SLGR Matchday 2 Preview: AEK And PAOK Face Tough Away Trips

Matchday 2 of the 2018/19 Greek Super League commences on Saturday. There were no major upsets in the first week of the new season as the expected title challengers AEK, PAOK, and Olympiacos all won their first encounters. The likes of Aris and Panathinaikos surprised, not only due to their victories, but also their opening day displays. 

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There are no traditional derbies slated for Matchday 2, however several of the games will be of interest as to gauge the state of the teams in the early stages of this season.

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

Saturday

Panathinaikos - Lamia
Atromitos - Xanthi
Asteras Tripolis - AEK

Panathinaikos can completely erase their minus six point deduction with a victory at home over Lamia this weekend. Giorgos Donis’ side were impressive in their first match with an away victory at Xanthi. Lamia conversely were amongst the disappointments of the first week of play as they were well beaten by Aris 3-0 at home.

Later on Saturday, AEK face a difficult trip away to Asteras Tripolis. The Kitrinomavri are hoping to put the cherry on top of a wonderful week that saw the club return to the Champions’ League Group Stage for the first time in twelve years. Asteras will be no pushovers though, especially at home. The Arkades may have lost to PAOK last week, but there was enough in their performance to suggest they will remain a team that can challenge for Europe. 

At the same time, Atromitos play their first home match with the arrival of Xanthi. Atromitos did superbly to record a comeback 2-1 win away to Panetolikos last week. They will attempt to go two for two against a Xanthi side who lost their opening match last weekend, 1-0 to Panathinaikos at home.

Sunday

Aris - Larisa
Panionios - PAOK
Olympiacos - PAS Giannina
Levadiakos - Apollon Smyrnis

Four matches are on tap for Sunday, beginning in Thessaloniki where Aris host Larisa. That match will take place at the Kaftantzoglio Stadium as Aris’ Charilaou Stadium has ongoing renovations. Both teams won their first matches away from home, Aris in fine fashion 3-0 to Lamia and Larisa narrowly defeating Apollon Smyrnis 1-0. 

The AGONAsport Match of the Week takes place in Sunday’s other early kick-off as Panionios and PAOK do battle in Nea Smyrni. All eyes will be on Razvan Lucescu’s PAOK after the team suffered a painful elimination in the Champions’ League Playoffs against Benfica midweek. Panionios drew 2-2 against OFI and will look to pick up their first win of the season. 

Later on Sunday, Olympiacos will play host to PAS Giannina. The Erythrolefki will certainly expect the win that would see them continue their positive start to the season in Greece and in Europe. 

Finally, Levadiakos and Apollon Smyrnis face off in the remaining Sunday fixture. Though it is extremely early to say, this match has the feeling of a relegation six-pointer. With three clubs going down this season, Levadiakos and Apollon Smyrnis will want to amass points early and avoid a fight against the drop. 

Monday

Panetolikos - OFI

This weekend’s Monday night match pits OFI away to Panetolikos. OFI’s return to the top-flight was a decent one as the Crete club grabbed a point away to Panionios. This weekend they venture to Agrinio, another difficult ground, to play a Panetolikos team who looked very good last week in the early going against Atromitos only to give up their lead and eventually lose 2-1. 
 

by George Tsitsonis

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