Olympiacos to top Burnley in Europa League playoff first leg
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Greece’s Olympiacos host England’s Burnley in the Europa League playoffs. The two clubs are just two matches away from making the Europa League group stage. Burnley kicked off their Europa League journey in the second qualifying round.
The English side defeated Scotland’s Aberdeen before knocking off Istanbul Basaksehir. Olympiacos joined the Europa League in the third qualifying round. The Greek club defeated Partizan Belgrade 5-3 on aggregate.
Burnley are in the thick of a busy point in their season. Sean Dyche’s team has not only been competing in the Europa League, but the club has also played two matches in the English premier League. While the Clarets have been playing well in the Europa League, their domestic campaign hasn’t been going as planned. Burnley have registered just one point from six and scored one goal while conceding three.
Dyche brought in a number of players in the offseason. Joe Hart was the club’s top signing. The former Manchester City No. 1 has appeared in two Europa League ties and should get the start in goal on Thursday night. The Clarets kept two clean sheets against Istanbul Basaksehir and the their defence will be difficult to break down.
Olympiacos may not have the same difficulty breaking Burnley down, however. Pedro Martins’ team polished off its third qualifying round opponent Luzern 7-1 on aggregate. Although the club doesn’t have many standout names on its roster, in terms of European football, it does have capable players.
This year’s Europa League is Burnley’s first foray into a European competition in 51 years. Dyche and company have put a lot into the competition and it has shown in their opening Premier League matches.
Dyche will be without central midfielder Steven Defour on Thursday night. Defour is still recovering from a knee injury and won’t be available for a few more weeks. Dyche may have Robbie Brady available for selection. The Europa League fixture on Thursday may come too early for Brady to appear.
Thursday night’s Europa League tie will be the first ever meeting between the sides. In fact, Burnley have never played a Greek team in competitive fixture. Olympiacos have a good record against English teams in Europe. The club has played 13 matches and won six against English opposition. Just four matches have ended in loss.
Due to Olympiacos’ form, talent, and European experience, the Greek team will defeat Burnley on Thursday night. Burnley’s Europa League dream could end in the first leg of the tournament.
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