Olympiacos and Rangers go into Thursday’s match all-square in the Europa League standings with six points each in what is turning out to be an important matchup. Both teams are just outside of an automatic qualifying position heading into the match, and a positive result will be required to stay in contention within the competition. Both teams have fared well in Europe this season but have struggled in their respective domestic leagues.
Preview Match
Olympiacos, the Conference League winners last season, will want to carry on where they left off in Europe this term under the tutelage of head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar. The Spanish tactician joined midway through last season and immediately won them a European trophy-the Conference League title-for promotion into this year’s Europa League. Ayoub El Kaabi, a Moroccan striker, has been instrumental to their campaign so far, scoring two goals in the 3-0 win against Braga and netting the decisive goal in a narrow 1-0 win over Malmo last month.
Olympiacos head into this one on the back of two straight victories after their opening 2-0 loss in the Europa League to Lyon. Domestically, they won against Athens Kallithea in the Greek Cup and against Panserraikos in the Super League, where they are currently fourth.
Rangers head to Greece with a challenge steeped in history, for they have yet to taste victory in four visits to the country and have secured only one victory in eight matches against teams from Greece. Under manager Philippe Clement, Rangers have been inconsistent in the Scottish Premiership but strong in Europe. The most recent 4-0 win against FCSB, which featured two goals from Vaclav Cerny, underlined potential.
Rangers know that with previous Europa League victories over Malmo and a loss to Lyon, positive results in Piraeus and Nice will be crucial as far as their qualification to the knockout stages is concerned. They come into this tie buoyed by an exciting League Cup semi-final win over Motherwell, one that booked them a final date with Celtic rivals.
Form Overview
Olympiacos Europa League Form: L-W-W
Olympiacos All Competitions Form: D-D-W-L-W-W
Rangers Europa League Form: W-L-W
Rangers All Competitions Form: W-L-W-W-L-W
Team News
Olympiacos
Injuries have blown Olympiacos’ lineup slightly, with big-name arrivals Willian and Yusuf Yazici both out. Yazici is ruled out for the campaign after his ACL injury, and Willian will not return until January. Italian defender Lorenzo Pirola is back from injury, though, and in-form Kristoffer Velde, who has provided three goals and assists across his last three games, should alleviate some pressure on El Kaabi up front.
Rangers
Rangers recently welcomed Czech winger Vaclav Cerny back to the starting lineup, and he could play a key role on Thursday. Ross McCausland is a doubt, while striker Danilo returned to action as a substitute in the recent win over Motherwell. Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo have resumed training, though Oscar Cortes remains out.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Olympiacos Possible XI
Tzolakis; Rodinei, Retsos, Carmo, Lirola; Hezze, Garcia; Martins, Chiquinho, Velde; El Kaabi
Rangers Possible XI
Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte; Barron, Raskin; Cerny, Lawrence, Bajrami; Dessers
Prediction: Olympiacos 2-1 Rangers
The home advantage might give a slight edge to Olympiacos, with the recent form they have been in lately in Europe, plus the free-flowing goals from Ayoub El Kaabi. Rangers have looked decent, but beating Olympiacos on Greek soil may be a bit too difficult for them.
