Vangelis Mitsis  



 

A look at the recent history of the Greek Super League might suggest a borefest in terms of competition with Olympiacos planning the celebration party well before Christmas. This view would be misplaced however, the Greek league is awash with passion, emerging players and clubs with the potential to challenge Olympiacos at home and other clubs abroad. Here we focus on those teams most likely to light up the Super League this season and assess their chances. Coming soon we will also place the City focus on Athens, so if you consider a short break to take in the football, you don’t overlook this lively destination.

 

AEK Athens

Last years 2nd place combined with the arrival of Brazilian legend Rivaldo to work with his former Barca boss Ferrer has boosted expectations of a 1st league title since 1994. Whilst they will surely look to Rivaldo to pull the strings in midfield, doubts persist about his ability to dictate games for long periods at the age of 35, so the craft of Manduca, now signed on a permanent basis, could be crucial. Equally important will be the team’s ability to convert chances into goals, all eyes will be on Argentinian Blanco to fire AEK up the table. The defence is more solid than the shipping of six goals over two legs to Sevilla suggested and Arruabarrena arrives full of experience from Spain’s La Liga.

Major Transfers In: Rivaldo (Olympiacos), Blanco (Santa Fe), Morretto (Benfica, LOAN), Manduca (Benfica), Arruabarrena (Villarreal)

Major Transfers Out:

Prediction: 2nd



Aris Salonkia

God of War will start this season looking to improve on last seasons excellent 4th place finish. This was all the more impressive given the fact that it was their first year back in the Super League after a season spent in the second division. Far and away Aris’ key signing this summer has come off the pitch and not on it, with Serbian coaching legend Dusan Bajevic having been persuaded to return to Greek football. In defence new signing Brazilian Ronaldo has experience at Besikitas and Benfica to call upon and developing star Avraam Papadopolous is a name we will all be hearing much more of. Once again Spanish forward Koke will be central to any hopes of featuring towards the top of the table and the ex-Marseille man will need to better last years tally of 10 Super League goals if Aris are to achieve this.

Major Transfers In: Ronaldo (free agent) Ivic (AEK), E’too (Metalurh Donestk)

Major Transfers Out: Perez (Albacete)

Prediction: 3rd

 

Larissa

The only club in recent memory to break the stranglehold of Athenian clubs on the title (87-88) enjoyed a mixed season last term. A 10th place finish was acceptable in only as much as relegation was never a serious possibility. Triumph in the cup final against Panathinaikos was a sign of what the club can achieve. Larissa, a team with good support and advanced plans for a new stadium will look to do better this year. To do that, ex-Everton and Marseille man Ibrahima Bakayoko will have to show his undoubted quality.

Major Transfers In: Bakayoko (Messina), Walter (Atletico Madrid) Sarmiento (Argentinos Juniors)

Major Transfers Out: Vallas (Xanthi), Bassila (Cottbus), Antchouet (banned for 2 years due to drug use, released)

Prediction: 8th



Olympiacos

The Champions have strengthened key areas and despite the loss of their two most naturally gifted players, Mexican Nery Castillo and an aging Rivaldo, look stronger than last year. Impressive Cristian Ledsema should add bite and control to the midfield whilst compatriot Martin Galletti will surely give Super League defences the run around. Lua Lua newly arrived from Portsmouth will finally have chance to shine on the Champions League stage. The change everyone expected to see, in the dugout, has not materialised and Olympiacos will again be led by Takis Lemonis, whilst this should not prove a problem domestically, Europe is sure to be where he will be watched most closely.

Major Transfers In: Ledesma (Racing) Galletti (Atletico Madrid), Nunez (Argentinos Juniors), Kocecevic (Soceidad), Antzas (Xanthi), Lua Lua (Portsmouth)

Major Transfers Out: Castillo (Shakhtar Donestk), Rivaldo (AEK Athens), Borja (Mainz, LOAN)

Prediction: 1st



Panathinaikos

The Champions biggest rivals’ troubles continue with them placing as much trust in their coach as a French wife puts in her husband. Despite a cup final appearance a 3rd place finish wasn’t enough to save Spaniard Victor Munoz last year and the feeling persists new coach ex-Sporting Lisbon man Perserio will need to deliver the title to see a 2nd year as PAO coach. On the field the arrival of fan favourites Giorgios Karagounis and Takis Fyssas from Benfica and Hearts respectively, has done nothing to quell expectations. The signing of bright Brazilian prospect Mattos and the retaining of young star Sotris Ninis in the face of interest from Real Madrid should make the midfield a formidable one, but controlling games against the bigger team will not be enough if PAO cannot score.

