The Greek Super League is in store for a blockbuster weekend as it features two huge derbies between PAOK-Aris and AEK-Panathinaikos in the most compelling matchday of the season yet.
The two derbies will each take place on Monday morning (AEST) to spearhead the sixth round of the competition, and the results already could be quite telling in regards to the premiership race.
AEK hosts Panathinaikos at “Agia Sophia” Stadium in what looks to be the more interesting contest of the two as a win is of vital importance for each side.
The Greens’ poor start has meant that there is already overwhelming pressure on them to perform in the early derby fixtures if they wish to gain any ground in the premiership race.
AEK, meanwhile, is right on the tail of league leaders PAOK and desperate do not want to give them even more of a points advantage.
Victory would no doubt do wonders for each club’s confidence, adding further significance to their clash.
PAOK is equally in store for a huge derby as they take on crosstown rivals Aris at “Toumba” ground.
The “black-whites” will be eager to secure maximum points which would not only earn them bragging rights but also guarantee their place atop the ladder.
Aris will be hopeful of procuring a result with the side coming off an impressive win against Olympiacos last weekend.
The “yellow-blacks” will do everything in their power to emulate that performance and hand PAOK their first league defeat of the campaign.
Olympiacos will keep a watchful eye on the outcomes of both derbies, though they will first be occupied with their own home fixture against Atromitos wherein three points are a must for the Piraeus outfit.
The Peristeriotes may have an ever-so-slight advantage in the game as the “red-whites” could be fatigued after their midweek trip to France for their Europa League game.
OFI is set to play Panetolikos at home in what will be their second encounter inside of a week after the Cretans beat them 2-1 in the Greek Cup’s fourth round on Thursday morning.
The Agrinio side will be eager to get their revenge and avoid back-to-back defeats in Crete.
Volos faces Kallithea at home in the round’s opening match on Sunday morning as they strive to win their first league fixture since the second matchday.
The Magnesia outfit was dealt a difficult early draw with three of their opening five games coming against PAOK, AEK and Olympiacos, and they will hope to maximise their upcoming contest with a stubborn Kallithea side that has drawn four of its five outings.
Asteras Tripolis is preparing for a visit from Levadiakos with the Arcadians hoping to deliver Claude Makelele his first win as their coach.
Lamia is looking to add to Panserraikos’ woes when they meet in the round’s final match on Tuesday morning, with the Fthiotida side aiming to extend Serres club’s winless streak in the league.
Greek Super League Round 6 fixtures (AEST)
Volos-Kallithea: 12am, Sun 29 Sep
Asteras Tripolis-Levadiakos: 3am, Sun 29 Sep
OFI-Panetolikos: 12am, Mon 30 Sep
Olympiacos-Atromitos: 1am, Mon 30 Sep
PAOK-Aris: 3.30am, Mon 30 Sep
AEK-Panathinaikos: 4.30am, Mon 30 Sep
Lamia-Panserraikos: 3am, Tue 1 Oct
