The stage is set for an epic encounter between AEK and Panathinaikos in what could have a major impact on the title race, with the Greens striving for another huge win to gain the ascendency in the pursuit of the premiership.

Enosi hosts the “Trifylli” at “Agia Sophia” Stadium on Thursday morning (AEST) in the seventh round of the Greek Super League play-offs, and a victory to either club would do wonders for their championship aspirations.

Panathinaikos has fought their way back into the title race after winning five of their six play-offs matches thus far, with the side now capable of leaping into first if they can continue their form and beat their Athenian rivals.

For AEK, this match represents a crucial opportunity to deal a massive blow to a fellow premiership challenger as a victory would see them go four points clear of the Greens with three rounds left.

The stakes are so incredibly high that each side could even settle for a draw, which would likely be the preferred result of the other clubs aspiring for the league title, PAOK and Olympiacos.

PAOK is hoping to score a comfortable triumph over Lamia at “Athanasios Diakos” ground and reduce the deficit that currently places them five points off AEK with a catchup game to play against the Piraeus outfit.

The Thessaloniki side will still have to muster their strength, particularly given their poor recent form which has seen them go winless in their past four outings in all competitions.

Olympiacos, meanwhile, is preparing to challenge Aris at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” Stadium as they look to keep their strong momentum going.

The “red-whites” have won their last three play-offs fixtures, during which they also managed to qualify for the Europa Conference League semi-finals, with their league form keeping their slight championship hopes alive.

The Piraeus giants know that every remaining contest is essentially a must-win and so will do everything in their power to earn maximum points against an out-of-form Aris side that has lost four times on the bounce.

Play-offs Rd 7 fixtures (AEST)

Lamia-PAOK: 12am, Thu 25 Apr

Aris-Olympiacos: 2.30am, Thu 25 Apr

AEK-Panathinaikos: 3.30am, Thu 25 Apr