Brighton will be on a revenge mission when they travel to the Greek capital to face AEK Athens on Thursday evening in their penultimate Europa League group game.
It has been a wonderful maiden European odyssey so far for Roberto de Zerbi’s charges who have bounced back in style since they lost 3-2 at home to AEK back in September.
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The following three games has seen them chalk up seven points, including impressive back back-to-back wins secured against Ajax, and the Seagulls know that another victory will guarantee a top-two finish.
Despite possessing a threadbare squad, Brighton shrugged off their supposed tag of draw specialists in the Premier League last weekend by claiming a hard-fought three points against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
AEK, meanwhile, have been far from convincing at times, and they warmed up for this clash with a stuttering 1-0 victory over Giannina in the Greek Super League.
Regardless, this will be a crucial clash for both sides in the context of the knockout stages, and I have sourced a couple of tips for you to pore over ahead of kick-off.
Brighton to prevail in another classic
The victory against Forest last weekend came at a cost for Brighton, as they saw their lengthy injury list extended.
With a Premier League game against Chelsea on the horizon, De Zerbi will be hoping his depleted side come through the clash against AEK unscathed.
With Tariq Lamptey and Ansu Fati both doubts after limping off against Forest in the first, this will have only heightened the anxiety within the Brighton camp.
That said, the Seagulls have found a way to adeptly juggle the rigours of domestic and European football.
Indeed, they have kept two clean sheets in the Europa League, and even in defeat against AEK on the opening matchday, they showed signs they can cope with the increase in intensity levels.
Although Brighton will be presented with a cauldron of noise in Athens, I expect them to rise to the occasion and deliver.
For my first pick, I have sided with Brighton to win & BTTS which is paying out at odds of 5/2 with Paddy Power.
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AEK Athens vs Brighton Tips
Our First Prediction
Joao Pedro to repeat the feat
One of the shining stars for Brighton in Europe this term has been Joao Pedro.
Having only joined last summer for a fee of £30million from Watford, the Brazilian forward has taken to the Europa League like a duck to water, and he has rattled home four goals in the group stages.
Quick on the move, and eager to engineer opportunities, Pedro is one of those players that will cause a nuisance.
Although three of his goals in the Europa League have arrived via the penalty spot, Pedro is still a threat from open play, and he will snaffle up any half chances.
Despite being on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline against AEK, Pedro grabbed both goals for the Seagulls.
I tend to look for patterns in games and I fancy Pedro to repeat his exploits and net a double.
If you like the sound of that outcome, bet365 has obliged with an inviting price of 10/1.
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AEK Athens vs Brighton Tips
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