August 29th, 2012
2:45pm ET
Anderlecht vs. AEL Limassol
(1-2)
AEL Limassol lead on aggregate 2-1
(Winning at home in the 1st match)
AEL played ROUGH Physical Soccer in their first leg match at home. They pressured their opponent and ran constantly; looking tireless. Not only are they physical, but they are especially tough around their own penalty area. Defensively they are solid and it will be their strength in this match. In fact, in their previous round they beat Partizan Belgrade in both legs and in the second leg they won 0-1, holding on to that lead for 63’ after receiving a RED CARD in the 27’.
If I can make one critical point about AEL is that they are not very creative offensively and stumble at times to complete the build. However, when they are presented with an opportunity to strike they usually capitalize on their opponents errors.
What must be noted is that Anderlecht has a key injury in Suarez and forward Jovanovic (who has scored 17 goals in the past 12 months) is unavailable due to suspension.
I don’t want to diminish the quality of Anderlecht, who are a top notch team, have CL experience and are playing at home. However, they did get eliminated last year in this stage by Partizan Belgrade the team AEL just beat in the previous round. I am certain both sides are aware of this interesting fact.
Also an interest point made by soccer journalist John Molinaro:
“While the Belgians have the home-field advantage Tuesday and will be favoured to go through, they do have a major psychological barrier to overcome. Anderlecht hasn’t qualified for the Champions League group stage since 2006, and lost four qualifying playoff series between 2008 and 2011.”
In conclusion, I fully expect AEL to play a strong defensive minded first half (and match for that matter) in an effort to limit the number of quality scoring chances for Anderlecht. If they can take a 0-1 lead into half time, it will force Anderlecht to open up and risk a 2nd goal from a counter attack early in the 2nd half. Nil-Nil or a lead at half will be what I am expecting and definitely hoping for to keep the aggregate in my favor.
Be forewarned this is not a popular choice; as it seems (from what I have been reading) the whole world is expecting the Belgians to cover the -1 AH.
AEL Limassol +1 (+105) 2 Units
Anderlecht vs. AEL Limassol Under 2.5 (-120) 1 Unit
!~))!
2:45pm ET
Anderlecht vs. AEL Limassol
(1-2)
AEL Limassol lead on aggregate 2-1
(Winning at home in the 1st match)
AEL played ROUGH Physical Soccer in their first leg match at home. They pressured their opponent and ran constantly; looking tireless. Not only are they physical, but they are especially tough around their own penalty area. Defensively they are solid and it will be their strength in this match. In fact, in their previous round they beat Partizan Belgrade in both legs and in the second leg they won 0-1, holding on to that lead for 63’ after receiving a RED CARD in the 27’.
If I can make one critical point about AEL is that they are not very creative offensively and stumble at times to complete the build. However, when they are presented with an opportunity to strike they usually capitalize on their opponents errors.
What must be noted is that Anderlecht has a key injury in Suarez and forward Jovanovic (who has scored 17 goals in the past 12 months) is unavailable due to suspension.
I don’t want to diminish the quality of Anderlecht, who are a top notch team, have CL experience and are playing at home. However, they did get eliminated last year in this stage by Partizan Belgrade the team AEL just beat in the previous round. I am certain both sides are aware of this interesting fact.
Also an interest point made by soccer journalist John Molinaro:
“While the Belgians have the home-field advantage Tuesday and will be favoured to go through, they do have a major psychological barrier to overcome. Anderlecht hasn’t qualified for the Champions League group stage since 2006, and lost four qualifying playoff series between 2008 and 2011.”
In conclusion, I fully expect AEL to play a strong defensive minded first half (and match for that matter) in an effort to limit the number of quality scoring chances for Anderlecht. If they can take a 0-1 lead into half time, it will force Anderlecht to open up and risk a 2nd goal from a counter attack early in the 2nd half. Nil-Nil or a lead at half will be what I am expecting and definitely hoping for to keep the aggregate in my favor.
Be forewarned this is not a popular choice; as it seems (from what I have been reading) the whole world is expecting the Belgians to cover the -1 AH.
AEL Limassol +1 (+105) 2 Units
Anderlecht vs. AEL Limassol Under 2.5 (-120) 1 Unit
!~))!
