SLGR Matchday 27 Preview: Crucial Matches On All Fronts
GREEK SUPERLEAGUE - MATCHDAY 27
| Date | Home Team | Time | Away Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-Apr-18 | Lamia | 8:00 AM | Apollon Smyrnis |
| 14-Apr-18 | Levadiakos | 10:15 AM | Asteras Tripolis |
| 14-Apr-18 | PAOK | 12:30 PM | Panionios |
| 15-Apr-18 | Larissa | 8:00 AM | Panetolikos |
| 15-Apr-18 | Xanthi | 10:15 AM | PAS Giannina |
| 15-Apr-18 | Panathinaikos | 10:15 AM | Atromitos |
| 15-Apr-18 | Platanias | 12:30 PM | AEK |
| 16-Apr-18 | Olympiacos | 12:30 PM | Kerkyra |
AGONAsport’s George Tsitsonis brings you a full preview for matchday 27 of the Greek SuperLeague.
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After a break for Greek Orthodox Easter, the Super League returns this weekend with Matchday 27 action. With just four rounds left to go, everything is still in play in Greece with regard to the title, European places, and the relegation zone.
There is an absence of any major derby in the weekend schedule, but that does not mean that important matches are not in the program. In fact, in just about every game there is something to play for.
Things kick off on Saturday with the early match between Lamia and Apollon Smirnis. This contest is the AGONAsport Match of the Week due to its importance at the bottom of the table. Both teams have taken big steps toward safety in recent matches, Apollon in particular with their two consecutive victories. A win by either side may not clinch safety in a mathematical sense, but it will certainly bring one team very close.
Later on, Levadiakos hosts Asteras Tripolis. While Levadiakos are outsiders in the race for the final European position, Asteras currently occupy that spot as they are tied for fifth with Xanthi. Needless, to say it looks as though as that race could go on to the final day as Panionios too are within striking distance.
The Nea Smryni side must make the always difficult trip to Toumba in Saturday’s late match to play PAOK. The Thessaloniki side are just about out of the title race at this point trailing AEK by eight points with four games to play. However, even if the title appears out of reach there is still second place to play for a berth in the Champions’ League qualifiers.
On Sunday, Larisa play host to Panetolikos. Larisa are five points clear of the drop zone, and while they are considered safe bets to avoid relegation they would assure themselves of that with victories in their next two matches. Panetolikos have played well since Traianos Dellas took over the team. They are playing for league position at this point having assured themselves of safety, but being too far from the European hunt.
Xanthi await the arrival of PAS Giannina on Sunday. PAS are indifferent going into this fixture, but will to play spoiler to Xanthi’s ambitions of continental football next season.
Panathinaikos face a tough home test against Atromitos this weekend. The readiness level of the Panathinaikos squad will something to watch as the team spent most of the week not training due to a strike for unpaid wages. Atromitos have only an outside shot at second place, but a victory will see them lock down fourth place in an impressive season for the Peristeri club.
AEK will take another decisive step toward their first championship in 24 years with a win away to Platanias in Sunday’s late kick-off. It should be a straightforward affair for the Kitrinomavri against a Platanias side who have won a meager two matches all season.
Kerkyra will keep battling for their first away win in the Monday night match at Olympiacos. The Faiakes are suddenly in deep trouble at second from bottom in the table. Currently, four points from safety Kerkyra have a demanding run of matches to finish the season as they play Olympiacos, Asteras Tripolis, AEK, and Atromitos.
Olympiacos’ title hopes are just about over and now the realistic target must be overtaking PAOK for second. The Erythrolefki currently lay in third place, one point behind.
