It’d be easy to say that this game doesn’t matter, but it does. Because it’ll totally determine which of these two teams makes the Europa League. No, neither has any real hope of making it to the knockout rounds thanks to a combined record of one win, one draw and four losses, but Olympiakos can more or less end Montpellier’s hopes of finishing in third place in Group B by notching a win at the Piraeus on Tuesday.
Olympiakos vs. Montpellier, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Preview and TV schedule
Let’s be honest: Neither of these teams are capable of breaking into the knockout rounds of this year’s Champions League. This match is for the booby prize.
Christof Koepsel
They've already done plenty of damage to the defending Ligue 1 champions' hopes by pulling off a surprise comeback at the Stade de la Mosson a fortnight ago, scoring twice in the final twenty minutes to bring back three points from France. However, despite their triumph against these same opponents in October, it's difficult to see Olympiacos regularly dispatching Montpellier, who are probably the better side regardless of their 2-1 loss. A draw, however, should be good enough for the Greeks, who are already two points up in the group.
Olympiacos injuries and suspensions
Out: Pablo Contreras (calf), Rafik Djebbour (knee) and Ariel Ibagaza (groin). In doubt: Tassos Papazoglou (dislocated shoulder), David Fuster (groin).
Montpellier injuries and suspensions
Out: N/A. In doubt: John Utaka.
If John Utaka doesn’t play, this match is way less fun. Olympiacos could end up missing three starters from their away match in France, and if Fuster misses out with a groin injury it wouldn’t be a major shock to see Montpellier swoop in for the three points.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov. 6; 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET.
Venue: Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece.
TV: N/A
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.)
See More:
