Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
The ground at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium will be shaking when Olympiacos and Aston Villa lock horns in the Conference League semis, return leg on Thursday. Against all odds, Olympiacos defeated Villa 4-2 at Villa Park. As a result, the Greeks are likely to adopt a defence-minded approach in the reverse fixture. The good news for the hosts is that both Andreas Ntoi and Georgios Masouras are back from suspension.
Meanwhile, the Villans have no other option but to go all guns blazing at the Thrylos. As Unai Emery’s men have nothing to lose in Thursday’s encounter, away win should definitely be considered. First-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has overcome his injury, while midfielder Youri Tielemans remains doubtful. Morgan Rogers should be fit for the Conference League game despite limping off with injury in a 1-0 loss to Brighton at the weekend. As always, the opposition back-line should have Ollie Watkins at bay.
Highlighted Player (Diego Carlos):
Diego Carlos Santos Silva is a Brazilian footballer who plays for Nantes as a defender. His main position is centre-back and his preferred foot is right. Diego Carlos began his youth career at America-SP and in 2010 he moved to Desportivo Brasil. After spending the 2012/2013 season on loan at Sao Paulo, the 185-cm-tall defender returned to Desportivo Brasil.
However, he made his first-team debut with Madureira during his spell with the club (2014). In 2014 Diego Carlos signed a contract with Portuguese club Estoril Praia and he scored two goals in 39 appearances for the Primeira Liga club. It has to be noted, though, that he played for Porto B (on loan) in the 2014/2015 season.
Diego Carlos moved to French club Nantes in the summer of 2016 and you should bear in mind that he quickly established himself as a first-team regular with les Canaris. The Brazilian footballer scored two goals in 34 appearances for Nantes in the 2016/2017 Ligue 1 campaign. His contract with the Ligue 1 side expires on June 20, 2021.
Highlighted Team (Olympiacos):
Olympiakos are regarded as one of the biggest club in Greece. The Thrylos were founded back in 1925 and they play their home games at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus. The capacity of the stadium is 33 296. In 2016 Olympiakos won their 43rd Greek Superleague trophy and it has to be noted that they clinched their sixth consecutive domestic title.
However, the club’s biggest success came in 1999 as they participated in the Champions League quarter-finals. The Red and whites were beaten by Juventus in the two-legged tie. It is well known that Panathinaikos are considered the club’s bitterest rivals and the two teams share a great and long-standing rivalry.
The likes of AEK and PAOK are regarded as Olympiakos’ fierce opponents as well. The likes of Javier Saviola, Kevin Mirallas, Darko Kovacevic, Lomana LuaLua, Joel Campbell, Rivaldo and Marko Pantelic are notable footballers who played for the club in the past. Olympiakos fans are friends with Red Star Belgrade supporters.