BRIGHTON take their first steps in European football for the first time in their 122-year history against AEK Athens on Thursday.
SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest, and carefully selected our best bets, tips and sign-up bonuses for the showdown at the Amex Stadium.
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Brighton vs AEK Athens preview
Brighton's European adventure starts on Thursday!
The Seagulls' sixth-placed finish ensured automatic qualification for the Europa League, where they've been drawn against Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens in Group B.
Though taking their first steps in the competition, Brighton are heavily fancied to cruise to victory over their Greek opponents. They are odds-on 2/9 to collect three points, while the draw is a sizeable 5/1 with AEK available at 14/1 to cause an upset.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi is clearly taking the competition seriously having made SIX changes for the weekend's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The south coast side were magnificent from start to finish against United, winning 3-1 courtesy of goals from Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro.
Brighton have won four of their five league matches this season, including victories over Champions League duo United and Newcastle. They've also scored a league-high 15 goals – one more than Manchester City!
1500 AEK supporters will travel for this one, but more in hope than expectation given their modest start to the campaign.
They surrendered a goal advantage against bitter rivals Olympiacos on Sunday, meaning they've won just once in their last SIX matches in all competitions.
Brighton vs AEK Athens odds
- Brighton 2/9 with Ladbrokes – CLAIM HERE
- Draw 5/1 with Ladbrokes – CLAIM HERE
- AEK Athens 14/1 with Ladbrokes – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Brighton vs AEK Athens betting tips
Goals…
Who could possibly go against Brighton in their current form? De Zerbi's side are purring and there's clearly enough strength in depth having beaten Manchester United with consummate ease despite six changes to the starting XI.
Another raft of changes are expected on Thursday, but that's only likely to strengthen Brighton with Evan Ferguson, Billy Gilmour and Solly March all vying for a starting role.
The Seagulls have scored 4+ goals twice, and 3+ goals twice in their last five matches, while AEK haven't managed one clean sheet in their last eight!
- Our tip: Over 4.5 goals at 19/5 with Paddy Power – CLAIM HERE
Double down…
Brighton haven't registered a shut out in any of their last seven. The Seagulls, for all their brilliance, are prone to conceding at least once every 90 minutes.
Their last five results have read: 3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 4-1 and 4-1. So it's not unrealistic to think that AEK can get on the scoresheet this Thursday. The visitors have blanked in just ONE of their last 11 fixtures and could grab one at the Amex.
- Our tip: Brighton to win and both teams to score at 15/8 with Paddy Power – CLAIM HERE
Evan almighty
Young superstar Evan Ferguson should spearhead the Brighton attack in a match they are expected to dominate.
The teenager missed out on international duty following his hat-trick against Newcastle, but was fit enough to play the final five minutes at Old Trafford and is pushing for a start.
The 18-year-old has four goals in 211 minutes of action this season, meaning he's averaging a goal every 52 minutes. He's Evens to score anytime and we're backing the Irishman to flourish on the European stage.
- Our tip: Evan Ferguson to score anytime at Evens with Paddy Power – CLAIM HERE
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