AEK vs Iraklis: Preview

So the official 18-man squad for the Iraklis fixture has been released by Donis and here it is: Saja, Macho, Majstorovic, Alexopoulos, Kyrgiakos, Edson Ramos Silva, Juanfran, Georgeas, Basinas, Pliatsikas, Rikka, Pelletieri, Kafes, Lagos, Scocco, Edinho, Blanco, Djebbour.

The two selections of note are probably Pelletieri and Djebbour. There have been suggestions that Donis might use this match to finally implement a 4-4-2 formation of some sort, which might increase the chances of the duo taking their places in the starting XI - neither looked comfortably within a 4-3-3 against PAOK, the latter in particular.

In any case, Donis’ pre-match musings suggest he is edging closer to the “preferred” tactical set-up but I think he is more than justified in saying that systems are largely irrelevant in the context of ill-prepared footballers. What really matters in this game is a professionalism from all concerned and a willingness to play as a team - something that was perhaps lacking slightly last weekend.

Of course, there is the inevitable link to last year’s disastrous home loss against Iraklis that to a large extent derailed our title challenge but Donis will be best to emphasize to his men that this is yet another of the “little” matches that are so crucial on the pathway to domestic success…

PS. For all of you Aussie fans out there, Nathan Burns will be playing in the side’s “B” team this weekend, along with a few other promising young starlets.

Category: AEK Athens Team News

Tags: AEK Athens Team News, Agustin Pelletieri, Giorgios Donis, Greek Super League, Iraklis, Nathan Burns, Rafik Djebbour

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