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AEK Athens and Royal Antwerp will go head-to-head in a crucial UEFA Champions League playoff clash this Wednesday at the AEK Stadium. At stake is a coveted spot in the group stages, with Antwerp carrying a one-goal advantage from their first-leg triumph in Belgium. AEK Athens, however, will look to draw inspiration from their home ground and turn things around.

Analysis: AEK Athens: Matías Almeyda’s team finds itself in a spot of bother, going three straight games without a victory, their worst winless run since April 2022. Their most recent fixture saw them held to a 1-1 draw by Panserraikos in the Super League, showcasing their ongoing scoring woes. The absence of their key attacker, Levi Garcia, due to a thigh injury, has compounded their problems. They’ve displayed commendable ball possession in recent games but have lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.

Royal Antwerp: Under the guidance of Mark van Bommel, Royal Antwerp has remained unbeaten in three consecutive fixtures across all competitions. Despite this, their away record has been less than impressive, with the team failing to secure a win in their last four matches on the road. Their previous victory over AEK was a testament to their resilience, especially considering they played with 10 men for a significant chunk of the game. Their defence, however, may face challenges in the upcoming fixture due to the absence of key players, like Jelle Bataille.

Prediction: Goal.mu predicts: AEK Athens 1-1 Royal Antwerp. Given AEK’s pressing need to score and Antwerp’s recent defensive vulnerabilities away from home, a draw seems likely. However, AEK will need to significantly improve their finishing to break down a resilient Antwerp side.