Olympiacos-AEK: Evidence derby at “G. Karaiskakis”

The “G. Karaiskakis” hosts another derby between Olympic and AEK for the 8th matchday of the Stoiximan Super League (21:00, Cosmote TV, sport-fm.gr, News Bulletin 247), two teams that enter the game with different psychologies but with the common goal of proving their readiness for the title.

THE Olympic comes from the heavy defeat in Barcelona where they conceded six goals to Barcelona. The Madrid side were competitive in Montjuic for around 60 minutes, however, a drawn second yellow on Hesse brought about the collapse.

In the championship, however, the “red and white” remain stable, with 2-0 over AEL in Larissa the previous matchday to show that they can quickly return to positive momentum even after defeats (2-1 from PAOK).

The challenge for Olympiakos is to stabilize its defensive function and make use of the in-form player El Kaabiwho is coming off consecutive good games and has built a good tradition against AEK.

“The opponent is a good team and strong. They definitely want to beat us and are very motivated playing against us. I expect nothing less than a tough game.”stated Mendiliber for the Union.

In addition to the derby are the Gelson Martins and Ortegawhile the mission included Rodinei and Ciquinio. The mission of the “red and whites” in detail:

Paschalakis, Tzolakis, Kouraklis, Biancon, Pirola, Costinia, Rodinei, Mantsa, Retsos, Bruno, Nascimento, Garthia, Sipioni, Tsikinio, Strefetsa, Ese, Pontense, Pneumonidis, Campela, Mouzakitis, Yazizi, El Kaabi, Yaremchuk, Taremi.

On the other hand, AEK comes from an emphatic score win 6-0 over Aberdeen in the Conference League, a result that brought confidence and showed character after the defeat by PAOK, which was also the first in the league.

THE Marko Nikolic proved that he can activate his team when needed, however the challenge in Faliro is different, as Union is called upon to remain focused throughout the match and avoid defensive mistakes, as they did against PAOK.

Few changes are expected to be made by the Serbian coach, who is expected to follow a similar tactic with the “two-headed man of the north” by waiting behind the ball, hitting on the opposition.

“Their style of play is with a lot of second balls, with long transfers. They are very direct, they are ready to take advantage of the slightest mistake you make”commented Nikolic about Olympiakos.

He is absent Mukudi who was sent off in the match against PAOK, while normally at Nikolic’s disposal is Jovicwho injured his elbow in the match against the Scots.

Possible lineups:

Olympiakos (Jose Luis Mediliber): Tzolakis, Costinia, Retsos, Pirola, Bruno, Sipioni, Mouzakitis, Pontense, Campela, Taremi, El Kaabi.

AEK (Marko Nikolic): Strakosa, Rota, Vida, Relvas, Pelios, Pineda, Marin, Eliasson, Mandalos, Coita, Jovic.

Referee: Tobias Stiller

Assistants: Christian Gitelman, Mark Bors

4th: Tsimenterides

VAR: Reichel Tobias, AVAR: Evangelou