Panathinaikos on the hunt for crucial win against Aris
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
The “Trifylli” is gearing up for a massive clash with Aris in Thessaloniki wherein victory would provide a pivotal boost to their championship aspirations.
Panathinaikos takes on Aris at “Kleanthis Vikelidis” Stadium on Monday morning (AEDT) in the Greek Super League’s 22nd round, and they have everything to play for.
The Greens come into the match four points off first-placed Olympiacos and so do not have the luxury of accepting anything less than a win.
Panathinaikos will take confidence in knowing this is their last derby game for the regular season, meaning that a victory would put them in good stead for a strong finish in the remaining rounds.
Aris will be hopeful to catch their opponents in a moment of vulnerability, with them fatigued and down on confidence after their disappointing midweek Cup defeat to Olympiacos.
The Piraeus giants have a challenge of their own as they welcome one of the league’s most in-form sides, Asteras Tripolis, to their fortress of “Georgios Karaiskakis” ground.
While their spirits will be much better than the Greens, Olympiacos will still be fatigued themselves which may provide the opportunity for the Arcadians to cause an upset.
Asteras Tripolis comes into the fixture on an eight-game winning streak in all competitions, a run of form that will give them tremendous confidence as they seek to cause a major upset.
Olympiacos has not lost since October when the Arcadians defeated them 1-0, meaning the game is also a chance for the “red-whites” to enact their revenge.
AEK hosts Panserraikos at “Agia Sophia” Stadium with the goal of securing a triumph to maintain their place right behind the league leaders.
PAOK goes away to battle OFI on Sunday morning with victory a must to preserve their slim chances of winning the league.
Volos plays Panetolikos at home in the round opener with the Magnesia side aiming to deliver the Canaries their third straight defeat as they strive to claim a position in the fifth-eighth play-offs spots.
Lamia clashes with Levadiakos at home on Tuesday morning in an absolute must-win fixture, with the Fthiotida club needing maximum points to give their hopes of avoiding relegation an essential boost.
Kallithea also needs a win in their away meeting with Atromitos to stay within range of 12th-placed Levadiakos, who currently occupies the last position of safety on the ladder.
Greek Super League Round 22 fixtures (AEDT)
Volos-Panetolikos: 2am, Sun 9 Feb
OFI-PAOK: 5am, Sun 9 Feb
Olympiacos-Asteras Tripolis: 2am, Mon 10 Feb
Aris-Panathinaikos: 4.30am, Mon 10 Feb
AEK-Panserraikos: 5.30am, Mon 10 Feb
Lamia-Levadiakos: 2am, Tue 11 Feb
Atromitos-Kallithea: 3am, Tue 11 Feb
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
