Panathinaikos has a golden opportunity for an important reset following the sacking of coach Diego Alonso, with the players needing to show a strong response after a lacklustre opening few months.
The Greens is set to face Volos away on Monday morning (AEDT) in the Greek Super League’s tenth round, with the contest representing a crucial moment in their season as they look to prove themselves after Alonso’s sacking.
The players will have to muster a strong display which could prove difficult after the squad travelled to England midweek for George Baldock’s funeral.
The Greens will have to manage their emotions properly if they wish to score all three points.
Aris will be looking to hold onto first when they take on Levadiakos at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” Stadium.
The “yellow-blacks” went alone at the top of the table after last week’s spectacular round saw Olympiacos, AEK and PAOK all lose games (the first time they all lost without any of them playing Panathinaikos since February 1988).
The hosts will therefore be extra keen to ensure victory and hold on tight to top spot for another week.
PAOK, the closest to Aris on the ladder, will be looking for an immediate bounce back when they travel to play Lamia at “Athanasios Diakos” ground.
The Thessaloniki giants undid some of the shock of last matchday with an easy win midweek in the Greek Cup over Egaleo, though they will be especially keen to get their league campaign back on track.
AEK is also preparing for an away clash as they take on Atromitos, and Enosi is similarly aiming to translate their strong Cup form midweek (beating Aris) to earn a crucial win that restores their league form.
Olympiacos takes on Panserraikos (one of the giant slayers of last matchday) at Georgios Karaiskakis” Stadium in the round’s opening fixture on Sunday morning.
The Piraeus giants will be wary of their opponents, who conquered AEK last week, knowing that they will have to be at their best to secure the win.
Kallithea hosts Panetolikos in a game they will be desperate to win, given their status as one of the only two clubs yet to win this campaign.
The Agrinio side has started the season strongly, occupying fifth place currently, though their loss to Volos in the previous round will have served as a reminder that they cannot take anything for granted.
Asteras Tripolis and OFI will close the round with an intriguing clash on Tuesday morning, with both teams riding the high of defeating a top team.
The Arcadians managed to upset Olympiacos while the Cretans stunned PAOK inside their home fortress of “Toumba”.
The game is thus delicately poised with the game standing out as a most interesting clash wherein the result is unpredictable.
Greek Super League Round 10 fixtures (AEDT)
Olympiacos-Panserraikos: 2am, Sun 3 Nov
Kallithea-Panetolikos: 5.30am, Sun 3 Nov
Aris-Levadiakos: 1.30am, Mon 4 Nov
Volos-Panathinaikos: 2am, Mon 4 Nov
Atromitos-AEK: 5.30am, Mon 4 Nov
Lamia-PAOK: 5.30am, Mon 4 Nov
Asteras Tripolis-OFI: 2.30am, Tue 5 Nov
