Big Match Breakdown: AEK Athens v Celtic

Key Battles

The Greek Super League title holders’ game-plan worked a treat in the first leg. Although they conceded early, Ouzounidis instructed his side to sit deep and counter on Celtic.

Rodgers’ side started ferociously. But AEK soon weathered the storm and began picking Celtic off on the break. After they equalised, the Athens outfit sat in a very low block with two banks of four.

Expect a similar set-up here. AEK know the onus is on Celtic to score so they can continue to play counter-attacking football. James Forrest and Callum McGregor will need to hug the touchlines and stretch their opponents. Tom Rogic will need to be at his creative best to open the Greek side up.

Match Odds

AEK are 33/20 for the win, with Celtic out at 19/10. The Draw is available at 21/10.

The Coral traders are expecting a tight affair and we agree, this could go to the wire. Celtic have made the group stages of this competition every year under Rodgers.

And they tend to do it the hard way. However, they’ll need to overcome an ominous record. Only six times out of 27 has a Scottish side progressed after drawing the first leg at home 1-1. And Celtic have only achieved it twice in their history.

It would be no surprise if this went to extra-time with the scores level at 1-1 again at full-time. It’s 24/5 for that Correct Score. Both Teams To Score is Evens.

Midfield magician Rogic has a tendency to score big goals when it matters. The Australian 16/5 Anytime. Striker Edouard is 17/10 in the same market.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing