Worn out but ready to win
The quarter final of the Greek Cup on Thursday will be an interesting one to follow. Olympiacos are welcoming Lamia to Piraeus. Everything is to play for after a 3-3 draw in the first leg. AEK Athens are already through to the semis, PAOK are on their way and Olympiakos won’t want to be left behind.
The Red and Whites have had a tough season both domestically and in Europe. At home they’re trailing PAOK in the league, having lost both home and away fixtures to their rivals from the north.
A hectic schedule
Olympiacos are being run ragged at the moment. Since 19 January they’ve consistently played two matches a week, with the toughest fixtures against the likes of PAOK and AEK rolling up in the last couple of weeks.
On top of all that Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev paid them a visit on Valentine’s Day and equalised 2-2 in the final minute of regular time to send the Greeks crashing out of Europe.
The Greek Cup is a chance for redemption against their bitterest rivals.
Solid at home
As for Lamia, their home form is anything but sensational. In 11 they’ve only won 2, with the remaining matches equating to 3 draws and 6 defeats. In terms of goals that works out to 8 scored and 15 conceded. Encouraging for Olympiacos.
Despite a hectic run of games for the most part this season, Olympiacos have only lost one at home this season domestically and that came against PAOK back in September. Despite putting in a performance in the first leg, it’ll be an uphill struggle for the travelling team.
Betting tip
Olympiacos made a meal of it in the first leg away from home by conceding three. Nevertheless it makes it a more interest contest for sure, and even better it drives up the odds. I’m banking on the Greek giants making a convincing evening of poor opponents in Lamia.
That’s why I’m going with Olympiacos Asian handicap -1.5 at odds of (1.72) with bet365.
