Olympiacos – Aris Salonika
Greece - Stoiximan Super League, Round 6
Olympiakos is leading the Championship race with a 100% home record (4 wins out of 4, scoring 14 goals and conceding none). In their most recent victory, Olympiacos defeated Kifissia 4-0 at home (24/9). El Kaabi opened the scoring with a penalty (21'), with Pontense winning the penalty after a strong protest from the northern suburbs team regarding the decision. Portuguese star Pontense made it 2-0 (25', assisted by Ortega). Jovetic scored his first goal from a penalty that he himself won from Papasavva (64'). Ibora closed the score (90'+4', assisted by Biel). In the 40th minute, Solbakken had made four changes. Goalkeeper Paschalakis was excellent in handling the initial pressure from the guests, making crucial saves against Tetei and Mateus Krisioumas in the 9th and 15th minutes, respectively. Coach Martinez provided rest to players like Rodinei (A) and Masoura (ME), both of whom remained on the bench. So far, Olympiacos has featured 10 different scorers in 5 matches. Their next match is against PAS in Ioannina on 1/10.
In terms of match news, Ese (M) remains injured. Fortounis (ME) and Rodinei (A), who were on the bench against Kifisia, are expected to return to the starting lineup. Freire (A), El Arabi (E), and Brusai (M) were not in the 20 in the previous SL match for tactical reasons, but they are theoretically available. Martinez is out of action, so it's unclear if Brinicz (ME), Biancone (A), and Richards (MA) will be in his plans.
Aris, who started with two losses (0-0-2), has turned things around under Manzios' leadership with an unbeaten run of 2 wins and 1 draw (2-1-0). They secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Panaitolikos (24/9) in Thessaloniki. Moron scored two goals (22', assisted by Verstrate, and 55', assisted by Menendez), and Christodoulopoulos added one (85') with his first goal in the Thessaloniki shirt. Aris had good moments with Zamora (19'), Moron (54', Mavrias cleared off the line), and Menendes (57'). Aris was fortunate with Huanpi's shot hitting the crossbar (66'), while goalkeeper Questa reacted well to Karelis' chances (3', 50'). Agriniotes had four dangerous attempts, including Oikonomos's header (67'), indicating that their defense is improving. Aris had previously complained about the referee Al Hakim in their 2-1 home defeat to PAOK (19/3/2023), who was assigned to this match. Their next match is against Kifissia on 1/10 before the international break.
In terms of match news, Rupp (M), Xaverio Delgado (ME), and Djurasek (M) remain injured, with Pavicic (M) not considered for tactical reasons. Aidonis (A), who hasn't played a match in three months at Aris, was also left out. Doukoure (M) and Montoya (A), who will play a crucial role, did not get a minute on the pitch against Panaitolikos. Manzios seems to favor using two defensive midfielders, and newcomer Suleimanov (ME) started in the previous match but will likely be on the bench here.
Aris is expected to adopt defensive tactics in Faliro, aiming to slow down the game and secure a 1b result. However, considering Olympiakos's home record, it's unlikely that Aris will avoid conceding a goal.