Overview
- AEK Larnaca enter the home fixture with a perfect group record after beating AZ Alkmaar and winning at Crystal Palace, leaving progression within reach with another victory.
- Aberdeen travel without a point from the group and off a 6-0 European loss at AEK Athens, though Jimmy Thelin points to three wins in their last four domestic games as encouragement.
- Imanol Idiakez rejects the favourites tag and calls Aberdeen the bigger club due to their European history under Sir Alex Ferguson, while warning about their attacking threat and transitions.
- Thelin insists “nothing is impossible” and maintains qualification is still attainable, identifying AEK’s experience and Sweden international Marcus Rohden as key threats.
- Aberdeen are missing defender Alfie Dorrington for three to four weeks, with Ante Palversa and Sivert Nilsen out until after the international break, and Thelin declines comment on reported Hibs interest in Dante Polvara as Lutz Pfannenstiel prepares to join the club this month.