Top-six hopefuls lock horns in pivatol clash at OAKA
 

SUPER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 16

Panathinaikos host Aris in a vital Matchday 16 clash between two top-six contenders.

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Panathinaikos host Aris on Sunday evening in Matchday 16 of the 2019-20 Greek Super League season, in what is set to be the headline fixture of the round with a lot riding on the result for both clubs.

Both clubs started this round in the top-six - where they ultimately want to be at the end of the season, however, there is still a long way to go and taking points off the teams around you is of high importance. This match can have major ramifications come season’s end.

The hosts began the season very poorly and things hit rock bottom in the first meeting between the two sides at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium where they lost 4-0. Since then, the turnaround has been impressive and the team has rocketed up the ladder. Panathinaikos have not lost a derby so far this season and will look to keep that record intact on Sunday.

Giorgos Donis has been able to make his team rise for the big occasions and performances have dramatically improved, especially defensively. He has settled on his preferred team and formation, and this continuity will be key in the new year. Bart Schenkeveld has played a vital role in the improved defensive organisation, but he will miss this match due to picking up a red card in the midweek.

The Greens have ample cover at centre back as they look to deal with a strong attacking outfit in Aris. The visitors have scored nine more goals than Panathinaikos so far this season and have players in the form of Brown Ideye, Giannis Fetfatzidis, Bruno Gama and Nicolas Diguiny, all of who can make a difference in the final third.

Meanwhile, it has been rookie Juan Jose Perea that has caught the eye for the Trifylli. The young Colombian forward scored in the team’s last outing at home and possesses passion, desire and fight in an abundance. Performances also began to improve when Tasos Chatzigiovanis regained his place in the starting side. The winger is arguably the team’s talisman with four goals to his name.

Inconsistency has been Aris’ biggest issue. The team won its first match in over a month in midweek by easily dispatching Volos 4-0 at home. Between a win over Asteras Tripolis in November and that win over Volos, they drew to AEK, Lamia, and Atromitos and lost to in-form OFI away from home. Panathinaikos drew with OFI in midweek, as a late Federico Macheda penalty salvaged a point.

Last season these two sides played out a thrilling, but hugely controversial match in Thessaloniki as Aris were awarded a dubious penalty early on. Panathinaikos then hit back with a stoppage time equaliser from the spot. Later in the season, 

Panathinaikos emerged as 2-0 winners in Athens.

Team News - Panathinaikos

The Greens were hampered by an injury crisis earlier this season but the situation has improved and the only notable absentees are Bart Schenkeveld, Mattias Johansson (both due to suspension) and Dimitris Kolovos, who has just regained fitness. Ghayas Zahid and Emanuel Insua returned from injuries last start. Achilleas Poungouras has been monitored by Ethniki coach John van’t Schip and is expected to start at the heart of defence. Meanwhile, the right back spot is a two-way battle between young guns Kostas Apostolakis and Giorgos Vagiannidis.

Possible line-up: Dioudis, Insua, Kolovetsios, Poungouras, Apostolakis, Kourbelis, C.Donis, Bouzoukis, Perea, Chatzigiovanis, Macheda.

Team News - Aris

Michael Oenning’s side has received a boost as Nicolas Diguiny, Javier Matilla and Daniel Sundgren are all fit again and included in the matchday squad. The latter has stated in an interview that Aris has a “small advantage over Panathinaikos” courtesy of their 4-0 win at home earlier this season.

Possible line-up: Cuesta, Sundgren, Velez, Delizisis, Rose, Matilla, Sasha, Diguiny, Gama, Fetftatzidis, Ideye.

by Nick Tsambouniaris

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