Olympiacos begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a home clash against Pafos at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. The Greek champions are hoping to maintain their solid start to the season against the Cypriots, who are making their first appearance at this level.
Olympiacos are making a return to Europe’s elite competition after a five-year absence. They head into match day one in good form, having won all three of their domestic matches so far.
The Greek giants claimed a 5-0 victory over Panserraikos in their Super League fixture last weekend. That result highlighted their quality this season as Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men have looked sharp going forward and have yet to concede a goal.
They look good value to keep another clean sheet in a home win at 6/5 with Betfred, who have a great welcome offer for new customers.
Pafos, meanwhile, came through the qualifying rounds to secure a place in the Champions League for the first time in their history. Juan Carcedo's men overcame Red Star Belgrade in the playoffs to reach the league phase of the competition.
The Cypriots do not head into their opening fixture on the best note, having endured a mixed start to their domestic campaign. They earned a 1-0 victory over APOEL before losing 1-0 to Apollon last weekend.
How the bookies view it: Olympiacos overwhelming favourites
Olympiacos have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 2/5 by BoyleSports to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Pafos is valued at 6/1 while a draw is set at odds of 7/2.
Head to head: No previous meetings
This will be the first-ever meeting between Olympiacos and Pafos.
Players to watch: El Kaabi to shine in Piraeus
Ayoub El Kaabi usually carries the attacking threat for Olympiacos and was the leading scorer last season with 27 goals in all competitions. The Moroccan striker has already found the net twice this season and could be worth keeping an eye on (Ayoub El Kaabi anytime goalscorer – available at 10/11 with BoyleSports).
Olympiacos have been defensively solid all season, with Panagiotis Restos and Giulan Biancone at the heart of their backline. They have kept clean sheets in all three of their matches (Olympiacos clean sheet – offered at 10/11).
Probable line-ups:
Olympiacos head into this tie without first-choice goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis due to suspension, with Alexandros Paschalakis to deputise for the 22-year-old. Roman Yaremchuk is also a doubt for this tie with injury, while El Kaabi, Gelson Martins and Chinquinho are expected to start in attack.
Pafos head into this match with no suspensions or injury worries, and goalkeeper Neofytos Michail should retain his place, with captain David Goldar and Derrick Luckassen in defence. Ivan Sunjic and Pedro Rodrigues could get the nod in midfield, while Correia, Mislav Orsic and Anderson are set to feature in attack.
Olympiacos: Paschalakis, Costinha, Retsos, Biancone, Ortega, Hezze, Mouzakitis, Martins, Chiquinho, Cabella, El Kaabi
Pafos: Michail, Felipe, Luckassen, Goldar, Pileas, Sunjic, Rodrigues, Correia, Dragomir, Orsic, Anderson
Anything else catch the eye?
Olympiacos have won to nil in their last three matches (Olympiacos win to nil – valued at 6/5 with BoyleSports). The hosts have also scored over 1.5 goals in all three fixtures (Olympiacos over 1.5 goals – priced at 8/15).
The Greek champions have won by two clear goals in all three of their matches this season (Olympiacos -1 handicap – set at odds of 23/20).
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