Europa League: Olympiakos vs Anderlecht preview

Olympiakos did suffered a 1-0 loss to Anderlecht in Brussells, but the Greeks should not be written off just yet, speaking of qualification for the Europa League last 16. Marco Silva’s men regained a much-needed confidence at the weekend, with the team beating Atromitos 4-0 in front of home fans. Olympiakos are a real force to be reckoned with at home and no doubt they will face Anderlecht in front of packed Stadio Georgios Karaiskaki on Thursday evening. The Thrylos have one of the best fans in Europe, but they did not help them grab something from the Champions League game against Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Olympiakos, though, outplayed Dinamo Zagreb in the group stages of the elite competition at home and they are definitely capable of overcoming a 1-0 goal deficit in the tie against Anderlecht. Alejandro Dominguez found the net in the 4-0 win over Atromitos and he is likely to return to the starting line-up after coming as a substitute in the 1-0 loss to Anderlecht.

Coach Marco Silva can’t count on the likes of Hernani and Pardo (both injury), but he has no other selection worries ahead of the Europa League game.

Anderlecht often struggle on the travels

Anderlecht did well to beat Olympiakos at their Stade Constant Vanden Stock in the Europa League last 32, first leg, but they have yet to get their job done in the tie against the Greek side. The Belgians aim to defend their slim lead in the second leg, but Thursday’s game against Olympiakos will be anything but a walk in the park for the visitors. Besnik Hasi’s men are not regarded as good travelers and you should have in mind that they suffered a 1-0 loss at Waasland-Beveren at the weekend. Anderlecht suffered four losses in last five away games in the Europa League and it is no surprise they are regarded as underdogs in Thursday’s encounter against Olympiakos. Former Roma man Stefano Okaka Chuka failed to score in the first leg, but he is likely to keep his place in the starting line-up and the opposition defenders should have him at bay.