Panserraikos - Aris Thessaloniki predictions and free betting tips [03/02/2024]

In the city of Serres, an intriguing match from the 21st round of the Greek Super League will take place. The home side Panserraikos will host visitors Aris from Thessaloniki. The teams currently sit far apart in the league table and fall into different regular season groups: the 'Lions' are 7 points from the 6th spot, where a playoff and the chance for European cups becomes an option, while the 'Yellow-Blacks' occupy 5th position, but should not rest on their laurels since the relegation group isn't too far off.

Panserraikos

The club from the city of Serres has been struggling to gather points in the Super League. Panserraikos has managed to overcome teams such as PAS Giannina and Lamia twice this season. They also pulled off a victory over OFI in addition to several draws, which are the main reasons Panserraikos nears the middle of the league table.

In the new year, the 'Lions' have been racking up points in the Super League as usual, but unfortunately crashed out of the Greek Cup after emphatically losing both legs to PAOK, with an aggregate score of (0:9).

The Panserraikos team is well-marshalled. There are interchangeable positions, especially in the midfield where Pablo Garcia often tweaks the system. Upforward, the midfielders and striker are sometimes lacklustre, thus causing the need for changes. Their defence is not the most reliable, and this often necessitates constant shifts. Nevertheless, Panserraikos' Uruguayan midfielder, Maximiliano Moreira, deserves commendation, although he will miss the match against Aris due to suspension. Central defender Konstantinos Tymianis not only stands out for his defensive duties but has also found the net four times, making him one of the top scorers of the side.

The forthcoming Cup match might be of more interest for Aris, giving Panserraikos an opportunity to take advantage of the visitors' potentially divided attention, especially whilst playing on their home ground.

Aris

Under the guidance of Apostolos Mantzios, Aris has been progressing steadily. After failing in the qualification rounds for the Conference League, the "Yellow-Blacks" turned their focus to the Super League and Greek Cup.

In the new year, Aris lost two league games and had to labour to outclass AEK in the Greek Cup's 1/8 finals, even requiring a penalty shootout. Aris certainly aims at reaching the decisive later stages of the domestic cup competition, whilst in the Super League, they are extremely likely to make it into the Championship playoffs.

Mantzios has a pretty decent squad to choose from, with a selection of players that can fulfil different tactical roles. "Aris'" top scorer is Spanish player Loren Moron, literating the net 10 times and assisting 2 in the Super League, making him the league's top goalscorer. Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov, a Krasnodar protegee, is committed on the right flank, yet in such a pragmatic Aris side, it can be difficult to garner many scoring opportunities. However, the Russian shows his utmost dedication in every game.

The Championship is generally problem-free for the "Yellow-Blacks", but the Greek Cup could be causing some stress for Mantzios and his players, as losing in the semi-finals to Panetolikos would undoubtedly be embarrassing.

Head-to-Head

In the first round match, Aris registered a 1:0 victory over Panserraikos, leveraging their significant advantage to secure a minimal triumph.

Match prediction: Panserraikos - Aris

Aris will certainly look to press harder after half-time, or aim to recover if Panserraikos manages to find their goal in the first half. A draw at half-time also suggests that Mantzios' team will be in full control in the second half. I'd back Aris to win, believing that the visitors will add some colour to the second half of this match.