Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Manchester United vs Olympiakos | Wednesday 19 March | Old Trafford | 21:45
In the past, Olympiakos’ journey to Old Trafford would have once been nothing more than an exercise in footballing damage control that only served to further embolden the United juggernaut. Instead, United’s defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool has left them in a place of unprecedented vulnerability. It is as if some ancient spell has suddenly been lifted off some fair damsel, revealing the horrible wretch beneath. Moyes will know that only an emphatic victory can save United’s season from utter ruin, a task made all the more unlikely by their rapidly diminishing confidence.
To Win (90mins)
Manchester United 5/10
Draw 33/10
Olympiakos 52/10
Manchester United
Murmurs of Robin Van Persie’s potential departure exemplify the atmosphere surrounding the fading dynasty at United. The penalties conceded by Vidic and Rafael showed further mental capitulation that has never been a trademark of an ordinarily streetwise side. Their performance in Greece was one of the most embarrassing indictments of Premier League superiority that I have ever witnessed; their inability to barely fashion a chance has left them in a precarious position if Olympiakos are to score a goal.
Wayne Rooney is everything to this team at the moment. Even against Liverpool he appeared to be the one man willing to take responsibility and apply his roughly hewn Scouser work ethic to proceedings. Marouane Fellaini looked far more effective than Michael Carrick, a player whose fundamental deficiencies have been highlighted time and time again this season. Carrick would do well in the more languidly paced arena of Italian football, revelling in the abundance of space granted to him. But at this level, his speed and penetration have been found wanting and United desperately need to rethink their midfield policy. Januzaj has even looked anaemic in recent weeks, while Van Persie cuts an increasingly forlorn figure at the head of this most tame of United beasts. Young may come in for the cup-tied Mata which, could actually give United a slightly more direct approach.
Olympiakos
Michel’s emphasis on an attacking gameplan has proved beneficial and tactically astute given the utter vulnerability of the United defence. Even without star striker Konstantinos Mitroglou, whom left in the January transfer window, the side have shown a flair not usually associated with Greek football. Javier Saviola has barely been missed. with the skill of Dominguez and pace of Olaitan being used to great effect. The deft finish supplied by Dominguez to deflect Maniatis’ shot on target was a magical distillation of everything Michel is doing right at Olympiakos.
Joel Campbell was a surprising starter in Greece and was a breath of fresh air from start to finish. His pace and devastating finish indicated that the on-loan Arsenal winger has a wealth of unexplored potential. The Greek side have the comfort of an insurmountable lead in Greece that has afforded them the luxury of solely focusing on this big game. Other teams may go more defensive in this game, putting in an extra midfielder to try to combat the vaunted home team. But that gene does not seem to operate in the Michel make-up, and he knows that one more goal will see United require four.
BEST BET: Both Teams to Score 17/20
United should come out on top, but I can’t imagine that their defence will not concede a goal. Dominguez and Olaitan are too clever to not exploit the bountiful space that will be on offer as United seek to take the game to the Greek side.
The man knows his football, but even he gets it wrong from time to time. Feel free to share your view below.
