Preview: Dinamo Zagreb vs. AEK Athens - prediction, team news, lineups

AEK Athens travel to Dinamo Zagreb for Tuesday's Champions League third qualifying round first-leg encounter at Maksimir Stadium.

The first fixture should have been played on August 8 in Greece but was postponed after an AEK fan was killed in a brawl.

Match preview

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Dinamo Zagreb should be welcoming AEK to Zagreb for the reverse fixture of their third qualifying round, but the death of a fan of the Greek side means the tie has been reversed.

Igor Biscan's men saw off Astana with ease in the previous round — 6-0 on aggregate — and they seek another year's participation in Europe's premier club competition.

Admittedly, the Croatian side still have to navigate a playoff tie if they overcome AEK, but they should back themselves to outdo their opponents.

Biscan's troops must see off the threat of the Greek side first, even if their ongoing run of four games without losing in all competitions gives optimism.

Three wins have been secured in that run, with zero goals conceded, further establishing Dinamo as the favourites for Tuesday's game.

As for AEK, it remains to be seen if the absence of competitive football derails their prospects of competing with the Zagreb-based club.

The tie will be the Greek giants' first games that count, leaving Matias Almeyda to lean on tune-up experiences to prepare his side for their visit to Maksimir Stadium.

The Yellow-Blacks have not made it to the group stage since the 2018-19 campaign, and a result in Croatia takes them closer to the playoff round — the tie preceding the group-stage draw.

Despite playing no competitive games, AEK have secured commendable results in the off-season, securing four straight victories following a 1-0 loss against Lokomotiva Zagreb at the start of July.

It remains to be seen if the absence of competitive action hinders the Greek side, but their ambition to make the competition's final 32 clubs should motivate them to a fitting performance.

Team News

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Luka Ivanusec netted a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Astana in the second qualifying round first leg, and the wide attacker could start on Tuesday.

Biscan should utilise a 4-2-3-1 against the side from Greece as they seek a positive result from the game.

Domagoj Vida and Levi Garcia were injured in AEK's last pre-season game against Trabzonspor, making both doubtful for Tuesday.

The Greek side should line up in a 4-3-1-2, looking to take advantage of their numerical advantage in the middle of the park.

Dinamo Zagreb possible starting lineup:

Livakovic; Moharrami, Bernauer, Peric, Ljubicic; Sucic, Misic; Taneko, Baturina, Spikic; Petkovic

AEK Athens possible starting lineup:

Stankovic; Rota, Mitoglou, Moukoudi, Safi; Eliasson, Szyanski, Pineda; Jensson; Van Weert, Zuber

We say: Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 AEK Athens

While Dinamo's four-game run without conceding could end on Tuesday, the Croatian outfit should defeat AEK comfortably in Zagreb to put themselves in the driver's seat after the first leg.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.