even play in defence if Distin misses out. James Vaughan, Victor Anichebe, Phil Neville, Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka remain on the sidelines for the long term though.
Betting advice
I remember how AEK was struggling earlier this year- losing to their direct rivals Pana/Olympiakos, getting beaten at Goodison Park by 4-0.Toffees looked relatively fine in the liverpool derby and despite the long injury list - I am on their side here.
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Prediction:
Tip: 2 AH (0)
Odd: 1.75
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 6 /10
Tipster: Kather
