The Daily Star Ireland
After winning the Conference League last season, Olympiakos entered this Europa League campaign with high hopes. Although their performances haven’t been spectacular, the Greek side has been efficient, currently sitting in 14th place with 8 points. They began with a disappointing 0-2 loss to Lyon but quickly regained form with victories over Braga (2-0) and Malmo (0-1), as well as draws against Rangers (1-1) and FCSB (0-0).
In the Greek league, Olympiakos is in a strong position, leading by three points ahead of second-place AEK Athens. They will look to extend their winning streak to five when they face Volos FC next weekend.
On the other hand, FC Twente has faced challenges in the Europa League, failing to win any of their first five matches. They have managed draws against Manchester United (1-1), Fenerbahce (1-1), and Nice (2-2), but lost to Lazio (0-2) and Union Saint-Gilloise (0-1). Domestically, they are outside the top four in the Eredivisie despite a recent surge with four wins in their last five matches. Their upcoming clash against league leaders PSV Eindhoven will be a tough test.
Olympiakos will be missing key players for this match, including Gelson Martins (formerly of Monaco), Yazici (formerly of Lille), and defender Carmo, all sidelined by injury. Moroccan forward El Kaabi, who starred in last year’s Conference League final, remains the team’s main attacking threat with 10 goals in the league and 4 in the Europa League.
Twente will also have a few absentees. Midfielder Taha is still recovering from injury, while full-back Holder van Rooij, who was suspended for the previous match against Nice, will return. Midfielder Steijn, who has scored over 10 goals in the Eredivisie this season, is a key player for Twente. Forward Lammers, who has scored 6 league goals and 2 in the Europa League, could also be a significant contributor.
Prediction
Olympiakos’ Europa League matches have often been high-scoring, with 12 of their last 13 games featuring over two goals. Similarly, 18 of Twente’s last 20 away games in the Europa League have seen more than 2.5 goals. Given these trends, a high-scoring match seems likely.
Prediction: Olympiakos Piraeus 2 : 1 Twente
