Winless giants desperate to kick-start season
GREEK SUPERLEAGUE - MATCHDAY 3
AGONAsport previews the headline fixture of Matchday 3 of the Super League between two winless giants, Aris and Panathinaikos, who will clash on Sunday evening in Thessaloniki.
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Aris and Panathinaikos are still searching for their first respective wins of the 2019-20 season. Both clubs began the new season with high hopes but have flattered to deceive so far, albeit after only two games in. Aris fell to new boys Volos prior to the international break, while Panathinaikos fell apart in an alarming manner at home against OFI, conceding very soft goals.
Aris reacted by sacking Savvas Pantelidis immediately after that loss in Volos and are on the search for a new manager. They signed an array of foreigners over the summer in a bid to qualify for the UEFA Europa League but fell short and cannot afford to fall further behind in the Championship. Apostolos Terzis remains as the interim manager for now.
Panathinaikos are yet to score a goal from open play this season (Federico Macheda has scored two penalties), despite enjoying a strong preseason and signing several attackers to boost their stocks. Giorgos Donis needs to settle on preferred combinations at the heart of defence and in the centre of the pitch.
This fixture often produces fireworks on the pitch and it should be no different in the latest installment as desperation will kick in. Tactics could perhaps go out the window and whoever is more desperate will get the result. Neither side will want to go winless after the opening three games and feel the wrath of Greek football fans. Aris will want to prove a point in front of their fans at a notoriously fierce “Kleanthis Vikelidis” Stadium, while Panathinaikos will want to add to their solitary point to date, keeping in mind they have an even bigger derby next week in the form of Olympiacos at home.
Last season, it ended 1-1 in Thessaloniki in the first fixture, however, it was littered with controversy and talking points. Aris were incorrectly awarded a penalty and failed to convert, but then got another one and scored. Macheda received a red card in the 89th minute and then in the dying moments, Tasos Chatzigiovanis scored a late equaliser from the spot.
In the return fixture, Panathinaikos emerged as 2-0 winners with goals from Christos Donis and Emanuel Insua. Aris had the last laugh as they clinched fifth spot to book their place in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers.
TEAM NEWS: ARIS
Terzis has called for a “new beginning” and “only a win” in his first game on the Aris bench. In a huge boost, Fran Velez and Bruno Gama have been cleared as fit to play and are expected to be in the starting side. However, Migjen Basha and Martin Tonso will miss this match due to injuries. The starting side is expected to remain largely the same, with the only real selection dilemma for Terzis being who plays up top as a lone striker in the 4-2-3-1 formation. It will be either Brown Ideye or Nicolas Diguiny.
Possible line-up: Cuesta, Sundgren, Velez, Rose, Korhut, Matilla, Sasha, Gama, Mancini, Fetfatzidis, Ideye.
TEAM NEWS: PANATHINAIKOS
Giorgos Donis has called this fixture a “very hard match but there is an opportunity for a reaction”. He also stated he does not feel any pressure. The squad is largely full strength with no major injury concerns, however, the Greens will be without their captain Dimitris Kourbelis due to suspension. New signings Bart Schenkeveld and Fausto Tienza are not in the squad as they were deemed to not be match fit. Donis could look to a formation change away from the 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1. Giannis Bouzoukis is expected to receive his first start of the season, while Dimitris Kolovos will drop to the bench.
Possible line-up: Dioudis, Johansson, Kolovetsios, Poungouras, Insua, Nunes, C.Donis, Chatzigiovanis, Zahid, Bouzoukis, Macheda.
