SLGR Matchday 22 Preview: PAOK In Lamia Test; AEK At Home To Xanthi
SLGR Matchday 22 Preview: PAOK In Lamia Test; AEK At Home To Xanthi
GREEK SUPERLEAGUE - MATCHDAY 22
AGONAsport’s George Tsitsonis brings you a full preview for matchday 21 of the Greek SuperLeague.
PAOK and AEK are the clear frontrunners for the title heading into Matchday 22 of the 2017/18 Greek Super League.
PAOK, on 49 points, two ahead of AEK, do have a tricky looking tie this weekend away to Lamia in Saturday’s late kick-off. Razvan Lucescu’s men have won 14 straight in all competitions, using that run to put themselves into pole position for the title. However, with AEK still close by there is no margin for error. Lamia are looking good as far as avoiding relegation is concerned, though a win versus PAOK would probably seal the deal.
AEK will be back at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday as they await Xanthi. The Kitrinomavri are coming off a 1-1 draw with Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League Round of 32 1st leg match on Thursday. They must now switch gears back to domestic play and pick up the win that could propel them to the top of standings should PAOK slip-up this weekend.
There is no rest for Olympiacos as they face another tough match this weekend in the midst of their difficult run of form. The Erythrolefki host Panionios on Sunday knowing full well that their title hopes were damaged greatly last weekend after drawing with Atromitos and undergoing a points deduction due to crowd trouble. The only conceivable way that Oscar Garcia’s men could claim the title seems to be to win out the remainder of their matches and hope PAOK and AEK continue to drop points. It’s a scenario that doesn’t appear too possible at the moment.
In order to find the AGONAsport Match of the Week one must head down toward the other end of the table. This weekend’s pick is the relegation six-pointer between Kerkyra and Apollon Smirnis. With Platanias near certainties to go down, Kerkyra and Apollon are the next two sides under threat of the drop. It will be a tense match in Saturday’s early kick-off at Kerkyra and the winner will take a massive step toward avoiding relegation.
Also on Saturday, an appetizing match-up is set when Asteras Tripolis host Atromitos. Asteras continue to have European ambitions, believing a late run down the stretch could yet yield continental football next season. Atromitos meanwhile are in the driver’s seat for a Europa League place. The Peristeri side have been superb this season and will fancy their chances of picking up another away win.
On Sunday, it’s do-or-die time for Platanias as they get set to face off against PAS Giannina in Crete. Platanias need to put a few victories together even to entertain the thought of avoiding relegation. In Sunday’s remaining match, Levadiakos will be at home to try to disrupt the good form of a rejuvenated Panetolikos side.
Finally, in Monday’s sole match, Larisa and Panathinaikos meet up. Larisa are looking to bounce back from a 3-0 drubbing to PAOK last week while Panathinaikos are still seeking their first away win of the season.
by George Tsitsonis
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