OFI is back to facing the realities of Greek soccer, following its 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League, and is preparing for a tough showdown with PAOK in Matchday 8 of the Stoiximan Super League.
Both teams are desperate for a win, though for entirely different reasons. OFI is looking to get back on track after a long dry spell, while PAOK is hoping to build a winning streak, which it desperately needs.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Christos Kontis’s team is struggling significantly to balance its commitments between Greece and Europe, resulting in one draw and four losses in its last five games. The team’s only point came against Asteras AKTOR (2-2), followed by consecutive losses to AEK (3-0), Rennes (2-1), Kalamata (4-3), and Bayer Leverkusen (2-0).
On the field, Nikos Christogeorgos, who is suffering from neck discomfort, continues his treatment and will remain sidelined, while Aron Isaka is following an individualized training program.
On the other side, PAOK breathed a sigh of relief after their 2-1 victory over Heraklis last matchday, as the home loss to Kalamata (1-3) had caused a major setback for the team. Now, one of Alessio Lisi’s clear goals is to build on these positive results and see his team put together a winning streak, which will restore calm to the “black-and-white” camp and allow the Italian coach to work more smoothly with his team.
Lissi announced the list of players who will be available for the match in Crete, which does not include Pelkas, Lousé, and Despodov. All three are dealing with injuries and are unable to play, with Ugrecic vying for a spot behind the striker.
Specifically, the players available to PAOK’s coach for the match against OFI are as follows:
Tsiftsis, Monastirlis, Balomenos, Kenny, Elustondo, Hatzidiakos, Costa, Michailidis, Bataoulas, Baba, Giannoulis, Taylor, Santamaria, Jakić, Zafeiris, Kamara, Ugrešić, Tyson, Soretire, Živković, Hatzidis, Endiaye, Banza, Mythou.
Possible starting lineups:
OFI (H. Kontis): Lilo, Kostoulas, Pougouras, Krizmanic, Dikman, Androutsos, Bouhalakis, Athanasiou, Fountas, Kodro, Nous
PAOK (A. Lisi): Tsiftsis, Baba, Michailidis, Diego Costa, Kenny, Jakić, Zafeiris, Ugrešić, Tyson, Živković, Endiaye
*photo source: KYPE
