Brighton will try to bring their stunning early season form to the European stage when they host AEK Athens on their Europa League debut this week.
Roberto De Zerbi's side have won plenty of admirers with their bold and effective attacking style of play and ran out 3-1 winners at Manchester United last weekend despite a host of key absentees.
The Seagulls are fifth in the Premier League following four wins from five games, building upon the seventh-placed finish last term that secured a path to Europe.
By contrast, AEK Athens are seasoned campaigners on the continental stage but look set to have their work cut out against a vibrant attack boasting the talents of Kaoru Mitoma, Evan Ferguson and Joao Pedro.
Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati could be in line for a full debut at the Amex Stadium in the Group B fixture, which also features Ajax and Marseille.
Given that calibre of opposition, a winning start on home turf feels essential for De Zerbi's men.
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Brighton vs AEK Athens match facts
- Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
- Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. BST
- Location: Amex Stadium (Brighton and Hove, UK)
- Last meeting: N/A
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Brighton vs AEK Athens prediction, odds
- Full-time result: Brighton (1/4)
- Score prediction: Brighton 3-0 AEK (14/1)
AEK's start to the season has been somewhat mixed under Matias Almeyda. The start of their Greek Super League title defence has started with one win and a pair of draws, while their Europa League participation is the result of losing both legs of a Champions League playoff against Antwerp.
Almeyda's defence has been porous and the 1-1 weekend draw against Olympiakos continued a run of failing to keep a clean sheet this season.
Brighton have also conceded in all five league games but expect them to keep the back door shut here and overwhelm their opponents with a typical display of attacking variety
| Brighton win | Draw | AEK win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnSports (UK) | 1/4 | 19/4 | 10/1 | 6/5, 8/13 | 8/13, 13/10 |
Brighton vs AEK Athens best bet
- Pick: Ansu Fati first goalscorer
- Odds: 5/1 (BetOnSports)
First-goal odds can often be a fool's errand. While acknowledging that, the conditions appear to be perfectly set for Fati to come flying out of the blocks.
A standout Barcelona youngster joining on loan was a prospect as remote for Brighton fans as their team playing elite European football as recently as a few years ago.
Now both things have happened simultaneously. Fati made his debut from the bench at Old Trafford and a first start would further amp up a buoyant atmosphere on Thursday.
As a player who has already succeeded on the biggest stages, the 20-year-old Spain international can find the perfect response to give this rebuilding phase of his career lift-off.
Kaoru Mitoma prop bet
- Pick: Kaoru Mitoma to score anytime
- Odds: 6/4 (BetOnSports)
Japan star Mitoma illuminated the start of the Premier League season with a sensational solo effort against Wolves that stands as an early Goal of the Season contender.
The winger also has three assists in 2023/24 but is overdue another goal. Over the course of his professional career in Japan, Belgium and England, Mitoma has 51 goals in 142 club appearances, a ratio far more productive than his one in five this term.
Given he remains in prime form, expect the 26-year-old to get back on the scoresheet against AEK.
