SLGR Matchday 18 Preview: PAOK Aim To Continue Blistering Form

AGONAsport’s George Tsitsonis previews matchday 18 of the 2018/19 Greek SuperLeague.

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The 18th round of the 2018/19 Greek Super League takes place this weekend, once again without a major derby on the schedule. There will be interest though, especially in Thessaloniki and Tripoli as the top two in the division, PAOK and Olympiacos, match up against teams in the bottom half of the table.

Elsewhere, AEK’s mini resurgence will get a test in Nea Smyrni against Panionios, while relegation threatened teams attempt to pick up vital points.

Below is a day-by-day breakdown of this weekend’s matches.

Saturday

PAS Giannina - Apollon Smirnis

Panetolikos - Xanthi

Panionios - AEK

Everything kicks off in Giannina on Saturday afternoon as home side PAS are up against the league’s bottom club, Apollon Smirnis. PAS find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they currently sit in the relegation zone. Thus, their match against cellar-dwellers Apollon really takes on a must-win sort of feel. Apollon were disappointing in only managing a home draw last week against struggling Levadiakos and will hope to spring a surprise in Giannina that would see them begin to move their way up.

After a good run of form recently, Panetolikos were left frustrated by last week’s 2-0 defeat away to OFI. Traianos Dellas will still believe that his side have an outside shot at Europe, but if they are to manage such a feat then they must win matches such as the one at home against Xanthi on Saturday. Xanthi will be a handful for the Agrinio side, especially if they can replicate their display from last round when they defeated Atromitos, 2-1.

Saturday’s nightcap takes place in Nea Smyrni as Panionios host AEK. Panionios have won only once in their last six matches and this season has certainly not gone as planned. AEK’s visit will provide a difficult match-up against a team looking reborn in the early stages of 2019. The Kitrinomavri have won both their league encounters by a combined total of 7-0 this month and also continued their free-scoring form in Thursday’s 5-0 Greek Cup victory over Kissamikos.

Sunday

Levadiakos - Aris

Lamia - Atromitos

PAOK - OFI

Panathinaikos - Larisa

Asteras Tripolis - Olympiacos

The top two take to the pitch on a busy Sunday that features five matches. League leaders PAOK is at home to OFI looking to preserve their eight-point lead atop the table. Another victory would increase the belief for the club as they attempt to win the elusive league title. OFI are coming off of a fine victory over Panetolikos last weekend and would gladly take a point as they try and put further distance between themselves and the bottom four.

As PAOK look unstoppable, Olympiacos will at least try to keep the pressure on by winning this weekend at Asteras Tripolis. The Tripoli side have had a rough start to the New Year, losing 3-0 to both PAOK and AEK. Their schedule to start 2019 remains difficult with Olympiacos coming to town this weekend. Pedro Martins’ men slipped past PAS Giannina 2-1 in their last league match and could feature new recruits Franco Soldano and Giorgos Masouras.

After another shock Greek Cup elimination at the hands of Lamia, Panathinaikos will seek to rebound in league action on Sunday against Larisa. After a torrid start to the season, Giorgos Donis’ young guns have cooled off in recent weeks. This match could certainly offer the opportunity for the team to find its footing once again. Larisa were eliminated in Greek Cup play after a wild two legs against Asteras Tripolis. They are winners of just one of seven away matches this season and will need to change that form should they want to avoid a relegation battle.

Two other fixtures round out the matchday program. Levadiakos host Aris in the early match. The home team are relegation favorites at this stage along with Apollon Smirnis and will need to put some results together in order to avoid the drop. Levadiakos sacked Italian manager Giuseppe Sannino last week and replaced him with veteran Greek boss Nikos Karageorgiou as they look to change their fortunes. Aris are undoubtedly in the hunt for a Europa League spot and will see matches like this as must-win.

Finally, Lamia, fresh off their progression to the Greek Cup quarter-finals, match up against Atromitos. Lamia are another side in relegation trouble, but they may be finding the right time to play Atromitos. A poor run of form has seen the Peristeri club fall to fourth. They still remain in the final European spot and have a six-point lead ahead of Panathinaikos and Aris, however a return to consistency will be welcomed. Manager Damir Canadi will receive a boost as it was announced this week that Amr Warda is set to return to the club on a loan deal with the option to sign the player following the end of the season.

by George Tsitsonis

Image Source: .gr

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