The preview for the UEFA Champions League Matchday 7 fixture between Olympiakos Piraeus and Bayer Leverkusen covers form, team news and predicted lineups.
Bayer Leverkusen have endured a difficult January, suffering a 4-1 defeat to VfB Stuttgart and a 1-0 loss to TSG Hoffenheim, with a postponed trip to Hamburger SV in between.
They lie three points behind the eight direct qualifying spots, and while closing the gap may be unlikely, Alex Grimaldo's late equaliser against Newcastle offers some encouragement to advance.
The planned atmosphere at the Karaiskakis Stadium is expected to be intense, with coach Simon Rolfes describing it as "sure to be a great atmosphere and heated." Only Real Madrid (4-3) and PAOK (2-0) have prevailed at the venue this season.
On the opponent's side, coach José Luis Mendilibar will know that a win over Leverkusen would boost Olympiakos' chances, with the final league fixture potentially pitting them against Ajax in an all-or-nothing clash.
For Olympiakos, goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis remains sidelined with a calf injury, so Konstantinos Tzolakis is expected to start. Lorenzo Pirola is another doubt with a muscle issue.
Leverkusen face their own fitness concerns, with Mark Flekken and Edmond Tapsoba sidelined by injuries, and Eliesse Ben Seghir (ankle), Nathan Tella (foot) and Axel Tape (muscle) also not featuring.
Lineups and final team selections are due ahead of the kick-off as the teams prepare for the crucial European clash.
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