OFI Crete vs Aris Match Preview

Second leg for the stage of 16 of the Greek Cup between OFI and Aris at the stadium Theodoros Vardinogiannis of Heraklion.

OFI did not play well in the first match in Thessaloniki and were deservedly defeated 3-1 to Aris. Now they are looking for a small miracle to be the ones who will celebrate the qualification to the next round of the tournament. In the first half, they found themselves losing 2-0, but they reacted in the 2nd half scoring on 56΄. However, shortly before the final whistle, they conceded a third goal to make the final 3-1. They are now looking for a victory with at least two goals difference to continue in the tournament.

However, they will enter this match with high morale as on Monday afternoon they prevailed 2-1 over AEK in OAKA for the Super League, making their first victory away vs AEK after 20 years! With this three-pointer, the team of Nikos Noblias reached 22 points and rose to 6th place in the Super League.

Aris' goal in the 90΄ for the final 3-1 can prove to be golden in the case of qualifying against OFI, since it gives the Thessalonians a clear lead in view of the rematch of Heraklion. Aris was superior for most of the match and now the qualification is in the hands of Akis Mantzios's team.

For the Super League, Aris prevailed on Monday afternoon over Ionikos with 1-0 after a quite good performance, returning to winning ways after 2 games. Thus, the completion of the 15th round found them in 7th place with 21 points.

A great battle is expected between two quality teams that come from positive results in the league. OFI is forced to take risks and play aggressively from the beginning of the match. Aris, for their part, if they find open spaces, might create dangerous chances. I expect a match with many chances with a fast pace. My choice is the Over 2.5 goals alternative at 2.60 odds with Betshop.