Olympiakos have not been performing expectedly well enough, recently. They have been looking for some fresh signings to boost their motivation and performance and tranaferred their former player Lua Lua. Their coach Zico had some criticisms especially in the last matchdays of first half for using some players at different positions that they are not used to.

AEK on the other hand are struggling financially and not having the best of seasons. Players seem unmotivated and the only realistic aim left is to grab a place to secure a European Cups. Game’s being a derby might give some motivation but still they need more than motivation here; quality; and that’s what the squad miss this season.

As for prediction I am not expecting so many goals here. It is a derby anyway and we all know how derbies played in the Greece league. Olympiakos would be very happy with a 1-0 even if they score an early goal, they unlikely will keep attacking. They probably won’t risk; If they lose here they will probably be five points behind the leader Panathinaikos; that’s a gap hard to overcome in Greece league even it is early days in the second half, therefore, they will be looking for a win without any extra effort.

Prediction
Goals | Under 2,5
Extras
Olympiakos | Win by 1 goal

Important derby between the rivals Olympiakos and Panathinaikos. Two teams placed in the top; Panathinaikos with 29, Olympiakos with 27 points.

In Greece, derbies mostly end in an under and football wise bit of boring. General view is that we will be watching a same kind which I am not so sure about.

After Zico appointed Olympiakos coach there were some beliefs that he would add a lot more creativity in the team offence. He did a bit but still he can’t beat the general football mentality in the Greek league; first defend.

Olympiakos are in a good position in the Champions League with a big chance to qualify on the last match day. Their coach Zico may not be a very experienced coach but he had an excellent run with Fenerbahce in the Champions League two seasons ago. He know how to prepare his team for big matches and this is one of them.

Panathinaikos on the other hand have been producing some positive results lately. They seem a balanced team with some effective attackers including the Frenchman Cisse. Brazilian Gilberto, midfielders Leto and Katsouranis are doubtful but they are expected to be in the squad, starting lne-up is up to managers decision.

Olympiakos have some important missing before the game. It is reported that Stoltidis will definately miss the game while Torosidis and Galletti are doubtful but expected to be in the squad list.

As for prediction; I think we will see another tactical battle especially in the midfield. Zico’s best skill is to prepare his team for big matches and and get the best out of the team while Panathinaikos is very good at team play with some quality in their offensive line.  I will go for a goals prediction and think that this time the derby of Greece will produce some goals with the Zico’s offensive minded approach in such games which will also leave gaps to Panathinaikos attackers.

Prediction
Goals | Over 2,5

Another important game of the matchday between the two-headed eagle of the south; AEK and two-headed eagle of the North; PAOK.

AEK have been quite disappointing this season. The financial crisis effects the club too much and as the likely consequance; a play-off spot for European Cups is the last realistic aim left and even for that they have a mountain to climb under these circumstances.

PAOK on the other hand are flying high in the standings sitting on the 3rd place and have been playing some good football recently. They have lost only twice in the league and they were narrow 2-1 defeats against Panathinaikos and Olympiakos.

Despite the all negativeness around the AEK, they still have some good points on the pitch. Scoco and Blanco are always dangerous plus the team seemed to have the upper hand in producing goals from set pieces. The bad news for the line-up is they will be missing their important attacker Nemeth in this match.

This one has to be mentioned as well; There will be no away fans allowed for this game according to the rule in the derby matches in the Greek 1st League.

As for the prediction; I am expecting a good performance from PAOK here. This is a good chance for them to win against a rival this season after loosing to Olympiakos and Panathinaikos narrowly. They probably won’t catch AEK in this situation anytime soon. Besides all the facts about AEK’s being in a bad situation; PAOK are in a great shape and they are more than capable of getting a result against any team in any situation this year. I’ll go for a double chance in favor of PAOK.

Prediction
PAOK | X2 Double Chance
Extras
Draw at HT | PAOK at FT