Following a commanding 4:0 victory on Matchday 5 against Super League newcomers AE Kifisias, the focus quickly shifts to a mid-week clash with Aris in the cozy confines of the Georgios Karaiskakis.
To date, it has been a rather topsy-turvy existence for the side from the north as Aris have picked up steam as of late after crashing out of Europe and struggling to obtain points early in the campaign. Since the beginning of the September, Aris boast a 2-1-0 record and have outscored the opponent by a 6:2 count. A noticeable “triumph” could be the 0:0 against PAOK on Matchday 4 with the point coming away from home and in front of 17,000-plus at the Toumba.
During the 2022-2023 season (not including Greek Cup matches) it was Aris who took most of the points against Olympiacos via a 2-1-1 record. Olympiacos punched back with two wins in the quarter-final stage of the Greek Cup through a pair of 1:0 decisions.
Aris bench-boss, Akis Mantzios, has never beaten Olympiacos in twenty-three tries. He’s shared the points with the Thrylos on just four occasions. Mantzios took the reins of Aris in late August when Apostolos Terzis was shown his marching orders after a dismal start to the campaign.
Opinion
Personally, I would not go into this match lightly. Aris is a side on the rise and are feeling a bit better about themselves and their game after a poor start. They’ve reached the top six and are climbing their way back to fifth position which is where there they should be all things considered.
I have the odd feeling that if Olympiacos are to let Aris hang around for much of the match, the final stages could be tricky if the clash is close or if proceedings are at a stalemate with moments to spare.
Putting the visitors away early is the trick in this one and accompanied by not taking one’s foot off of the gas pedal once it’s been floored should be enough to keep Aris at arm’s length through ninety minutes.
Easier typed than done, I am aware of this.
Keeping one - or two - steps ahead of the pack is important as PAOK, Panathinaikos, and AEK all play far lesser sides. PAOK host Volos, Panathinaikos are away to Asteras Tripolis, and AEK welcome Atromitos on Thursday.
Buffer creation is always a good thing, right?