WEST HAM UNITED haven't put a foot wrong so far in the Europa League but they will need to survive a Greek cauldron on Matchday Three as they pitch up at the Karaiskakis Stadium to take on Olympiakos.
Panathinaikos were the last visitors to the stadium and that powderkeg derby had to be abandoned after defender Juankar was struck with a firecracker while warming up on the touchline.
UEFA won't take any sanctions before the European tie though and they've made things even more incendiary by allowing both Athens clubs to play group games at home on the same day, with Rennes taking on Panathinaikos.
So you could forgive David Moyes' players for feeling a little uneasy as they take to the field and the Hammers arrive in poor form, having been battered 4-1 at Aston Villa on a day of mixed fortunes for Slips Tips.
West Ham have now won just one of their last five Premier League games but they've been more successful in Europe, kicking off their campaign with wins over Backa Topola and Freiburg.
However, this looks like their toughest test in the group and not just because of the fiery atmosphere. Olympiakos sit top of the table in Greece after an unbeaten start to the season and their only loss so far came against Freiburg in the Euro opener.
It looked like they would hold on with 10 men for a win away to Backa Topola on Matchday Two but the Serbs grabbed a last-minute leveller, making this clash with West Ham a must win for Olympiakos.
How the bookies view it
I'm a little surprised to see West Ham as short as 11/10 at Bet365 given they are heading into such a tough venue. Olympiakos look overpriced at 5/2 with BetUK while the draw pays 11/4 at the same firm.
Head to head
You have to go all the way back to 1965 for the last meeting of these sides in the European Cup Winners' Cup. It was West Ham United who came out on top in that tie, winning 4-0 at Upton Park before drawing 2-2 in Greece.
Players to watch
Ayoub El Kaabi has been in fine form for club and country this season, with the Moroccan netting 10 times in 13 meetings. He scored twice in the loss to Freiburg and is 23/10 at Paddy Power for another goal here.
Moyes could freshen things up after that heavy midweek loss and summer signing Mohammed Kudus could get another chance to shine. The former Ajax forward has impressed when he has been given a chance and he's 5/2 at SkyBet for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Our man Mark cashed in by backing the Hammers to win by a one-goal margin on their last Euro road trip in Freiburg and this should be another tight game. The half-time draw appeals at 13/10 with Unibet while McBookie price a one-goal winning margin for either side at 13/10.
Olympiakos need to go for it as a draw probably won't be enough to help them qualify for the knockout stages. The Greeks should have most of the pressure so I like the 11/10 available at BetVictor for them to win most corners.
Cards are another good option in such a fierce atmosphere and Hammers midfielder Edson Alvarez looks good value at 11/5 (Unibet) to go into the book. Brazilian stopper Rodinei can also be a bit of a plonker at times, picking up two yellows and a red in his 11 outings this term. He's 13/8 with Bet365 for another card.
This UEFA Europa League match between Olympiakos and West Ham United will be played on Oct 26, 2023 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Olympiakos vs West Ham United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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