Super League set to take shape on Matchday 10

By: Peter Katsiris | November 14th, 2008

After a week dominated by play in the Greek Cup, the Greek Super League returns to main attention with several important matchups taking place across the country. Once again, a derby will steal headlines this weekend, but the peloton in Greece is keen to keep close tabs on the Super League’s front runners. Eight matches over two days, makes for another exciting in what has proven to be a competitive edition of the Greek top flight.

Larissa vs. Panathinaikos
Saturday, November 15^th, 2008
Time: 16:45 GR
Venue: Alkazar Stadium, Larissa
TV: ALPHA

The weekend commences in Larissa, as Panathinaikos pays a visit to the Alkazar Stadium to take on Larissa. After a scoreless derby draw last weekend, Panathinaikos will be seeking full points on Saturday to keep in pace with their main rivals. Larissa will also be hunting for victory, after a trip to Crete ended in defeat for the 2007 Greek Cup winners.

Panathinaikos has had a busy week, after the derby the ‘Tryfilli’ were give only a few days off before battling Nea Kavala in the Greek Cup. Ante Rukavina struck twice, while Lazaros Christodoulopoulos netted once to propel Panathinaikos to the victory. Both goal scorers have been included in Henk Ten Cate’s side for the weekend, but many regulars have been deemed unavailable for the trip to Thessaly. Notable absentees will be Andreas Ivanschitz and Bryce Moon, the latter misses his second consecutive league match. A win away from home is crucial for Panathinaikos, as they look to stay in contention for a domestic triumph.

Larissa will be hoping the home crowd on hand on Saturday will be the key to a victory, as the visitors are heavy favourites. Larissa’s recent form does not do any good for the side’s confidence, as the ‘Vyssini’ are winless in their last four Super League outings. Nonetheless, Marinos Ouzounidis’ side is capable of toppling the Athenian giants. Injuries could haunt the hosts as well, with midweek reports suggesting Christian Weber would miss the Panathinaikos visit. Other injury reports highlighted an injury to Anastasios Kyriakos, but the Greek is expected to suit up for Saturday’s encounter.

With both teams desperate to stay in contention – for different reasons of course – the match could prove to be a very physical affair. An already injury-stricken Panathinaikos will be careful not to be too aggressive, as their Champions League campaign is reaching its climax in about two weeks time.

Aris vs. Asteras Tripolis
Saturday, November 15^th, 2008
Time: 19:00 GR
Venue: Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium, Thessaloniki
TV: NET

A narrow win against Thrasyvoulos last weekend, followed by a similar victory over Atromitos in the Greek Cup on Wednesday, proved Aris FC is going through some tough times at the moment. Their Saturday opponents are no strangers to difficult times, as Asteras Tripolis looks to write a new chapter with a visit to Thessaloniki.

The hosts looked to have been revived after a home defeat of Olympiacos, but the Thessaloniki-based side has only scraped through recent matches. Another defensive duel is expected at the Kleanthis Vikelidis, with the visitors known to have one of the best defensive lines in the league. Scoring has been hard to come by for Enrique Hernandez’s side, just eight goals in nine matches has seen Aris rely heavily on its defensive attributes. There is doubt over the fitness of Sergio Koke, but the Spaniard is expected to be ready for match – most likely limited to a substitute’s role. Other injury news allows Hernandez to glee as Kostas Nebegleras has recovered from a nagging injury.

A new season starts now for Asteras Tripolis, who officially parted ways with manager Carlos Carvalhal. Taking the Portuguese’s spot as bench boss will be Khalid Karama, who enjoys his first game in charge of the Arcadian club on Saturday. It’s a tough position to be in for the care-take manager, a side struggling to reproduce last year’s success, while battling several injuries. Suffering from more than just bumps and bruises, three key players are expected to sit out another game for Asteras. Jaouad Zairi leads the list of absentees, but is joined by Jean Carlos and Leonidas Argyropoulos. Added to the fact that there is plenty of speculation of who will permanently replace Carvalhal, the ongoing rumor mill could pose distractions to an already deflated side.

