Olympiacos and Backa Topola clash in the Europa League on Thursday, both teams having been eliminated from the competition.
However, a spot in the Europa Conference League is still up for grabs. Olympiacos must avoid defeat while Backa Topola needs a win to extend their European campaign.
Match Preview
Olympiacos, despite being underdogs in Group A, aimed for a competitive run against teams like West Ham United and Freiburg. However, they’ve only secured one point apart from a win against Freiburg, leaving them eight points behind the top two.
It’s been a disappointing effort, but Olympiacos aims to avoid defeat to continue in the Europa Conference League. They face this match following a 2-2 draw against Volos NFC in their last league game, sitting fourth in the Greek top flight.
Backa Topola, Europa League newcomers, had mixed performances but only managed one point, particularly underperforming in a 5-0 defeat against Freiburg. However, they showcased resilience, taking leads against West Ham United and Freiburg in other games.
Zarko Lazetic’s side needs a win to drop into the Europa Conference League. Despite inconsistent domestic form, they come into this game after three consecutive clean sheets, sitting third in the Serbian Super Liga.
Team News
Olympiacos’ Daniel Podence, recently recovered from injury, is available and might start over Pep Biel. Stevan Jovetic, despite returning to training, might not be risked.
For Backa Topola, Lazetic may field a similar lineup from their last domestic outing, potentially sticking to a 5-3-2 formation. Marko Rakonjac could be an alternative in attack.
Possible Lineups
Olympiacos: (4-3-3)
Paschalakis;
Rodinei, Biancone, Retsos, Ortega;
Fortounis, Iborra, Camara;
Biel, El Kaabi, Masouras
Backa Topola: (5-2-1-2)
Ilic;
Vlalukin, Calusic, Krstic, Antonic, Petrovic;
Radin, Kuveljic;
Cirkovic;
Jovanovic, Milovanovic
Prediction: Olympiacos 2-0 Backa Topola
While Backa Topola has shown the capability to challenge, Olympiacos needs a response. Expect Olympiacos to secure a professional win at home territory.