When the Greek Super League kicked off in September, an opening 0-0 draw between Panathinaikos FC and Olympiacos CFP set the tone for a tight title race. The arch-rivals meet again on Sunday as the second half of the season begins, and with just one point between them, there is more than Athens pride at stake.
'Nothing to prove'
Olympiacos will be the home team this time, and the title-holders have a one-point advantage on both Panathinaikos and AEK Athens FC. Coach Panagiotis Lemonis is keen for them to assert their authority, saying: "In a derby, your mind-set is usually more important than any tactics. We have nothing to prove. Our aim is to do our talking on the pitch. Panathinaikos are a big club, but at the Karaiskakis we're the ones in charge."
Kovačević key
That was not the case last term, however, when despite Olympiacos claiming a tenth championship in eleven years, Panathinaikos won both derbies. Yet Olympiacos have stepped up a gear this season, if their UEFA Champions League exploits are anything to go by, and the key is likely to be 34-year-old striker Darko Kovačević. He has struck 13 goals in 14 league games since joining from Real Sociedad de Fútbol in the summer – including two in last week's 2-1 win at Iraklis FC, which took Olympiacos back to the top as AEK lost 2-1 at surprise package Asteras Tripolis FC.
Perfect record
Another factor in Olympiacos's favour is their perfect record in eight home league outings this term, while only AEK can match their 30 goals scored – although Panathinaikos have conceded just six. Lemonis will field his usual 4-3-3 formation, but with midfield anchormen Ieroklis Stoltidis and Cristián Raúl Ledesma injured he will partner Christos Patsatzoglou with either Konstantinos Mendrinos or youngster Georgios Katsikoyannis.
González return
The visitors have lost defender Nasief Morris to the African Cup of Nations, giving a chance to Yosu Sarriegui, while midfielder Ezequiel González returned last week after more than a year out with a knee injury – lasting 45 minutes of the victory over Apollon Kalamarias FC. Whatever happens on Sunday, the rivals will face off again at the same venue in Wednesday's Greek Cup last-16 encounter.
'Nothing to prove'
Olympiacos will be the home team this time, and the title-holders have a one-point advantage on both Panathinaikos and AEK Athens FC. Coach Panagiotis Lemonis is keen for them to assert their authority, saying: "In a derby, your mind-set is usually more important than any tactics. We have nothing to prove. Our aim is to do our talking on the pitch. Panathinaikos are a big club, but at the Karaiskakis we're the ones in charge."
Kovačević key
That was not the case last term, however, when despite Olympiacos claiming a tenth championship in eleven years, Panathinaikos won both derbies. Yet Olympiacos have stepped up a gear this season, if their UEFA Champions League exploits are anything to go by, and the key is likely to be 34-year-old striker Darko Kovačević. He has struck 13 goals in 14 league games since joining from Real Sociedad de Fútbol in the summer – including two in last week's 2-1 win at Iraklis FC, which took Olympiacos back to the top as AEK lost 2-1 at surprise package Asteras Tripolis FC.
Perfect record
Another factor in Olympiacos's favour is their perfect record in eight home league outings this term, while only AEK can match their 30 goals scored – although Panathinaikos have conceded just six. Lemonis will field his usual 4-3-3 formation, but with midfield anchormen Ieroklis Stoltidis and Cristián Raúl Ledesma injured he will partner Christos Patsatzoglou with either Konstantinos Mendrinos or youngster Georgios Katsikoyannis.
González return
The visitors have lost defender Nasief Morris to the African Cup of Nations, giving a chance to Yosu Sarriegui, while midfielder Ezequiel González returned last week after more than a year out with a knee injury – lasting 45 minutes of the victory over Apollon Kalamarias FC. Whatever happens on Sunday, the rivals will face off again at the same venue in Wednesday's Greek Cup last-16 encounter.
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