Mid Season Review - Volos NFC and OFI FC

Mid Season Review - Volos NFC and OFI FC

By Nick Tsambouniaris


VOLOS NFC



Avoiding any signs of second season syndrome would have been the top priority for relative newcomers Volos NFC. The Thessaly-based outfit, with the controversial Achilleas Beos at the helm, have consolidated their top flight presence with a series of impressive performances throughout the 2020-21 season to date. 


The primary aim of avoiding relegation appears to be a formality and a good run of form could even see the three year old club climb into the much-coveted top six. They currently sit in 7th spot on 16 points. 


The likes of Sotiris Ninis, Nicolas Martinez and Amr Warda provide a level of Super League experience, having demonstrated their abilities at bigger clubs in the past. 


Juan Jose Perea and particularly Anastasios Douvikas (who has an impressive 5 goals to his name in 13 appearances so far), enable them to have enough firepower up front to complement their free-flowing style of play. 


Highlights of the season at the midway point include eye-catching draws against heavyweights Panathinaikos (where they scored a last minute equaliser) and AEK.


OFI FC



The Cretans have been a bit of an anomaly during the first half of the 2020-21 season. 


A relatively slow start has since been turned around as they have won three out of their last four matches. 


A poor exit in the early stage of the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds at the hands of Apollon Limassol, could have been the catalyst for a disaster but young Greek manager Giorgos Simos is a smart operator. 


He guided the club to a European berth in his first season as a head coach, and has used the transfer market relatively well in the summer. 


Former Premier League player Jonathan de Guzman (when fit) can make a huge difference to the team, and Portuguese winger Fabio Sturgeon has hit the ground running, having contributed with 4 goals so far. Consistency will be key for the Cretans in the second half of the season and they will be eyeing maximum points against lowly Panetolikos and Lamia in their first two games of 2021. 


Winning these types of matches are crucial in moving up the ladder and matching last season's great run (along with their top six ambitions). 


They currently sit in 8th spot on 15 points in a congested ladder.


Hellas Football 


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