The “Trifylli” is set to open the new year with a massive clash against PAOK as both teams strive to start 2025 on the right foot.

Panathinaikos hosts the Thessaloniki giants at the Olympic Stadium on Monday morning in the Greek Super League’s 17th round, and three points are critical for each club’s title aspirations.

The Greens have had a resurgence in form since the arrival of coach Rui Vitoria, though a win against a top club would go a long way in improving the team’s ladder position and boosting the team’s confidence.

For PAOK, the game represents a perfect opportunity to increase their one-point lead over Panathinaikos and maintain their place right behind league leaders Olympiacos.

The Piraeus outfit will no doubt monitor the result of the derby and use whatever outcome as motivation when they travel away to face Panetolikos on Tuesday morning.

The “red-whites” will be desperate not to fall out of first, but they will be mindful of the threat the Agrinio side poses (especially given the Canaries drew with them in the reverse fixture).

AEK will be hopeful to capitalise on any points dropped from the top clubs when they battle Volos away on Monday morning.

Enosi slipped into fourth at the end of 2024 following a shock draw to Levadiakos, a result they would like to make up for as soon as possible by earning a win and ascending past at least one other team on the ladder in the process.

Aris takes on OFI at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” ground with their sights set on securing their fourth straight league win.

Atromitos goes head-to-head with Asteras Tripolis at home in a well-balanced affair between eighth and ninth (both sides currently sitting on 19 points).

Levadiakos challenges Panserraikos at home as both teams look to strengthen their place on the ladder, particularly the “blue-greens” who are currently 12th.

Kallithea hosts Lamia in a crucial second last vs last fixture on Sunday morning that is a true must-win for both teams.

The Athenian outfit did not win a single game last year, failing to convert many of their draws into victories, which they hope can change in 2025.

Lamia’s form is not much better with their only league win coming in the first round, meaning wins are just as important for them at this stage if they wish to avoid relegation.

Greek Super League Round 17 fixtures (AEDT)

Kallithea-Lamia: 2am, Sun 5 Jan

Levadiakos-Panserraikos: 12am, Mon 6 Jan

Aris-OFI: 1.30am, Mon 6 Jan

Volos-AEK: 2am, Mon 6 Jan

Atromitos-Asteras Tripolis: 4.30am, Mon 6 Jan

Panathinaikos-PAOK: 5.30am, Mon 6 Jan

Panetolikos-Olympiacos: 3am, Tue 7 Jan