The action in the Stoiximan Super League continues with undiminished interest, as Sunday’s (10/18) schedule features key matchups as part of Matchday 7.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. in Agrinio for the Panetolikos vs. Olympiacos match. Anastasiou’s team got off to a strong start, earning three points in each of the first three rounds of the league. They raised expectations, but were quickly brought back down to earth. This was followed by three losses against Panathinaikos, PAOK, and Kifissia, in which Panetolikos displayed problems both defensively and with concentration. The match against Olympiacos is a challenge, with double the motivation to bounce back.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The timing for Panetolikos, however, isn’t ideal, especially since the Piraeus side is coming into the match with morale sky-high. Following their 1-0 victory in the derby against Panathinaikos, Olympiacos pulled off a major “away win” at the Stade Vélodrome. They defeated Marseille in the second matchday of the Europa League, doubling their wins in the group stage following their 2-1 victory over Jagiellonia in the opener. Ese’s goal, the team’s overall defensive solidity, and Ortega’s outstanding performance came together to secure the three points on French soil. Fatigue is setting in, but there are options on the roster for Al-Ghuathil to refresh his team.
At 5:30 p.m., Panathinaikos hosts Asteras Tripolis at the OAKA. After the first six matchdays, the “Greens” lead the title race with a slim advantage over AEK (-1), Olympiacos (-2), and PAOK (-3). Their five-game winning streak in the league gave way to a loss to the “Red-and-Whites” in the Faliro derby. It was a match in which Panathinaikos failed to rise to the challenge, both mentally and on the field.
They bounced back, however, and defeated Borac 2-1 in their Conference League opener, much more easily than the final score suggests. With 63% possession, 31 (9) shots on goal, 11-0 in corners, and 3.80 xG, the goal tally could have been much higher than the two scored by Desers and Kangwa…
Asteras is on an upward trajectory. They started the season with two losses, followed by two draws against AEK and OFI, before securing their first win with a 2-1 victory over Atromitos in Tripoli. Their roster is strong enough to handle the challenges of the relegation battle, but what they need is consistency on the field.
Sunday’s schedule wraps up with the PAOK–Heraklis match at Toumba (9:00 p.m.), a particularly significant encounter for both teams.
PAOK comes into the match off a shocking 1-3 loss to Kalamata. Sloppy with the ball, disjointed, lacking focus, and making numerous individual mistakes, PAOK gave their opponents opportunities and paid the price, losing Tsiftsis to a red card, among other setbacks. The pressure is high; Lisi must find immediate solutions to avoid jeopardizing his position, the schedule is quite challenging in the coming weeks, and a turnaround is essential before the season’s goals slip away too soon.
Hercules began its campaign with losses to Volos (Cup) and AEK. However, they quickly found their footing and are now on a five-game unbeaten streak, with three draws and two wins during that span. In their 2-0 win over Levadiakos, they were clinical, solid, and played with purpose, while Matsari seems to have found the lineup and players who “click” with his style.
*photo source: slgr.gr
