OFI Crete vs Xanthi
Competition: Greece Super League
Date: 3 February 2019
Kick-off: 14:00 CET
OFI drew with Atromitos at home midweek, 1-1, a game that left me with the impression that none of the two were willing to take a risk in the second half. Both goals were scored in the first one, in a matter of 3-4 minutes; Atromitos took the lead in the 34th, and OFI equalized practically right away, with Juan Neira. It was the Argentinian’s fourth goal of the season (in the Super League), in 10 appearances. He missed several games due to injury. Friday morning, Jaime Vera, OFI’s new coach, arrived in Crete. His assistant, Alejandro Isis, had arrived a day earlier. Both are Chileans, both have played for OFI more than 20 years ago, both are very much loved by OFI’s fans, and what’s fantastic for them is that they have other former players pretty much… running things at the club, hired by the new main shareholder, who decided to trust those who know better.
Thursday’s home defeat to Aris was… not in the schedule for Xanthi. It was a game they expected to win, a key match in their fight to finish 5th, or at least 6th. They have now fallen 7th, and what caused a lot of concern midweek was the display of the team. In short, they didn’t play like a team that has high expectations. They looked very poor, having opposite them a decent, but not a great rival. Xanthi have two wins, four draws, and three defeats away from home this season, in nine Super League games. Attacking midfielder Petar Djurickovic is out due to cards.
Previous five matches:
OFI Crete vs Atromitos 1-1
PAOK vs OFI Crete 4-0
OFI Crete vs Ergotelis 1-1
OFI Crete vs Panetolikos 3-0
OFI Crete vs Panionios 1-1
Xanthi vs Aris 0-1
Panetolikos vs Xanthi 0-0
Olympiakos Piraeus vs Xanthi 3-1
Xanthi vs Atromitos 2-1
Panathinaikos vs Xanthi 2-2
OFI are visiting AEK next weekend. Xanthi will be hosting Lamia (both Super League matches).
OFI Crete vs Xanthi: Head to head Stats
Three wins for OFI, one for Xanthi, and a draw, in the last five games between these two in Crete.
OFI Crete vs Xanthi: Prediction
I would leave this game aside. It just feels… extremely tricky, With so many games available this weekend, I would leave this one aside.
OFI Crete vs Xanthi: Betting Tips
If I absolutely had to choose something to bet on in this game, I would go for “over 2.5 goals”, at 2.60. Three out of OFI’s last five home games have gone “over 2.5”. On the other hand, Xanthi tend to keep the score in their games low, but at 2.60, I feel the risk is worth it.
Leave a Reply