Derby of Eternal Enemies with a twist
 

GREEK SUPERLEAGUE - MATCHDAY 4

AGONAsport previews the latest Derby of Eternal Enemies clash at OAKA in Matchday 4 of the Greek Super League that takes place on Sunday evening.

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This is a fixture that needs no introduction… Greece’s two most supported clubs that simply love to hate each other. However, the differing paths these two giants have taken, especially early in this season, will make this meeting a very different one.

Panathinaikos are in disarray. The team is a mess on the field - they are yet to score a goal from open play after three matches and are very shaky defensively. Giorgos Donis was in the firing line after the team’s incredibly slow start but his future was guaranteed for at least another week by Giannis Alafouzos. However, matters are even worse off the field. Alafouzos remains as the owner, much to the fury of fans.

As a result of the poor start and the off-field leadership issues, Gate 13 has taken the step of not attending this clash. They attended training during the week and informed the players of their decision. Most of the anger is directed at the hugely unpopular Alafouzos. A protest rally will start at 2 pm on Sunday at Leoforos demanding that Alafouzos hands over the ownership to Dimitris Giannakopoulos, and will end up at the OAKA Olympic Indoor Hall (for the basketball tournament in tribute of Pavlos and Thanasis Giannakopoulos).

Nikos Dabizas also took aim at the players after last week’s embarrassment at the hands of Aris by heaping all of the blame on them. In the modern game, this tends not to end well but it is hoped a reaction follows. If the players cannot be up for this game, serious questions need to be asked.

Meanwhile, Olympiacos have started the season in an astonishing manner and show no signs of slowing down. Pedro Martins was given the summer to build his team and appears to have done so. They are yet to concede a goal in the Championship and showcased their attacking talent in last week’s 5-0 drubbing over Volos. On top of this, they managed to pull two goals back to salvage a hugely important point midweek in the UEFA Champions League against Tottenham.

The squad appears united. There is quality all over the park and depth does not seem to be an issue. In Ruben Semedo, the Reds have a rock at the back that can keep opposition strikers quiet. In the final third, Mathieu Valbuena, Daniel Podence, Miguel Guerrero, Giorgos Masouras, Lazar Randelovic and Youssef El-Arabi have been causing havoc.

Consequently, the two sides are pulling in totally opposite directions. Panathinaikos need to turn things around quickly before the heat becomes unbearable and things get really toxic. Olympiacos are sailing smoothly on all fronts and are hoping to win their first piece of silverware in two seasons.

The only issue in this clash is mentality. The Greens will be hungry and despite their start, they have the players to hurt their rivals, should they be underestimated. Federico Macheda, Giannis Bouzoukis and Tasos Chatzigiovanis showcased their combinations early last season. On top of this, Dimitris Kourbelis will return from suspension to captain the side.

Last season, the two arch rivals played out an enthralling 1-1 draw in the first match at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. Ergys Kace scored one of the goals of the season for an unfancied Panathinaikos side who frustrated the Reds to great effect, before Pape Abou Cisse equalised deep in stoppage time. The return clash was marred by fan violence and Olympiacos were awarded a 0-3 win on paper.

Team News: Panathinaikos

Giorgos Donis needs results quickly. The under-siege coach stated he “considered leaving after the loss to Aris” but has decided to stay on and “fight as one on Sunday.” Kourbelis has stated that “a reaction will come” and the team “supports Donis with all its heart.” The captain returns from suspension, meanwhile Sokratis Dioudis has trained as normal and should start. Joao Nunes and Fausto Tienza are also in contention. Donis will definitely switch things up in terms of a formation, earlier in the week he pondered a 4-2-3-1 but now 4-5-1 looks more likely.

Possible line-up: Dioudis, Insua, Nunes, Kolovetsios, Schenkeveld, Johansson, Kourbelis, Zahid, Bouzoukis, Chatzigiovanis, Macheda.

Team News: Olympiacos

Still on a high from the midweek comeback, it remains to be seen whether or not Martins will opt to rest several players or continue pushing along as per normal. While the squad remains settled for now, recent reports suggest the Portuguese coach will make three changes at most, particularly in defence and defensive midfield. The 4-2-3-1 formation is tipped to remain.

Possible line-up: Sa, Elabdellaoui, Cisse, Semedo, Koutris, Guilherme, Camara, Masouras, Valbuena, Podence, Guerrero.

Referee: Sascha Stegmann (Germany)

The 34-year-old German referee Sascha Stegmann will take charge of Sunday’s Derby of Eternal Enemies. In line with a policy adopted last season, foreign referees will officiate derby matches in Greece. Born in Niederkassel, he began officiating in the Bundesliga in 2014. To date, he has held the whistle for a total of 73 official Bundesliga matches (plus one playoff). He has given out 249 yellow cards and has dismissed a player on a second yellow on 5 occasions. On top of this, he has given 7 straight red cards and 20 penalties. This season he has begun officiating in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League. The German also holds a diploma in public administration.

by Nick Tsambouniaris

Image Source: sdna.gr

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