PAOK Saloniki vs AEK Athens Match Preview
Toumba Stadium will be packed and rocking on Wednesday night as PAOK attempt to seal progress to the Greek Cup final against AEK. The two teams played out a rather drab first leg that ended 0-0 with both sides seemingly not wanting to give up anything in what was a tense encounter. In a particularly hard-fought match, PAOK had disciplinary issues which saw them finish the game with nine players on the pitch, however they held on for the 0-0 draw and AEK may be left to rue their inability to score a winner with that numerical advantage.
Pape Bouba Diop headed against the bar twice for AEK who manufactured the game’s best chances. PAOK was lauded however for their resilience and now the scene shifts back to their intimidating Toumba Stadium for the second leg. Both teams head into this crucial tie in relatively good form.
PAOK had been slumping and looked to be heading out of the playoff chase in the Greek Super League before a couple of key victories last week against Ergotelis and Olympiakos. Makis Chavos’ side will now head into the match full of confidence. AEK meanwhile have also found form at the right moment in a season marked by severe inconsistency. Manolo Jimenez’s team have won three matches on the trot in the league, including a 4-0 rout of PAOK just 10 days ago.
Not only are both teams in good game shape at the moment, but there are few injury worries for PAOK and AEK. Chavos can pick from a full squad as PAOK are fully fit for perhaps the first time all season. AEK will be without the services of Panagiotis Lagos and Savvas Gentzoglou, but despite missing that duo they too have the rest of their personnel fit. It is all shaping up to be a memorable night in Thessaloniki with the potential of a real cup classic for supporters of the teams and neutrals alike.