Super League - OFI Crete v AEK Athens

23 November 2008

Preview By Tipster Rooney (England)

Well I was not going to stake anything on this match but the latest incidents going around both clubs couldn't leave me uninterested. Both teams they are going to have new coaches on their bench, so both of them will be wishing for a successful new start. OFI is at the moment rock bottom, something they totally don't deserve as I think they have scored in all of their matches.

Crete is a very hard place to go and pick up all 3 points but as I already told you the away team has been under some major changes as well. Previous coach Donis was sacked as AEK is 8 points behind leaders Olympiakos and they were supposed to challenge for the Championship this year.. The visitors got back at their bench (for the 3rd time!!) a very influential man (best coach in Greece according to titles he has conquered) Dusan Bajevic who used to be an AEK player as well. Bajevic divided AEK fans when he agreed a move to fiercest rivals Olympiakos in the middle of the season; unleashing their wrath about this ultimate betrayal.

Some of them have not forgiven him even today. It will be interesting to see what changes he will make and if he will manage to get the players together because nothing has finished yet. Olympiakos could drop points today at Iraklis in Thessaloniki and AEK have to close up the difference. I would like to remind you that AEK last year was the team with the most AWAY wins but unfortunately this year they haven't managed a single win when playing away from home!

OFI has a good goalkeeper (Marlaj), good strikers (Herrera, Dame) and this surely ain't gonna be easy for the away team. OFI also need the points to get out of the last place and the weather is windy and rainy in Herakleion Crete at he moment, so it is going to be a massacre tomorrow I guess; especially if you take into account that OFI fans they want the president Vatsinas out of the team. The whole atmosphere is going to be electrifying..

In AEK's camp the best central defender Kyriakos is ready for his comeback and I hope he will rally the troops as he is a true leader; while defensive midfielder Ensaliwa who was overlooked by previous coach, maybe given his chance as well. I think AEK can keep a clean sheet and even if they don't; they can score twice against OFI's weak defense. Of course it is very possible that the home boys will score as well but AEK will have to just go for it, they are playing with their face against the wall.

From betting perspective a small stake is truly deserved for the visitors who will want to prove they are not out of the title race yet. Of course this can easily be a draw and a home win as well but all I am saying it is that the odds could be as little as 1.5 if AEK was were they were supposed to be. Value bet for me..Good luck!