Olympiacos Clash with Bayer Leverkusen: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Olympiacos and Bayer Leverkusen clash once more in this Champions League campaign, though the pressure intensifies on Tuesday evening as their knockout playoff begins.
José Luis Mendilibar's Olympiacos climbed to an impressive 18th position in the league phase standings after securing three consecutive victories. This run included a commanding 2–0 triumph over Leverkusen on Matchday 7.
However, their strong finish has given them an opportunity to advance to the Champions League round of 16 for only the fourth occasion this century.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, concluded one point ahead of Olympiacos in the standings, also benefiting from a productive conclusion to the league phase. Kasper Hjulmand's squad claimed victory in three of their last five matches, including a dominant 3–0 triumph over Villarreal in Gameweek 8, securing 16th place.
In domestic competition, Wednesday's away team has shown inconsistency, though they've discovered some rhythm in recent weeks under their astute Danish tactician.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of the opening leg of this playoff encounter.
What Time Does Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen Kick Off?
What Time Does Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen Kick Off?
Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Olympiacos | Bayer Leverkusen |
|---|---|
Levadiakos 0–0 Olympiacos | Bayer Leverkusen 4–0 St. Pauli |
Olympiacos 0–1 Panathinaikos | Borussia Mönchengladbach 1–1 Bayer Leverkusen |
Asteras Tripolis 0–3 Olympiacos | Bayer Leverkusen 3–0 St. Pauli |
AEK Athens 1–1 Olympiacos | Eintracht Frankfurt 1–3 Bayer Leverkusen |
Ajax 1–2 Olympiacos | Bayer Leverkusen 3–0 Villarreal |
How to Watch Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+ |
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 4, discovery+, discovery+ App |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | TNT Sports, Max Mexico, TNT Go |
Olympiacos Team News
Olympiacos Team News
Theofanis Bakoulas remains the sole injury concern for the hosts, who approach Wednesday's opening leg in good health.
Despite their mixed domestic performances, Mendilibar is expected to resist major changes when facing the German outfit.
Mehdi Taremi has found the net 13 times in Champions League competition and is set to spearhead Olympiacos' attack. He'll receive support from Gelson Martins in the forward line. The seasoned Portuguese attacker found the scoresheet in the crucial 2–1 victory at Ajax last month.
Santiago Hezze delivered the decisive goal in Amsterdam, though he's among three players who would miss the return leg if cautioned on Wednesday. Dani García and Taremi are also walking the disciplinary tightrope.
Olympiacos Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Olympiacos Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Olympiacos predicted lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Hezze, García; Rodinei, Chiquinho, Martins; Taremi.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
The away side is presently missing goalkeeper Mark Flekken due to a knee problem, while Nathan Tella and Eliesse Ben Seghir are sidelined with ankle and foot ailments, respectively.
All three players could return to availability when the round of 16 commences. Assuming Leverkusen progress, naturally.
Hjulmand's offensive unit has flourished lately, with Patrik Schick finding his scoring touch and Malik Tillman excelling in advanced positions. Ernest Poku provides pace and directness on the left flank, while Alejandro Grimaldo poses a constant attacking threat.
Lucas Vázquez's contribution in this tournament deserves recognition, considering his achievements at Real Madrid. Hjulmand will certainly rely on the experienced Spanish defender on Wednesday.
Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup vs. Olympiacos
Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup vs. Olympiacos
Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup vs. Olympiacos (3-4-2-1): Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Vázquez, García, Fernández, Grimaldo; Tillman, Poku; Schick.
Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen Score Prediction
Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen Score Prediction
A quick opener enabled Olympiacos to defend deep and strike on the break against Leverkusen previously, with this approach perfectly suiting the Greek side. They converted twice from just two attempts on target, while their opponents dominated possession without reward.
Mendilibar is a Europa League champion who will position his team optimally across both legs, though Leverkusen should have absorbed valuable lessons from their previous defeat.
Therefore, this could develop into a cagey affair where both sides avoid costly mistakes. The points might be divided in a tight contest.
Prediction: Olympiacos 1–1 Bayer Leverkusen