Play Offs R8 and Play Outs R6 Preview

Play Offs R8 and Play Outs R6 Preview


By Greg Gavalas



As the Super League starts to draw to a conclusion this week’s round of games see’s very meaning full games in the Play Outs, with just two rounds left now, the battle is well and truly on between Xanthi, Panetolikos and Panionios, as all three clubs battle it out to avoid last place which is the automatic drop to Super League 2.


In the Play Offs, AEK will be looking for a win over Panathinaikos in the Athenian derby to secure the runner up position as PAOK travels to Piraeus to take on highflying Olympiakos.


Play Offs


OFI vs Aris


The quiet battle for 5th will play out in Crete as OFI goes looking for their first win in the play offs.

With Aris living off a limited squad since the FIFA transfer ban the last fortnight has been very difficult for the club and the Play Offs heavy schedule could not have come at a worse time.


On the other hand OFI has finally improved after a tough start to the series but the better performances could see them land a big win at home that would actually take them to 5th over Aris which actually means they will start their Europa Cup commitments after Aris, but I am sure Aris will want to have that extra rest and opportunity to fix the situation the club finds itself in so keep an eye out for an action packed fixture in this one.


Prediction – OFI 2-1


Panathinaikos vs AEK


One thing is for sure in this match, this is a huge match for AEK who will be looking to go all out for a win over their cross town rivals.


With the Kitronomavroi running on 3 straight wins, they have now pulled out a 4 point lead over PAOK who they have been battling out with for the runner up spot which will lead to UEFA Champions League qualification.


Despite the form of AEK, and despite the fact PAO has very little to play for, what we know is this PAO team never goes down without a fight and they have always given AEK a run for their money so expect another good game with AEK looking to get an upper hand after squeezing out a draw in the first game of the play offs with PAO.


Prediction – AEK 1-0


Olympiakos vs PAOK


The match at Karaiskaki will see two teams of opposite perils, Olympiakos continues to march on game in game out with relative ease and their undefeated run in the league looks like it will end that way, PAOK on the other hand have looked out of sorts for most of the PlayOffs and with home defeats to OSFP & AEK combined with draws to OFI and PAO, the look up against it in this game also.


If Olympiakos wins, as expected, the PAOK brigade will be looking at the result from the OAKA and hope that Panathinaikos can keep points from AEK who could wrap up second place with a win and PAOK does not win in Piraeus.


On the injury front, Dimitris Pelkas could be an inclusion for PAOK although Lazaros Lambrou picked up a knock in the midweek game and not be available for selection.


Prediction – Olympiakos 3-1


Play Outs


Xanthi vs Asteras Tripolis


This is the first match of the match day and it will be a match many people will be watching as there is a lot riding on the outcome.


Xanthi need to come away with points as they are just one point away from last place however Asteras is coming off a big 4-0 home win and playing good football.


With Xanthi coming off an away 0-0 to Lamia they will certainly need to step it up at home although a formidable team to beat, they could pull it off.


Prediction – Xanthi 1-0


Volos vs Atromitos


One of two matches in the Play Outs with very little significance besides a manager’s security.


Volos has continued to play good football in their matches but have not been able to convert chances that bring goals and points.


Atromitos was played into good form by a very bad Larisa two weeks ago and came away with a comfortable win although they were held to a 2-2 home draw last week with Panetolikos, so this will be an interesting encounter to see which team can make the most of their chances and register a needed win.


Prediction – Draw 1-1


Panionios vs Panetolikos


The match of the round really, the two teams are battling it out for survival and both have been playing decent football in an effort to survive the fall.


With both teams coming off draws and wins in the last few weeks, expect an explosive and open game at Nea Smirni, it’s another game that would have been great to see a crowd at.


Prediction – Draw 2-2


Lamia vs Larisa


Both teams will be looking to end the season on some type of high after ordinary resent results, especially for the visitors.


Lamia has not scored for three games straight and will want to give their fan base something to cheer about whilst Larisa will want to impress their ego maniac president.


Prediction – Lamia 1-0


Hellas Football


Follow @GregGavalas 

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