Both AEK and Panathinaikos are preparing for two huge challenges as they prepare to face Olympiacos and PAOK. Each side will have to hold strong as they look for an advantage in a title race that is firmly in the balance.

Enosi faces the Piraeus giants at “Agia Sophia” Stadium on Thursday morning (AEST) in the eighth round of the Greek Super League play-offs, with the “yellow-blacks” striving for maximum points in their toughest match remaining.

AEK was held to a draw last round against their premiership rivals, Panathinaikos, though their performance would have greatly boosted their morale heading into the last three games.

The Double-headed eagle of the South has a significantly better fixture list compared to the Greens wherein they play Aris (5th) and Volos (6th), meaning that their hopes of taking the title would drastically improve as long as they defeat Olympiacos.

The Piraeus outfit comes in craving revenge after AEK knocked them out of the Cup and then effectively ended their championship dreams by defeating them 1-3 at their home ground.

Victory for the “red-whites” would do wonders for their chances of finishing third and potentially grab a qualifying spot for the Europa League, the best outcome they can hope for out of an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Panathinaikos clashes with PAOK at “Leoforos” Stadium in an epic derby that could make or break their season.

The “Trifylli” has a treacherous schedule which includes matches with Olympiacos at “Georgios Karaiskakis” ground and Aris and, with AEK still level on points, it looks like they will have to be perfect to secure their first league title since 2010.

The Thessaloniki club will not give in to the Green machine with their sights firmly set on attaining third place, and they will take confidence from having beaten their rivals at their home 0-3 earlier in the season.

Volos is lined up for an away battle with Aris at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” ground in what is their final hope of earning European football.

The Magnesia side is currently seven points behind their opponents and so must earn victory to stay alive in the race for fifth place and, more importantly, the final European qualifying spot.

The “yellow-blacks”, in turn, have the chance to wrap up fifth position and officially book their place in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.

Play-offs Rd 8 fixtures (AEST)

AEK-Olympiacos: 03.00, Thu 03 May

Panathinaikos-PAOK: 03.00, Thu 03 May

Aris-Volos: 03.00, Thu 03 May