Olympiacos begin a new era with a home match: prediction for Olympiacos vs Jagiellonia
The first matchday fixture of the Europa League league phase between Olympiacos and Jagiellonia will take place on September 16 at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium. The Greek club recently changed head coaches and head into their European campaign after a defeat, while the visitors have lost two of their last three matches.
Olympiacos: a coaching change before the Europa League begins
After being eliminated by NEC Nijmegen in the Champions League qualifiers, Olympiacos dropped into the Europa League. Poor results on the domestic front led to the dismissal of José Luis Mendilibar, who was replaced by Imanol Alguacil.
The new coach's debut ended in disappointment — a 0-1 home defeat to OFI. The squad situation is also complicated: Ayoub El Kaabi is injured, Joel Rocha is recovering from an injury, while Konstantinos Fortounis is suspended.
Jagiellonia: successful qualifying campaign, but a domestic slump
The Polish side reached the Europa League league phase for the first time, getting past Rangers 3-2 on aggregate in qualifying before comfortably overcoming Iberia 1999 — 6-1 on aggregate.
However, their latest domestic results have been less convincing. Jagiellonia lost 1-2 to Lech and 0-2 to Wisła, with a 2-1 victory over Śląsk sandwiched between those defeats.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- This will be the first official meeting between Olympiacos and Jagiellonia.
- Jagiellonia have lost two of their last three matches in all competitions.
- Olympiacos begin a new chapter under Imanol Alguacil after a home defeat to OFI.
Home advantage could help the hosts: prediction for Olympiacos vs Jagiellonia
Olympiacos are still adapting to life under their new coach, so a completely assured performance would be difficult to expect. Nevertheless, the Greek side boast considerably more European experience at home and should enjoy more possession.
Jagiellonia are capable of causing problems in attack, but their recent results point to a certain dip in form. Thanks to their individual quality and home advantage, the hosts look likelier to come out on top.