AEK Athens v Lask Linz prediction: Champions League preview, line-ups & tips

AEK have scored first in each of their last five matches and rarely let leads slip at home, while Lask's habit of conceding early, as they did against Celtic, points to a goal for the visitors too. A 2-1 scoreline captures both patterns and lines up with the wider market view that this is close to a coin flip beyond the opening goal.

Lask's last six matches have all produced more than two goals, and AEK have scored 4 in their most recent outing alone. Both sides look set up to attack rather than sit in, and the bet365 price of 4/6 reflects a market that expects goals. Backing Over 2.5 makes sense given the attacking identity on show from both managers so far this season.

Lask have scored in every one of their last six matches and AEK have failed to score just once in their last two, so the underlying pattern favours goals at both ends. Kühbauer's side conceded three in Glasgow, evidence their defensive discipline can be breached even against strong opposition. AEK's home form, unbeaten in eight across all competitions, should still be enough to see them home.

Varga scored twice in the play-off second leg against Levski Sofia and was described as AEK's obvious attacking focal point heading into this tie. He has been prolific in continental football over his last 15 starts and gets a first Champions League proper appearance here. A confident finisher in form is a solid shout at anytime odds.

AEK are unbeaten in six matches and have home advantage at the Allwyn Arena, making a home loss the least likely of the three outcomes. Double Chance offers cover if Lask's attacking form from the Celtic tie translates into a leveller. It's a low-odds pick but a sensible hedge given how tight the bet365 match odds actually are compared with the underlying form gap.