With defense being the strong point of both sides, creativity in the opposite direction could ultimately decide this game. Karama will be optimistic to commence his reign as manager on a winning note, but the atmosphere of the Vikelidis Stadium will strive to intimidate the visitors. Aris will be keen to extend a three game undefeated streak in the Super League.

AEK vs. Panserraikos
Saturday, November 15^th, 2008
Time: 19:00 GR
Venue: OAKA Spyro Louis Stadium, Athens
TV: novasports1

AEK stumbled against Skoda Xanthi last weekend, and after an extra time victory over Illysiakos, Georgios Donis’ side will be looking forward to home fortunes as Panserraikos pays a visit to the Greek capital. An apparent unease within the ‘Enosi’ leaves doubt over the chemistry between AEK’s starting eleven, and more importantly their manager.

Success has been hard to come by for AEK, after a disastrous opening to the season AEK fans found comfort in the opening day win over Panathinaikos; however, it has been a bumpy road for the traditional title contenders. With only three wins on the season, and just one in the last thirty days, AEK’s title chances seem to be slowly diminishing week after week. A visit from one of Greece’s basement clubs could be the right tonic for a side looking to get back on track. The Athenian giants will be boosted by the news of Rafik Djebbour returning to fitness – a player ensuring an AEK victory two weeks ago with a spectacular bicycle-kick.

Giannis Papakostas won’t be expecting any trickery from his side, as Panserraikos looks to bust out of a relegation log jam. A midweek win in the Greek Cup against Lamia could act as a boost in confidence, for a side surely up against it in Athens. Similar to their hosts, Panserraikos is all too familiar with controversy behind closed doors. The media microscope is not on a high magnification as it is in Athens, but high enough to report Papakostas’ desires to leave the ‘Liontara’. A vote by the board ruled out Papakostas’ request to step down, leaving the Greek manager with no choice but to manage the club till season’s end. Not known for its offensive abilities, the sparse attacking abilities Panserraikos possess will be limited as Sambegou Bangoura has been ruled out of the road trip. Only adding to the woes, midfielder Georgios Gougoulias will also miss out.

Like many games on AEK’s remaining schedule, Saturday evening’s encounter will truly be must-win scenario; especially for a side lacking confidence, and furthermore the ability to chase the Greek Championship.

Levadeiakos vs. OFI
Sunday, November 16^th, 2008
Time: 15:00 GR
Venue: Levadias Stadium, Levadia
TV: N/A

Sunday kick offs are commenced in Levadia, as two bottom-dwellers meet in Central Greece. After securing their first win of the season last weekend, OFI hopes to extend their winning streak when they meet up with Levadeiakos. The hosts are winless in five league outings, and were ousted from the Greek Cup on Wednesday by Beta Ethniki side Kerkyra.

OFI has not enjoyed too much success in recent years, as basement finishes have plagued the Cretan club. A winless start to the season was not expected, however, as failure to guide his side to victory cost Frantisek Straka his job as OFI boss. Replaced by Pavlos Adamos, just days before a trip to Serres, the Greek care-taker manager guided his side to their first win in his first game in charge. He continued his winning introduction to his new role with an OFI triumph away to Agrotikos Asteras on Wednesday. With OFI’s away form providing more reason to cheer than their play at Pankritio, Adamos’ side could strike for yet another victory. The road to maximum points will be a tough one, as the home side is undefeated at their home ground.

Although yet to lose at home, Levadeiakos’ play at home has been far from convincing. After four matches at the Levadias Stadium, Momcilo Vukotic’s side has scored just two goals – whilst conceding the same total. Slim 1-0 wins have been the story of Levadeiakos’ two league triumphs to date, but a win is a win in the eyes of a side slowly forgetting what victory feels like.

As desperation sets in for both clubs, the fact that both sides could fall further into the relegation rut has become more and more obvious for two of Greece’s minnows. If the Cretans are to change their fortunes, a string of victories are necessary while confidence remains high. Lady luck has been unkind to Levadeiakos, and although that is an uncontrollable factor, the ‘Prasini’ do have control of their fate.

