Huge challenge awaits Aris in daunting stretch
In an impressive start to the season, newly promoted Aris have performed excellently, however their capabilities are about to be stretched to the limits in a tough stretch.
After suffering relegation to the Gamma Ethniki in 2014 because of financial problems, the route back to the Super League appeared a huge mountain to climb, but Aris finally earned promotion from the Football League in the 2017/2018 season and they’re here to stay. Despite undergoing a coaching change and a large squad overhaul, the Thessaloniki outfit have made a superb start to life in the big time, claiming 12 points in just six matches. Under the guidance of 64-year old Spanish boss Paco Herrera, Aris have played some attractive football in those six games, scoring nine goals and only conceding two at the other end.
However, while Aris’ brilliant form has to be admired, their life is going to become a lot tougher in the next three weeks. In a testing stretch, Aris will play PAOK, AEK and Olympiacos in three consecutive matches, fixtures which will show this team’s true potential. To their advantage, the club will face PAOK and Olympiacos at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium where they’re yet to concede a single goal, but admittedly Aris have only played AEL, Levadiakos and Asteras Tripolis at home. At the moment, arch-rivals PAOK lead the way in joint first place of the standings, and Olympiacos are showing positive signs with Portuguese manager Pedro Martins.
Something has to change if Aris are to achieve a good result at AEK. In their past two away matches in the Super League, Aris have dropped two successive defeats to PAS Giannina (0:1) and Panionios (0:1), missing several clear opportunities in both games. Due to a punishment for fan trouble, AEK will host Aris at an empty Olympic Stadium, but the Enosis still have enough quality in their ranks to make it a very challenging evening for their opponents.
Is there overwhelming pressure on Aris to play well in these particular games? No, not really. Derbies always come with added responsibility and hype, but taking into account that Aris are far from the finished article, fans can’t be too demanding. On the other hand, in the event that Aris tally a large points haul in the upcoming three matches, optimism will rise in Thessaloniki that the club could even make a serious bid to finish in the podium spots. 22-year old Argentinian midfielder Mateo Garcia, who has contributed with three goals and one assist so far, will cause the opposition plenty of problems and needs to be at his best.
Aris’ next three matches in the 2018/2019 Super League:
Aris - PAOK, October 21, 19:00;
AEK - Aris, October 28, 19:30;
Aris - Olympiacos, November 4, 19:00.
