Betdistrict.com
Bet was AEK over 0.5 @2.21 Pinny but odds dropped while I was writing a preview to 2.05, so will take alternative bet (as Spartaks offense looks very solid right now).
Spartak has chronic defensive troubles. And I dont see any improvements this season so far. In first leg AEK created some good chances despite +37 degrees heat and scored in second half. Now their task will be easier. As weather conditions in Moscow will be ideal for football with +20 degrees and no chance of rain.
Defensively Spartak struggle more in home games. Fans push them to attack and players do, but big holes in midfield and mistaken prone defence allows to opposition side to create moments with ease.
Just watch last match Spartak Arsenal where Spartak won 4-0. In first 45 minutes Tula was creating moments for fun, they just couldnt convert them into goal. Spartaks CDM disappears from time to time and players sometimes forgot how to make passes. And I must say that against Tula Spartak played with 5 defenders. Coach Alenichev said that hell put attacking formation here so AEK will have even more opportunities to score a goal. And yes, Tula played only 45 minutes, after 3rd conceded goal they just gave up and got a lot of critics from media and experts for that.
AEK must score and must attack to have any chances to reach next round. Its useless to defend against Spartak with Promes and Zhano in terrific form whole game as youll concede anyway. Main weakness of Spartak is defence and AEK must play offensive football. (As did St. Gallen 3 years ago scoring 4 goals in Moscow against heavy favourite Spartak). All in all Spartak has never had reliable defence over past 15 years and doesnt have this season as well (so far). On the other hand their offense is on fire at the moment. I dont say its a banker bet but worth a risk with current price.
Pick: BTTS
Odds: 2.5
Bookmaker: ➾ William Hill
Stake: 8 units
Tipster: BettingOdyssey
| TIPSTER: BettingOdyssey | Total profit: +53.79 | Tips won: 16 |
| Country: Germany | Total yield: +22.41% | Tips lost: 11 |
| Speciality: Football | Total picks: 29 | Tips pushed: 2 |
| 04.05 | • Detroit - Kansas | 2.83 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
| 16.10 | • Netherlands U21 - Ukraine U21 | 3 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
| 13.10 | • Bohemain - Sutton | 2.19 | 7 | ➖ | 0.00 |
| 11.10 | • Iceland U21 vs N. Ireland U21 | 2.37 | 10 | ✅ | +13.7 |
| 06.10 | • Chesterfield - Fylde | 1.83 | 8 | ➖ | 0.00 |
| 02.10 | • Sunderland - Peterborough | 1.92 | 8 | ✅ | +7.36 |
| 02.03 | • New York Red Bulls vs Olimpia | 1.74 | 8 | ✅ | +5.92 |
| 02.03 | • Minnesota - Toronto | 2.34 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
| 02.10 | • Atlanta - Detroit | 1.85 | 9 | ❌ | -9 |
| 04.08 | • Spartak - AEK Larnaka | 2.5 | 8 | ❌ | -8 |
