Greek League
2008-04-16 - Atromitos vs Aris Salonica
A Sports Betting Pick by Dimitris
This is the Greek Cup semifinal but it couldn't come in a worse timing for one of the two teams, AtromitosATROMITOS
Atromitos suddenly found themselves deep in the relegation fight after the streak of bad results they are running. They stand only two points above the relegation zone with one game to go but this is an away game against highly motivated Panionios (who want to enter the play-offs) whereas Ergotelis that lie two points below Atromitos face Xanthi at home who have nothing to play for.
Atromitos will miss influential midfielder Skopelitis for this match but lots of players are back from either suspension or injury the most important being creative midfielders Luciano and Merino and Striker Nikolopoulos.
ARIS
Aris are having a dream season, having already secured a place in the play-offs and most probably having secured the fourth place as well. The squad is playing nice football (although the personality of the coach has turned the style in a more defensive one) and their big goal for this season is to win the cup. Aris have a pretty much full squad, having only to worry for forwards Ivic and Siston.
VERDICT
This seems like a real opportunity to me, with prices for Aris win up to 2.70. Atromitos in the first leg tried to get a 0-0 result with defense and stalling of play from the first minute, and they would do it if it wasn't for a 92 minute penalty that allowed Aris to win 1-0. Now Atromitos have to attack if they want to qualify for the final (for first time in their history) and Aris will almost definitely exploit this fact.
I am not aware of the squad that Atromitos will field but even if it is a full strength one i think Atromitos players will have their minds in the difficult Sunday game that will judge the future of the team in the Super League.
I know that Aris can qualify with a draw but the price on them to win seems so tasty i can't miss it. After all the difference in the quality of the two teams is vast and under the given circumstances this is a bet i would take any given day at that price
