The recent loss against Ajax and disqualification from European competitions just came to add salt to the wounds of AEK Athens.

Marinos Ouzounidis had very little to say to his men ahead of the game versus Xanthi, as the champions will try to pick up their pieces and look for a much-needed win that will help them both mentally and on the board.

AEK are currently placed seventh, with even their visitors being better positioned than them (sixth), yet there aren’t many reasons to be optimistic that things will improve in the near future for the team.

During the press conference for the game against the Dutch champions mid-week, the Greek manager made public the club’s decision not to extend the contracts of three very important players (Lambropoulos, Simoes and Bakasetas), further limiting the already tight roster of the team.

Ouzounidis will not have much time to find solutions and there isn’t much word of any help coming in during the winter transfer window either, as the club is already under extreme financial pressure raising funds for the new stadium in Nea Philadelphia.

Elsewhere, PAOK will hope to continue their unbeaten run as they travel to Lamia to face the local club. El Kaddouri, Mauricio and Varela are all doubtful for this game, however captain Vieirinha has made himself available to his manager Razvan Lucescu.

Olympiacos will hope to build on the big win they got last week on Atromitos as they prepare to host Panetolikos, however as the visitors proved against AEK, they are prepared to punish anyone who takes them lightly.
It seems that Yaya Toure’s advent in Piraeus was meant to be short since he has stopped being included in manager Pedro Martins’ plans, even though he is fully fit.

There are already whispers being heard from England regarding a potential interest from West Ham.

The game of the week will be held at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium, where a renewed Aris hosts Panathinaikos.

The youthful team of the Greens have been one of the pleasant surprises of the season, demonstrating some enjoyable quick football action under the guidance of manager Giorgos Donis, however they will need to show some strong mentality if they are to escape the adverse atmosphere that the Aris supporters are expected to create.

Atromitos will look to get back on their feet against last-placed Apollon Smyrnis.

SUPER LEAGUE DAY 12 SCHEDULE

Saturday 1 December

  • AEL – Panionios
  • Apollon Smyrnis – Atromitos
  • PAS Giannena – OFI

Sunday 2 December

  • Levadiakos – Asteras Tripolis
  • Aris – Panathinaikos
  • AEK – Xanthi

Monday 3 December

  • Lamia – PAOK
  • Olympiacos – Panetolikos