PAOK: Three problems, one definite absence and the plan for Olympiacos
PAOK put behind them the 2-1 victory over Asteras AKTOR and turned their attention to Sunday's derby (08/11, 21:00) against Olympiacos at "Georgios Karaiskakis".
PAOK put behind them the 2-1 victory over Asteras AKTOR and turned their attention to Sunday's derby (08/11, 21:00) against Olympiacos at "Georgios Karaiskakis". Alessio Lisi has the whole week to prepare his team, but he has to manage three problems and one definite absence.
From the three points with Asteras to the derby
The "Double-headed Eagle of the North" struggled against Asteras, but found the winning goal at the end with Anestis Mythou and climbed to 18 points. They are now in third place, four points behind second-placed Olympiacos, a fact that gives even greater points significance to the Faliro match.
With a potential away win, PAOK will close the gap to the Piraeus team to one point and will remain strongly in contention for the top spots. Conversely, a defeat will increase the distance between them to seven points.
Three problems and Kenny out
The first training session after the game with the Arcadians was a recovery session for those who played as starters. The rest worked on the field, with the program including warm-up, rondo, possession drills and a small-sided game in a confined space.
Three names remain on the medical bulletin. Tom Luce followed an individual program, retaining some chances to make it to the derby, while Dimitris Pelkas and Giannis Michailidis continued with therapy. Their condition will be re-evaluated daily.
Jonjo Kenny is definitely out of the plans. The English right-back was sent off with a second yellow card against Asteras and will serve his suspension at "Georgios Karaiskakis". One of Lisi's options to cover the position is Kristijan Jakic.
Olympiacos' different schedule
PAOK has a clear week of preparation ahead of them, while Olympiacos has to respond to their European obligations. The "red and whites", who are coming off a 3-2 away win over Kifisia, face Rennes in France on Wednesday (04/11, 17:30) for the Europa League Group Stage.
The European trip limits the preparation and recovery time for the Piraeus team, without this changing the degree of difficulty of PAOK's mission. Lisi's team will need intensity, concentration and better defensive function to leave with a positive result from one of the most difficult home grounds in the league.