Olympiacos vs West Ham United Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in the Europa League. After the heavy defeat in Premier League against Villa, can West Ham make it three wins from three in the group stages? Read on for our predictions and tips.
Match Live Thursday, 26th October at 5:45 pm In:
Olympiacos vs West Ham United Predictions
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Europa Showdown: West Ham United and Olympiacos Lock Horns in a Tactical Battle
Key Stats
– Olympiacos averages over three goals per game this season.
– West Ham’s James Ward-Prowse boasts the highest BettingTips4You Expert Rating of 7.61 in the Premier League for the Hammers this season.
This Thursday, the football world will be focusing on the electrifying match-up between West Ham United and Olympiacos in the Europa League. Both teams are charging forward with distinct motivations, histories, and ambitions. Let’s dissect the upcoming duel.
West Ham’s Quest for Consistency
It’s been a topsy-turvy ride for the Hammers. Under the management of David Moyes, they’ve seen some glorious moments and some patches of rough turf. The team’s domestic form might be wobbling with just one win in five matches, but their European journey has been near pristine. They’ve demonstrated resilience by overcoming teams like Backa Topola and Freiburg in adverse conditions.
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However, a particular concern for Moyes has been West Ham’s vulnerability right after the halftime break. Such lapses in concentration can prove costly in critical games, especially in European tournaments where goal difference can play a pivotal role.
Olympiacos: The Greek Titans
On the other side, Olympiacos enters the game as domestic titans. Their only stumble this season came against Freiburg, but domestically, they’ve been virtually untouchable with a staggering 19 points from 21. However, a recent on-pitch incident in their match against Panathinaikos might play on their minds. The true challenge for Diego Martinez’s side will be to retain focus and showcase their dominance.
Key Players and Dynamics
Olympiacos will be without Andreas Ndoj, which is a setback, but the inclusion of Jackson Porozo and Daniel Podence, who has netted four times since joining, adds depth to their lineup. Their top performer, Kostas Fortounis, is one to watch out for. His BettingTips4You Expert Rating stands at an impressive 7.97, indicating his importance to the team.
West Ham, on the other hand, might make some tactical changes. With players like Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek, who have been in decent form domestically, Moyes has options aplenty.
Key Battles and Areas of Importance
The midfield duel between Kostas Fortounis of Olympiacos and James Ward-Prowse of West Ham will be pivotal. Both players are linchpins for their respective sides, orchestrating plays and dictating the tempo.
Olympiacos boasts an exceptional ball possession statistic of 63%, suggesting their dominance in the middle of the park. They’ve also been formidable in defence, with only two goals conceded in seven matches. West Ham, despite their recent blips, have a balanced side. Their defence, led by players like Kurt Zouma, will need to thwart the likes of Ayoub El Kaabi, Olympiacos’s top scorer this season.
The Managers’ Tactics
While David Moyes prioritises the Premier League, his European ambitions cannot be ignored. His tactics, especially his midfield setup, will be under scrutiny. Diego Martinez, having an impressive domestic run, would aim to translate that success into Europe. However, Moyes’s recent acknowledgment of being outclassed by Aston Villa hints at a need for introspection. His strategies might be deemed too cautious at times, making him slightly predictable. Martinez, with his attacking style, seems the more audacious of the two.
Predictions and Analysis
1. Match Outcome: Draw
The recent forms of both sides indicate that this match might not have a definitive winner. West Ham United’s performance in the Premier League has been inconsistent lately, with just one win in their last five matches. On the European front, they have showcased resilience, coming from behind against Backa Topola and securing a victory over Freiburg. However, their habit of conceding goals shortly after half-time could be exploited by an attacking Olympiacos side.
Olympiacos, on the other hand, have demonstrated their own vulnerabilities, having squandered a 2-0 lead against Backa Topola. But they’ve been prolific scorers recently, netting 14 times in their last 410 minutes across all competitions. With both teams showing signs of both strength and inconsistency, a draw seems a plausible outcome.
2. Correct Score: 2-2
Considering the attacking prowess of both teams, goals are expected from both ends. Olympiacos have shown an ability to score, as evidenced by their recent performances. Similarly, despite their struggles in the domestic league, West Ham United have been able to find the back of the net consistently in the Europa League. A 2-2 scoreline reflects the balance of power between the two sides and their respective offensive capabilities.
3. Goalscorer: Daniel Podence
Olympiacos’ Daniel Podence has been in a rich vein of form since his loan move. Scoring four times since his recent switch, he’s proven to be a constant menace for defenders. With West Ham’s defence showing some vulnerabilities in recent matches, Podence has a strong chance to be among the goalscorers. Furthermore, with Andreas Ndoj missing out due to suspension, there will be added impetus on Podence to step up and make a difference.
4. First-Half Result: Olympiacos Leading
Olympiacos’ recent surge in scoring, combined with West Ham’s tendency to concede just after half-time, indicates that the Greek side might have the upper hand in the initial stages of the match. Their players, such as Kostas Fortounis and Daniel Podence, have been instrumental in their attacking plays and could exploit any lapses in the Hammers’ defence. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Olympiacos go into the break with a lead, given their current form and home advantage.
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