Ergotelis vs. Thrasyvoulos
Sunday, November 16^th, 2008
Time: 15:00 GR
Venue: Pankritio Stadium, Herklion
TV: N/A

Home comforts have rewarded Ergotelis thus far, and a push to extend their fortunes will come timely as bottom side Thrasyvoulos travels to Greece’s southern-most island. With last place not the position Sakis Tsiolis’ is keen in residing, the visitors will have nothing to lose when the pay a visit to one the league’s dark horses.

Nikos Karageorgiou has transformed Ergotelis from minnows to a side capable of stunning their opponents. They will be favourites this weekend, as the ‘Canaries’ host a side licking their wounds after an early Greek Cup exit. An early dismissal from the Cup was not on the agenda for Ergotelis; however, it took a valiant effort by the Cretan club to overcome Ethinkos Asteras on Wednesday. A difficult road trip to Athens kick started a streak, which has seen Ergotelis lose just one of their last three matches. The opportunity to extend that streak to four is surely high, as Thrasyvoulos’ away form has been atrocious – the only highlight coming from a 3-1 win over OFI in Crete.

Although the Pankritio Stadium does not play home to Thrasyvoulos, the visitors will be hoping the Olympic style venue will continue to bode good luck for a side seeking optimism. An early season revival which began in Crete, and extended to a 3-3 draw with AEK did not go to plan for the side named after an Ancient Greek general. Consecutive league defeats against the likes of Panthrakikos and Aris, combined with the devastating cup defeat against Veria, opened the door for criticism of Sakis Tsiolis; ultimately tipping the Greek manager for an eventual Thrasyvoulos departure. The bench boss will look to muster up enough tactics to silence his critics, at least for the time being, as Thrasyvoulos faces an uphill battle to stay alive in the Super League.

With Sunday’s man focus elsewhere, much of Greece won’t be watching this game. Nonetheless, the match holds plenty of importance; with both clubs looking to climb the standings.

Panthrakikos vs. Skoda Xanthi
Sunday, November 16^th, 2008
Time: 16:45 GR
Venue: Komotini Stadium, Komotini
TV: novasports1

Skoda Xanthi held AEK to a 1-1 draw last weekend, but the ‘Queen of Thrace’ will be tempted to exceed that feat against their local rivals Panthrakikos. Making the short trip to Komotini, Skoda Xanthi will be favoured to continue its undefeated form away from Xanthi. Panthrakikos, unlike their opponents, had the week off and are coming off a scoreless draw in Tripoli to extend their undefeated streak to three games.

Skoda Xanthi travelled to Kallithea during the week, and a 3-1 win ensured a safe journey into the next round of the Greek Cup. With a clean bill of health, Georgios Paraschos will be hoping for his side to transfer Cup success into a triumph in Komotini. Performances with that multitude of goals have been hard to come by in the league, with Xanthi scoring more than one goal on just two occasions this season. With goals hard to come by for Xanthi, the match on Sunday afternoon could prove to be another defensive duel – at least in the eyes of the away side.

After collecting just four points in their first six fixtures of the season, Emilio Ferrera’s side have played far beyond expectation in recent weeks – a complete turnaround from the early weeks of the season. Easily toppling their opening output, Panthrakikos has managed to pick up seven points in the past three weeks. The task of continuing their impressive streak will surely be a challenge without any extraneous variables, but the Thracian club will be hoping Abdul Diallo is ready for kickoff. The Ivorian Coast striker leads the club with two tallies this season.

The match may be highlighted by local pride, but both managers know the local derby could have a national impact for both sides: affecting Xanthi’s quest to stay in the top sector of the standings, while Panthrakikos attempts to improve on the ninth place position.

Panionios vs. Iraklis
Sunday, November 16^th, 2008
Time: 19:00 GR
Venue: Panionios Stadium, Nea Smyrni
TV: novasports1

Panionios has made headlines all week, with a managerial switch becoming the talking point for the entire league. Panionios announced the departure of Ewald Lienen on Tuesday and less than twenty-four hours later they announced German’s successor, Takis Lemonis. With a fresh face now in charge of the Panionios reins, Nea Smyrni beckons a victorious finish to a week stirring up plenty of drama throughout the drama. Iraklis will ensure nothing comes easy for Lemonis in his first match in charge of the ‘Kyanerythri’, as the Thessaloniki-based club hopes the road trip to the periphery of Attica will add to their one-win total.

