Last week’s clash in Greece was very tight with just one clear goal opportunity for the visitors. I expect a careful approach from both sides on Tuesday as well, so under 2.5 is the best option.
Key Stats
- NEC Nijmegen have seen under 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 5 matches.
- NEC Nijmegen have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 2 matches against Olympiakos.
- Olympiakos have failed to score in 3 of their last 4 matches (including pre-season).
Two Previous Meetings
These two sides locked horns in a friendly clash in July 2024 and last week in Piraeus.
NEC Hoping for an Upset
NEC Nijmegen secured their first ever appearance in the UCL qualifiers after finishing third in the Eredivisie last season and looked solid in the first tie last week in Greece, returning home with a 0-0 draw.
The Dutch side had 1.36-0.59 expected goals and 13-11 shots here, while Noe Lebreton missed a big chance to upset favored Olympiakos.
NEC had a rough start to the new Eredivisie campaign though, suffering a 2-1 shock loss to Telstar at home last weekend despite controlling possession 71% and having 27-8 shots.
Olympiakos Lacked Creativity Last Week
Olympiakos were tagged favorites in last week’s clash against Nijmegen, but failed to produce a single goal opportunity in front of the home crowd. Goalkeeper Balsa Popovic was their top rated player here.
The Red and Whites had mixed pre-season results, starting with victories over Rakow 2-1 and Fortuna Sittard 3-1, but then registered three consecutive defeats against Ajax 1-0, Antwerp 3-0 and AZ Alkmaar 3-2.
Previous season was disastrous for the Greek side, losing the title race to AEK Athens while also being eliminated in the Greek Cup by PAOK in early stages.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
NEC (3-4-2-1) Gonzalo Crettaz; Tobias Storm, Philippe Sandler, Deveron Fonville; Sami Ouaissa, Jamiro Monteiro, Darko Nejasmic, Clement Bischoff; Noe Lebreton, Tjaronn Chery; Bryan Linssen
Hosts have several squad absences, as Perr Schuurs, Bram Nuytinck, Yassin Moslih, and Adam Tahaui are ruled out alongside Vito van Crooij and Koki Ogawa.
Hosts have several squad absences, as Perr Schuurs, Bram Nuytinck, Yassin Moslih, and Adam Tahaui are ruled out alongside Vito van Crooij and Koki Ogawa.
Olympiakos (4-2-3-1) Balsa Popovic; Manolis Saliakas, Zinedin Smajlovic, David Carmo, Bruno Onyemaechi; Dani Garcia, Christos Mouzakitis; Rodinei, Chiquinho, Joel Roca; Ayoub El Kaabi
Olympiakos can't count on midfielder Yusuf Yazici (injury) and Mehdi Tarem (undisclosed reason).
Olympiakos can't count on midfielder Yusuf Yazici (injury) and Mehdi Tarem (undisclosed reason).