Preview: The Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium is not an easy place to play
If Manchester United came across this fixture last season, analysts would likely expect a victory for the Red Devils. But with the way things have been going for United after Sir Alex Ferguson, no match is a guarantee anymore.
David Moyes’ side continues to struggle with consistency, and a meeting with the Greek champions promises to be another difficult fixture.
Trailing Liverpool by 11 points in the Premier League, the chances of United claiming a Champions League spot for next season are slim. So they are left with hoping for a serious let down from the teams above them, or they will have to claim the UCL title.
While it is highly unlikely this struggling side wins the Champions League, it would not be the first time an English side struggles domestically, and wins a European competition. All we have to do is think back two years, when Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League, yet they claimed European silverware.
So in order to take a step towards that achievement, United are up against a Greek side that play very well at home. Their fans also make the atmosphere in the stadium very hostile, which may or may not have an affect on the players.
With Juan Mata being cup tied, Moyes will have to find another creative option within his current squad. The Spaniard could offer the Red Devils the ability to unlock this organized Olympiakos defense, but without him, they will need to lean on Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
But the offensive side of the ball may not be the biggest concern for David Moyes.
His back-line has had a lot of injuries, and a lot of changes this season. From Chris Smalling, Evans, Ferdinand, Vidic and Jones, the United manager has had a lot of questions asked of what many consider to be a very soft defensive unit.
Olympiakos will throw everything at them in order to grab a positive result, and Javier Saviola could be the main piece to the puzzle.
The Argentinian has played at the highest level, and after a few years in Portugal and Spain, he now has 13 goals in all competitions for the Greek outfit. Olympiakos will likely use Saviola’s experience to their advantage, and they will be hoping he can expose a United defense that is averaging over one goal against per match away from home.
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Olympiakos vs Manchester United live on Tuesday, February 25, 2014:
In Canada at 14:45 ET on: Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet World, TVA Sports, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet World Online, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet East
In the UK at 19:45 GMT on: BBC Radio 5 Live, UTV, BBC Manchester, ITV 1, STV Scotland, ITV Live Player
In the USA at 14:45 ET on: Fox Soccer 2Go, TV3, Fox Deportes, Fox Sports 1 USA, SiriusXM FC
For viewers outside these viewing areas, please be sure to visit the Olympiakos vs Manchester United match page for full TV listings.
