Preview: AEK vs Bologna

By: Chris Paraskevas | August 18th, 2008

Still no sign of them then?

Kyrgiakos and Basinas join Rehhagel’s squad to take on Slovakia, consequently missing tonight’s friendly against Serie A outfit Bologna, which doesn’t help Donis’ preparations for the crunch UEFA Cup Qualifier in Nicosia next week. We desperately need both of them to inject some life into a flat side…

On the flip side, their participation in the friendly could be just what they need in the way of match fitness, perhaps more beneficial at an international level rather than lumbering through a domestic pre-season European fixture. The problem is that Donis will probably rely on Basinas and Kyrgiakos’ combined experience to help the side adapt to his tactical set-up and playing philosophy. Otherwise, the team will continue to be devoid of direction and rhythm.

From an Australian perspective, this match could be the chance for Nathan Burns to impress Donis. He hasn’t been given much of a chance at AEK thus far, mainly relegated to the bench (if memory serves me correctly, he hasn’t even started?), so opportunities like this, against decent opposition, must be taken by the 20 year-old.

Absentees from Bologna squad:

- Majstorovic (International duty)
- Hetemaj (International duty)
- Kyrgiakos (International duty)
- Basinas (International duty)
- Pliatsikas (International duty, U21s)
- Rikka (International duty, U21s)
- Macho (Not fit)
- Alves (Injured)
- Manduca (Injured)

The extensive list of those MIA has interestingly left room for a return to the squad of rumoured want-a-way pair Nsawila and Kone. Their respective performances will certainly be monitored with an element of interest…

AEK Squad: Saja, Arabatzis, Edson Ramos Silva, Koutroumanos, Georgeas, Alexopoulos, Juanfran, Gentzoglou, Tachtsidis, Nsaliwa, Kafes, Rivaldo, Kone, Burns, Scocco, Lagos, Pavlis, Blanco, Zorbas