Panetolikos vs Olympiakos Piraeus Match Preview

The 2020-21 Greek Cup takes place only with the participation of the14 Greek Super League clubs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be two-legged matches, while in case of the same result on the rematch, the winner will be decided after extra time and penalty shoot-out.

Panetolikos comes from a 2-0 defeat to Asteras Tripolis in the previous round of the Greek Super League. After this outcome, they remained at the 12th spot on the table, and they'll have to change things around in the following weeks in order to stay away from the relegation zone.

Today's missings for the hosts are Díaz, Mazurek, Tahar, and Nikos Vergos who will stay out to rest, as well as the injured Aristotelis Karasalidis. On the other hand, both newcomers Portuguese Barbosa and Bosnian Cocalić are expected to make their debut here.

In the previous round, the league leaders Olympiacos returned to winning ways after a difficult match against PAS Giannina, scoring the winner at the dying minutes of the game. With these three points, they are still 9 points ahead of AEK which is placed 2nd, and they will try to maintain this lead to secure one more title.

I expect a heavy rotation from the Portuguese manager P. Martins, in order to rest his key players. We will probably see many younger and promising players today. Unavailable for this match will be Sá, Semedo, Rafinha, Ba, Reabciuk, Camara, M'Vila, Giorgos Masouras, Fortounis, Valbuena, and El-Arabi.

Olympiakos are obviously the big favorites to win here, despite playing with a heavily rotated squad. However, with the second leg following in two weeks, and considering the fatigue of the league leaders, I expect a more relaxed Olympiacos in this one. Panelotikos could make an upset here. The home side to win here is offered at massive 9.20 odds, an offer that cannot be ignored.