Third placed AEK and second placed Everton will meet in Athens in this important clash which will directly effect the advancing teams.

AEK have been disappointing recently but they managed to overcome a tough PAOK side in the domestic league on the last match day. That match was mentioned in the prediction here. This win had a positive effect on the team for sure but it didn’t wipe out all the problems the club have. The financial status is still causing a big unrest and it effects the players pretty much.

Everton on the other hand are having ups and downs lately and doing actually below the expectations in the English Premier League.  Their home defeat in the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool hurt them indeed. They will be looking to recover with at least an acceptable score from this match.

Everton will have some injury problems for this match and they are mostly defensive players. The missing list includes ineligibe players Lucas Neill and John Heitinga and injured players Joseph Yobo, Phil Neville, Phil Jagielka, Sylvain Distin, James Vaughan, Leon Osman, Mikel Arteta and Victor Anichebe. That’s an important bunch of players. Sylvian Distin reported to be doubtful and might play which is up to manager’s decision. The team still has lots of quality players including the on form attacker Bilyaletdinov, Jo, Yakubu and the offensive strentgh will even rise with the returning of Saha but still the missings will effect the team play, for sure.

As for prediction; I think the quality is on Everton’s side despite the important missings. AEK will try to attack but their offensive strength has a limit. Everton here will decide how this game will be played and I think they will not be disappointed with a draw from Athens. Therefore, I expect a slow tempo game which will be under Everton’ s control. AEK should win inorder to qualify, thats right but it is not a reliable reasoning for a prediction if the team don’t have a consistent form. Going for Everton not to lose seems a wise option.

Prediction
Everton | X2 Double Chance
Extras
Draw at HT | Everton at FT
Goals | Under 2,5