Olympiacos is set to make its seventh visit to England in the past five seasons as they gear up to face West Ham United at the London Stadium in the Europa League.
Before we kick off, let’s take a look at their last encounter
Match preview
Impressive Win and Group A Drama
During the reverse fixture on matchday three, Olympiacos achieved an impressive 2-1 victory over West Ham, effectively ending the Hammers’ remarkable 17-game unbeaten run in European competitions. This result had a profound impact on Group A, blowing it wide open.
West Ham’s Run of Poor Form
Unfortunately for West Ham, their form took a nosedive following their defeat in Piraeus. They have now experienced four losses in their last five games, and their dismay continued after a famous EFL Cup win over Arsenal when they fell 3-2 to Brentford.
Defensive Vulnerabilities and Premier League Slide
The crux of West Ham’s problems lies in their defensive solidity, as they conceded 11 goals during this lackluster period. Despite a promising start with 10 points from their opening four games, they’ve slipped to 11th in the Premier League. In their last seven games, they’ve only managed to secure four points while suffering five defeats.
Pressure Mounts with Group Standing
West Ham’s loss to Olympiacos on matchday three didn’t deal a devastating blow to their group standing, as they still sit at the top. However, they now share the same number of points with Freiburg. If they experience another defeat, they risk falling out of the top two positions in the group.
Olympiacos’ Hopes and Recent English Success
Olympiacos’ victory over West Ham has kept their hopes of progressing alive. They were frustrated by a draw with TSC on matchday two and a late defeat to Freiburg in their group opener. The goals from Kostas Fortounis and Rodinei secured their win over the Hammers, boosting their confidence as they head to London.
Olympiacos also enjoys a positive track record in the English capital, having won their previous two trips, both against Arsenal in this competition.
West Ham’s Confidence Shaken
While West Ham’s victory in Greece gives them hope for the upcoming match, their confidence has taken a significant hit after a humiliating defeat at home to PAOK Salonika over the weekend. PAOK led 4-0 at one point, and late goals did little to salvage West Ham’s pride.
Troubles Off the Pitch
The recent home league outing against Panathinaikos was even more damaging for West Ham. The match was abandoned due to a firecracker incident, leading to the game being awarded to the away side and Olympiacos being docked a point. This setback leaves them four points adrift of the league leaders, with other teams in hot pursuit.
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Team News
West Ham may see the return of Kurt Zouma, who failed a late fitness test for their previous game. Key players Lucas Paqueta and Edson Alvarez will be available after serving suspensions. Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is expected to replace Alphonse Areola. Olympiacos will welcome back Andreas Ntoi but has several injured players on the sidelines.
Possible Starting Lineups
For the upcoming match, West Ham United is expected to line up with:
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Kehrer, Mavropanos, Aguerd, Cresswell; Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Lucas Paqueta; Kudus, Bowen, Benrahma
Olympiacos possible starting lineup:
Paschalakis; Rodinei, Porozo, Retsos, Ortega; Alexandropoulos, Camara, Hezze; Podence, Jovetic, Fortounis
Match Prediction
With West Ham aiming to reverse their fortunes on home turf, they enter the game as favorites despite their recent defeat in Greece. The prediction for the match is West Ham United 2-1 Olympiacos.
Conclusion
Olympiacos and West Ham are gearing up for an exciting rematch, and it’s anyone’s game. West Ham needs a boost after a tough run, while Olympiacos aims to maintain their momentum. Let’s see how it all unfolds at the London Stadium – it’s going to be a thrilling clash!
