AEK to Play with Decimated Midfield at Aris’s Home Ground

Following their latest defeat against Olympiacos, AEK Athens must regroup and prepare for a crucial match this upcoming Sunday (March 9, 2025, 19:00). The game will take place at the home ground of Aris in the final competitive regular-season match of the Super League. AEK will face three absences due to punishment during the match at Aris’s stadium. Players Orbelin Pineda, Jens Gerson (who were already announced for this specific match), and Petros Mantalos will not be participating. Experienced midfielder Petros Mantalos received a yellow card during the derby against Olympiacos on March 2, 2035, forcing him to sit out the final competitive regular-season match. The midfield options are limited, and it remains uncertain whether injuries will cause further absences, as Roberto Pereira was absent in the Olympiacos game. For defensive positions, Matias Almeida can choose between Robert Ljubicic and Damian Szymanski, while Mijat Gacinovic may also play in the center. It is worth noting that Anthony Martial was substituted early in the first half of the Olympiacos derby after being stepped on by Jelson Martins, leaving uncertainty about his participation. Additionally, Paulo Fernandes and Moussaoudou Djazo currently have two yellow cards each. Players who accumulate cards during the final competitive regular-season match of the Superleague will miss the first Play-Off match. However, if they do not receive additional cards, their records will be cleared.