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AEK Larnaca vs Aberdeen Prediction – Conference League Round 3 Preview & Lineups (November 6 2025)

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🏟️ AEK Larnaca vs Aberdeen Match Overview

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The UEFA Europa Conference League returns on Thursday, November 6, 2025 (18:45 CET) with a fascinating Round 3 encounter between AEK Larnaca and Aberdeen at the OPAP Arena in Athens. Both clubs are pushing to stay alive in the group-phase race, and this clash could define their European ambitions. The Cypriot side will look to make the most of home advantage, while Aberdeen arrive from Scotland eager to show resilience and prove that their campaign can still be revived.

🇨🇾 AEK Larnaca – Current Form (2025)

AEK Larnaca have made notable strides domestically this year and carried that form into Europe with mixed results so far. In 2025, under head coach José Luis Oltra, the Cypriot team have showcased solid tactical discipline, relying on structure, ball control and quick transitions from midfield.

In their first two Conference League games this season, AEK managed one victory and one narrow defeat, placing them mid-table in their group standings. Their home form has been particularly strong: AEK have lost only once at the OPAP Arena in 2025 across all competitions. Their experienced core and technical midfield give them an edge, especially in warm conditions that can challenge travelling opponents.

Key Players:

  • Rafa Lopez – reliable central defender who leads the back line.

  • Gus Ledes – creative pivot who controls tempo and links midfield to attack.

  • Olatunji Victor – pacey striker capable of punishing defensive lapses.

  • Omri Altman – attacking midfielder with a strong left foot and set-piece accuracy.

AEK’s game plan is expected to focus on possession, using patient buildup to stretch Aberdeen’s defensive shape before switching play quickly to the flanks.

🏴 Aberdeen – Current Form (2025)

Aberdeen enter this match under significant pressure after a rocky start to their 2025 European journey. Domestically, the Dons have been inconsistent in the Scottish Premiership, struggling to maintain rhythm under head coach Jimmy Thelin. In Europe, their performances have lacked end-product despite spells of promise.

In the Conference League, Aberdeen sit near the bottom of their group with only one point from the opening two rounds. Away form has been a major concern: the Scots have not recorded an away victory in European competition since the summer qualifying rounds. Defensively, they’ve leaked goals late in matches, and their set-piece defending remains an issue.

Key Players:

  • Bojan Miovski – the team’s top scorer, dangerous in open play and from penalties.

  • Leighton Clarkson – creative midfielder who delivers precision from set pieces.

  • Richard Jensen – Finnish centre-back anchoring the defence.

  • Jamie McGrath – versatile attacking midfielder with a knack for late runs into the box.

Aberdeen’s success in Athens will depend on their defensive compactness and whether they can transition effectively through Miovski and McGrath on the counter.

⚔️ Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first competitive meeting between AEK Larnaca and Aberdeen in UEFA competition. The two clubs have never previously faced each other, adding an element of unpredictability to the clash. Historically, AEK have struggled against Scottish sides, while Aberdeen have a modest record versus Cypriot teams — making this an even-balanced matchup on paper.

🧩 Predicted Lineups

AEK Larnaca (4-2-3-1):
Pérez; Tomovic, Rafa Lopez, Milicevic, Englezou — Gus Ledes, Altman — Imad Faraj, Angel Garcia, Naoum — Victor Olatunji

Aberdeen (4-3-3):
Roos; Devlin, Jensen, Gartenmann, Hayes — Clarkson, Shinnie, Barron — McGrath, Duk, Miovski

AEK’s structure will emphasise balance and ball circulation through midfield, while Aberdeen’s setup may shift between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, depending on game state. The Dons are likely to use McGrath and Duk as wide forwards pressing AEK’s full-backs.

⚙️ Tactical Preview

AEK Larnaca will seek to dominate possession (typically around 60% in home matches) and dictate the game’s rhythm through Ledes’ passing and Altman’s creativity between the lines. Their full-backs often push high, allowing wide overloads — a key to unlocking compact defences. However, that could also leave gaps behind for Aberdeen to exploit on the break.

Aberdeen’s strength lies in fast transitions and direct play. They will look to absorb pressure, frustrate AEK early, and then use Miovski’s movement behind the defenders. Their success will depend on whether their midfield trio can contain AEK’s technical players without conceding dangerous free kicks near the box — where Altman and Garcia are lethal.

Set pieces may be decisive: AEK have scored several goals this season from corners and indirect free kicks, while Aberdeen have conceded multiple from such situations in 2025.

📊 Form and Stats (2025)

  • AEK Larnaca have won 4 of their last 6 home matches in all competitions.

  • Aberdeen have failed to win any of their last 5 away European fixtures.

  • AEK’s games in Europe this season have averaged 2.8 goals per match.

  • Miovski has scored 7 goals in his last 10 appearances for Aberdeen.

  • AEK Larnaca’s average possession at home in 2025 exceeds 58%, showing their comfort on the ball.

🔮 Match Prediction

The balance of quality, form, and conditions leans in favour of AEK Larnaca. The Cypriots’ midfield control and home support in Athens should give them the upper hand. Aberdeen’s effort and counterattacking threat can’t be ignored, but their defensive instability away from home remains a major weakness.

✅ Prediction 1: AEK Larnaca to Win
✅ Prediction 2: Both Teams to Score – Yes
✅ Prediction 3: Over 2.5 Goals

Final Score Prediction: AEK Larnaca 3 – 1 Aberdeen ⚽

Expect a lively contest with AEK asserting dominance and converting key chances, while Aberdeen may find a consolation through Miovski or McGrath but struggle to contain Larnaca’s creative play.