Outlook for fascinating SLGR playoffs and playouts

After the points deductions for PAOK and Xanthi were confirmed, AGONAsport takes a look at the Super League playoff and playout scenarios.

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Originally, the Super League playoffs and playouts were due to begin in mid-March, but they were indefinitely postponed because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The latest information from Greece has suggested that action could resume in June behind closed doors.

Teams might be allowed to return to training in early May.

The regular season, which consisted of 26 rounds, reached its completion at the start of March. 

Following the confirmation of the respective points deductions for PAOK (-7) and Xanthi (-12), let’s take a glance at the outlook for the playoffs and playouts: 

CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFFS

Let’s be honest: the title race is well and truly over. Fourteen points clear at the top, Olympiacos are virtually guaranteed to become champions of Greece for the first time in three years, with the Erythrolefki having completed the regular season unbeaten. With Pedro Martins at the helm, the Piraeus-based giants have competed with consistency, determination and flair, and they have a natural poacher in Youssef El Arabi who has set the Super League alight since arriving in the summer. 

Nevertheless, the race for UEFA Champions League football promises to be pulsating. As a result of receiving a seven-point deduction for their involvement in a multi-ownership scandal, PAOK are now only a single point above third-placed AEK in second, with the two clubs set to meet twice in the playoffs.

Since Massimo Carrera replaced Nikos Kostenoglou as head coach, the Kitrinomavri have been a force to be reckoned with, playing with tactical intelligence and barely conceding any goals. Second place and a Champions League berth would be a fantastic outcome for AEK after such a terrible start to the campaign.

Panathinaikos, boasting a 10-point lead over OFI and Aris in fourth, are unlikely to move in the standings. OFI and Aris, both stuck on 34 points each, will battle it out for fifth position. 

All teams in the top six - with the exception of Panathinaikos - will be involved in European competitions in the 2020/2021 season. Panathinaikos are not eligible to participate in UEFA tournaments due to a continental ban.

The Athenians are looking to overturn the ban, although at this stage, it looks unlikely.

RELEGATION PLAYOUTS

This year, the team in last place of the championship suffers immediate demotion to the second tier, while the club in 13th position competes in a relegation playout tie against the second-placed side of the Super League 2.

It’s a three-way competition for survival. Having stated the campaign with a six-point deficit, and possessing a rather modest squad, Panionios find themselves six points behind Panetolikos at the foot of the table. However, a six-point deficit can be overturned, and the fact that Xanthi were docked 12 points for legal violations has given the Panthers and Panetolikos more hope of remaining in the top tier. Xanthi only have one point more than Panetolikos in 12th.

Atromitos (32), AE Larissa (30), Asteras Tripolis (30), Lamia (27) and Volos NFC (27) are all comfortably clear of the drop zone. 

It must also be noted that reports have suggested Xanthi won’t submit an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport concerning their 12-point deduction. 

There is, of course, a chance that the format will change as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. It is not yet known if and when the Super League 2 and Football League will resume.

Image Source: to10.gr

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