It wasn’t just the managerial substitution that captured Greece’s attention, but the player controversy involving Lambros Choutos. An instrumental part of Panionios’ success since his arrival in Nea Smyrni, Choutos was demoted to train with the youth side after a heated argument between the Greek striker and the coaching staff. With this coming before the firing of Lienen, it was only an indication of there being unease within the Panionios camp. Despite Choutos’ monumental contribution to the club, the decision to send the player to the youth team has not been revised. With a close friend of the Greek striker also unavailable, Lemonis’ choices in attack may be limited. Alvaro Recoba was evaluated earlier in the week, and results revealed the Uruguayan striker will need one month to recover. The list of absentees continues as Bennard Kumordzi – a sniper-like presence for Panionios – misses out on his second consecutive match.

Iraklis’ enjoyed a winning start to Rodolfo Borel’s temporary tenure as manager of the centenary club. Despite the long wait for their first three-point triumph, the ‘Galanoleuki’ have improved in the past four weeks. Three consecutive draws – including a 2-2 stalemate with Panathinaikos – were the approaching results to the victory, as the Thessaloniki-based side rides a four game undefeated streak. With ownership escalating talks with many potential managers, the Greek Cup win over Kastoria took a back seat to rumors spewing potential replacements; however, another win on Sunday would truly give the media a new talking point.

As Panionios tries to turn the page on an era, and to make way for a fresh one under their new manager, the dependency of key individuals has slightly increased in the last seventy-hours. Iraklis will try to exploit the weaknesses of a drama-filled Panionios squad, as the centenary club attempts to overcome their hosts on Sunday.

Olympiacos vs. PAOK
Sunday, November 16^th, 2008
Time: 19:00 GR
Venue: Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus

Another derby awaits Olympiacos this weekend, but the stakes could be much more significant than pride. PAOK makes the trip for Thessaloniki to Piraeus, as the two sides ranked number one and two atop the Super League standings meet at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

Last weekend’s headline derby with Panathinaikos did not live up to expectations, as a poor performance by both sides steered the match into a goalless conclusion. Now, Olympiacos is called to rise to the action as a rejuvenated PAOK side makes its way into Piraeus. The last few weeks have been unkind to Olympiacos; a loss in the UEFA Cup, followed by a loss in the Super League triggered a series of slim victories. Ernesto Valverde’s side has scored just two goals in their least three league outings – a stat lethal to the club’s title hopes if it continues.

Defensive woes could be the next problem for the ‘Eruthroleuki’ as a long line of players continue to face time on the sidelines. Michal Zewlakow was the last to join a list that includes the likes of Leonardo and defensive midfielder Ieroklis Stoltidis. If there was any silver -lining to Valverde’s pre-game review, it was the inclusion of Paraskevas Antzas. The former Greece international has been declared fit, and should assume his role in the center of the Olympiacos defense.

PAOK has enjoyed a tough spell as well, but Fernando Santos’ side remains undefeated this season and plans to extend that feat with a win on Sunday night. The challenge of dethroning the league leaders and defending champions will not come easy for a side far too similar to their hosts. After hosting the other members of the ‘big three’ and limiting them to a point, PAOK has forced the issue of increasing the group to the ‘big four’. A mammoth test, however, must be surpassed before any invitation will be extended.

Led by Bosnian striker, Zlatan Muslimovic, PAOK’s revival has sparked comparison to Olympiacos emergence in front of goal last season. Though Olympiacos has always been successful in Greece, the presence and success of Darko Kovacevic shocked many. Muslimovic seems to be doing the same for PAOK, as the ‘Dikefale tou Vorra’ has finally emerged once again from the shadows of Greek football.

On the injury front, PAOK has not been as hard hit as Olympiacos, but narrowly missed out on the services of Sergio Conceicao. The Portuguese midfielder, who has played football in three continents, has been included in the line-up. With an abundance of talent at his disposal, Santos is expected to make a few changes ahead of the derby on Sunday.

After the ‘eternal derby’ disappointed many last week, soccer fans will be hoping Olympiacos and PAOK light up the Piraeus sky on Sunday, as the two sides meet in what is being billed as a ‘statistical derby’.