Major Transfers In: Karagounis (Benfica), Mattos (Corinthians), N’Doye (Academica), Fyssas (Hearts), Enakarhire (Bordeaux, LOAN)

Major Transfers Out: Biscan (released), Victor (released), Andric (Hadjuk Split)

Prediction: 4th



Panionios

German boss Ewald Lienen with experience managing teams such as Tenerife in Spain and  Hannover in his native Germany is in charge this year. Young ex-Auxerre forward Rafik Djebbur’s development continues apace and he will be the key man for Panionios this season, but the Athenian team definitely overachieved last year finishing 5th. If the bigger clubs in the league get their houses in order, this shouldn’t happen again. However, Panionios who can count former Republic of Ireland international Ronnie Whelan amongst their former managers, will be hoping they don’t.

Major Transfers In: Delura (Schalke), Majstorovic (Unterhacing), Kapteanos (Iraklis)

Major Transfers Out: Konde (Zurich)

Prediction: 7th



PAOK Salonkia

The installation of Greek Euro 2004 winning captain Theo Zagorakis as President is a positive sign for the sleeping giants of Salonkia and he has been very busy in the transfer market. Zisis Vryzas has arrived from Xanthi to add experience to the strikeforce whilst former CyrstalPalace man Lakis will look to provide the ammunition. Defence has seen Nigerian international Udeze brought back from AEK Athens and talented Dutchman Ruud Knol is something of a coup from Vitesse. But the singing that made people really sit up and notice though came in the form of ex-Benfica boss Fernando Santos. Santos’ experience of Greek football will be invaluable this year and PAOK could well be the dark horses of the campaign.

Major Transfers In: Vryzas (Xanthi), Lakis, Udeze (both AEK Athens), Knol (Vitesse), Iliev (Messina), Salmon (NAC Breda)

Major Transfers Out: Torghelle (Carl Zeiss Jena), Mieciel (Bochum)

Prediction: 5th



Xanthi

The Thracian club continue to thrive in the Super League and provide a solid test for clubs with many times their budget. Losing boss Lemonis to Olympiacos mid-way through last season was a blow and a finish of 11th will have been studied carefully. Even with this though the side nearly reached the Cup final at the expense of Panathiniakos, giving the Greens an almighty scare. Again Xanthi continue to buy well and produced a surprise this summer with the capture of ex-Everton and Fulham man Tomaz Radsinski. Attacking options are also boosted by the interesting signing of flair player Alva, the Peruvian arriving on a free transfer. Last season goals were the problem for Xanthi and with a solid defence a fair many games ended as stalemates. If Xanthi can fire then punters looking to profit from them again in the under 2.5 goals market may have to look elsewhere.

Major Transfers In: Radsinski (Free agent), Alva (free agent), Vallas (free agent)

Major Transfers Out: Vryzas (PAOK), Sonko (released), Malarz (Panathinaikos)

Prediction: 6th

Overall Olympiacos look good value to retain their title at the 1.90 (10/11) generally available. Whilst the Champions haven’t replaced Castillo and Rivaldo with names of equal standing, they have signed good solid players from better leagues. AEK Athens look capable and Rivaldo will certainly boost them, but they lack the same strength throughout the team as Olympiacos. Panathinaikos in any normal season would be a solid bet to challenge for the Super League, but Perserio doesn’t convince and Mattos will need time to settle into European football. Aris and PAOK will be teams to watch this year and here at Inside Futbol we’ll stick out necks out and say Aris will get 3rd spot. Good luck to all those who have a bet on the Super League this year and even if you don’t, an exciting season surely lies ahead.