Olympiakos Deploys Top Squad for Showdown with Amsterdam Rivals
In a pivotal Champions League clash, Olympiakos Piraeus is preparing to take on Amsterdam’s Ajax. The match is set for Wednesday and carries major implications for both teams. Currently, Ajax finds itself in the 32nd position in the standings, while Olympiakos is slightly better at 24th. Both clubs are determined to improve their league status.
Olympiakos Deploys Top Squad Against Ajax
After a significant victory over Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiakos coach José Luis Mendilibar plans to retain a strong lineup against Ajax. According to various Greek sources, including Gazzetta and Sportday, the starting eleven will see few adjustments.
Expected Starting XI for Olympiakos
- Goalkeeper: Konstantinos Tzolakis
- Defenders: Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega
- Midfielders: Mouzakitis, Hezze, Chiquinho (Attacking Midfielder)
- Wingers: Rodinei, Gelson Martins
- Forward: Ayoub El Kaabi (central striker)
Tzolakis, who performed admirably against Bayer Leverkusen, will anchor the defense. The defensive line includes Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, and Ortega, all returning from a brief rest in their last league match against Volos. This tactical choice emphasizes Olympiakos’s preparedness for the challenges Ajax will present.
Mendilibar is likely relying on Mouzakitis and Hezze in midfield, with Chiquinho pushing forward to take on a more advanced role. The wingers, Rodinei and Gelson Martins, are expected to bring speed and creativity to the offense. Ayoub El Kaabi steps in as the leading striker, taking the place of Mehdi Taremi. Roman Yaremchuk is ruled out due to a calf injury.
Significance of the Match
This Champions League matchup is crucial for both teams. Each side aims to gather important points to elevate their standings in the competition. The competitive nature of this encounter promises to attract considerable attention, particularly as Olympiakos fields a strong lineup to pursue a vital away victory.
