AEK ready for stern Aris test
SUPER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 24
AGONAsport previews the Super League duel between Aris and AEK in Thessaloniki.
Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage with Go Greek TV!
A trip to the intimidating Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium is never easy. Earlier this year, Aris ended PAOK’s long undefeated run when hosting the Dikefalos tou Vorra, and they had managed to beat AEK at home in the 2018/2019 Super League campaign.
Nevertheless, while Aris are in rather inconsistent form, AEK are making strides under the leadership of Massimo Carrera. In 13 games, AEK have only conceded the one defeat, and the Enosis finally ended their derby hoodoo last week when defeating Panathinaikos 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium thanks to a superb goal from Sergio Araujo. At the moment, AEK occupy third place of the standings, while Aris currently sit in fifth spot as they trail the Athens-based club by 11 points.
In the first round of the 2019/2020 season, Aris impressed against AEK at the OAKA, taking the lead through Daniel Larsson before Petros Mantalos equalised from the penalty spot:
Although Aris have been tough to beat with Michael Oenning working as head coach, they have fallen off the boil in recent weeks, notably losing 2-0 to Panetolikos in Agrinio and stuttering to a flat 1-1 draw at Asteras Tripolis. However, midweek, Aris gained vital confidence in the Greek Cup, beating Atromitos 1-0 in Peristeri as Larsson struck early.
TEAM NEWS: ARIS
Nigerian striker Brown Ideye has been declared fit enough to participate against AEK. Attacking midfielders Martin Tonso and Nicolas Martinez, left out of the team for the Greek Cup game against Aris, have been included in the squad for Sunday’s battle. Abou Ba, on the other hand, misses out.
Possible line-up: Cuesta, Korhut, Velez, Delizisis, Rose, Matilla, Sasha, Gama, Fetfatzidis, Larsson, Ideye.
TEAM NEWS: AEK
The main loss for AEK is Ukrainian centre-back Dmytro Chygrynskiy, who is continuing to train individually. On matchday 23, Polish midfielder Damian Szymanski impressed with yet another strong showing, meaning he is likely to compete in the middle of the park alongside Nenad Krsticic. Andrei Simoes misses out through suspension.
Possible line-up: Barkas, Lopes, Svarnas, Vranjes, Bakakis, Krsticic, Szymanski, Mantalos, Livaja, Verde, Araujo.
