“Make Or Break”- Asteras Tripolis Edition

 “Make Or Break”- Asteras Tripolis Edition

By Alexander Koutakos



My predictions in last week’s article went wrong. Completely wrong! Moreover, Panathinaikos beat Olympiacos(2-1) and Asteras played in a disappointing draw with Lamia(0-0). That means that Asteras are now 4 points below Panathinaikos and 6 points below a european spot. For Asteras, the weekend could not have gone any  worse! However, there is still hope and it is still very possible that Asteras finish in a european spot. In my opinion, the next 2 games(vs AEK Athens and PAOK) will be crucial. These games will serve as a “Make or Break” opportunity for Asteras. If Asteras achieve 3 points or more, Asteras would still be in the running for the european places. On the contrary, if Asteras get less than 3 points, I don’t see them finishing top 4. Anything can happen, but this is what I think. To further examine Asteras’s odds in those games, I will predict the outcomes of those two games(against AEK Athens and PAOK). However, before I do that I would like to write a bit about Asteras’s last game(against Lamia).


Asteras’s Previous Game Against Lamia(On February 13th, In Tripoli)


The game  against Lamia ended in a 0-0 draw. Both sides had a few chances, however there was a lot of controversy. Most of this controversy was in regards to Asteras’s disallowed goal. The disallowed goal was scored by Fernandez. Fernandez struck the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box perfectly. It was a magnificent strike. However, Barrales “pushed” Tzanetopoulos with his left hand in the box. In my opinion,It was a clear dive by Tzanetopoulos! Even the announcers were in shock that the goal was disallowed. The rest of the game was quite even. Both sides traded chance for chance! Asteras did seem “lifeless” at some points of the game. That scares me. Asteras cannot afford to go “lifeless” against AEK and PAOK. If so, PAOK and AEK would eat Asteras for breakfast! To further examine Asteras’s odds in these games, I will predict the outcomes of these two games(against AEK Athens and PAOK) in the next 2 sections of this article.


My Prediction Of The Game Against AEK(On February 20th In Athens)


This game is interesting. Quite interesting, to say the least! AEK is on a bit of a rollercoaster at the moment. Moreover, they have lost 3 out of their last 6 games across all competitions. Those losses were against; PAS Giannina(0-2), Apollon Smyrni (1-2) and Aris (0-2). On the other hand, Asteras are in good form. Despite having played Lamia to a draw last weekend.  Moreover, Asteras has been unbeaten in the league for the past month and a half! In the #SLGR to be precise. Recent form is one thing that provides an advantage to the Arcadians. However,if Asteras win, it will be due to AEK'S defensive problems. These defensive "woes" have been highlighted throughout the season for AEK. On the contrary, player quality does benefit AEK immensely! It will be a task for the Arcadians. But, I do believe that the Arcadians will be victorious in this crucial match. More precisely with a score of 2-1, with 1 goal from Barrales and 1 goal from Riera. For AEK, I predict that Tankovic will score. Realistically,(according to the “bookies”) AEK probably has a 50% chance of winning, Asteras probably has a 25% chance of winning and a draw occurring has a 25% chance of happening. Despite the result, I know that this match will certainly be a game to enjoy!!


My Prediction Of The Game Against PAOK(On February 27th In Tripoli)


This game is more lopsided. PAOK has the advantage in terms of everything! Everything except for coaching. Moreover, because Rastavac is a better coach than Garcia, in my opinion and in the opinions of many others! 


In terms of the outcome, I believe  that this game will be close. However, PAOK will most likely reign supreme in this vital and crucial fixture. I personally predict that PAOK will win 2-1. For PAOK, I think Tzolis will score 2. For Asteras, I think that Kotsiras will score. Weird, but it's a gut-feeling. Anything can happen. That's the beauty of football. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. 


On an unrelated note, the “bookies” have similar odds in this game as they do in the game against AEK Athens.


Conclusion


In Conclusion, these 2 games(against AEK and PAOK) will "Make Or Break" Asteras’s realistic possibility to qualify for europe. Moreover, if Asteras get 3 points or more, they still have a chance of making europe. However, if they lose both games or get less than 3 points, Asteras’s chance of making europe would be quite slim and not realistic. 


Thank you, for reading this article/blog.


I truly hope that you enjoyed it !


Lastly, ΠΑΜΕ ΑΣΤΕΡΑΣ!!!!!


Hellas Football 


Follow @Akoutakos on Twitter.




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