Marseille vs AEK Athens FC Prediction & Tips
A change in the dugout has not translated into improvement for Marseille, which has won just one of four matches since appointing midfield legend Gennaro Gattuso as its coach (E1, P2). Their latest defeat, a 1-0 loss at home to Nice, leaves Marseille mid-table in Ligue 1 and stuck in a slump, with just one win in their last eight appearances in all competitions (E4, P3).
Two of those draws came in the UEFA Europa League (UEL), representing a decent start in Group B that they will be looking to continue against leaders AEK. A formidable record against Greek opposition can inspire confidence (G8, E1, P3), while the Orange Velodrome is proving to be a profitable venue for Marseille, being unbeaten in six matches at this ground this season (G4, E2), while losing just one of their last 13 home games in European competition (G7, E4).
AEK will be looking to end that trend and bring with them a solid away record in European competitions (G8, E5, P7), a sequence that includes a 3-2 win at home to Brighton on matchday 1. That result, combined with a 1-1 draw against Ajax, leaves the Greek champions at the top of Group B before this matchday, and they have also been in good form on the domestic stage, with a pair of 3-0 league wins having them in early title talks.
However, facing French opposition remains a tricky task for AEK, having won just one of their 19 matches against such opponents (E7, P11). That record gets worse on the road, as they have never won away from home against French opposition (E2, P7), while they have found the back of the net just once in their last eight visits, making them underdogs heading into this clash in Marseille.
Players to watch: Marseille’s veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned to form in France, having directly contributed to five goals in his last six appearances (three goals, two assists) – including a brace against Ajax on matchday two. AEK’s Niclas Eliasson is also on a roll, contributing to four goals in his last two games (one goal, three assists).
Weekend stat: 16 goals have been registered before halftime in AEK’s last nine matches.
Marseille – AEK Athens FC FREE TIPS
OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.25
