Having lost both group games so far, Olympiakos are in a very difficult situation and they simply have to win this game in order to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, have just one point from two rounds, meaning the Germans, too, will be looking for a win at Karaiskaki.

The Greeks in problems

Olympiakos are the team that traditionally have problems meeting the expectations, with the fact that their squad suffers major changes in every transfer window definitely one of the main reasons for that. Once again, the Greek giants have brought around ten new players and let go even more, so nobody was surprised to see them struggling at the start to the season. Ernesto Valverde’s side have been pretty convincing on domestic stage, which is hardly a memorable achievement, but two Champions League defeats prove that this team are still not ready to match the best sides in Europe. Defensive performances appear to be the biggest problem seeing that Olympiakos have conceded in every game this season, with the situation likely to get even worse now that key defender Vassilis Torosidis is out. With few more important players set to miss the game as well and the pressure on the team to win this game, the hosts could find it tough to meet the expectations in the clash with very good Borussia Dortmund side.

Vassilis Torosidis, David Fuster, Francisco Yeste and Ljubomir Fejsa are all unavailable and will be sorely missed.

Borussia back in business

Borussia Dortmund have experienced numerous problems at the start of the new season, with the players struggling to cope with the pressure of expectations, but Jurgel Klopp’s side appear to be returning to the right track. Away victories over Mainz and Weder and comfortable home win over Augsburg helped the players restore some of the lost confidence and everybody expect BVB to continue the rich vein of form. Seeing that this is virtually the same team that ruled German Bundesliga last season, they were certainly expected to come good and now when that has happened, Borussia should be able to keep the standard of performances at a very high level. The team now have a great chance to return to contention for a place in the Champions League knockout rounds as they face struggling Olympiakos that will be severely weakened, so there are no doubts the visitors will be very motivated to record fourth successive victory in all competitions.

Lucas Barrios and Patrick Owomoyela miss out through injuries, but Lukasz Piszczek and Marcel Schmelzer should return.

Verdict

Olympiakos have yet to hit the ground running this season and with several important players missing out, that is unlikely to happen any time soon. Borussia, on the other hand, are back to their best following the very poor start to the season and they look capable of bringing all three points from Athens.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.05 (21/20)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power