Asteras Tripolis got off to a slow start in the match against Atromitos on Wednesday and conceded twice in the first 12 minutes. Iraklis Metaksas’ side pushed for a comeback, but they didn’t take their chances and lost 2-0 on the road. Their defeat to Atromitos was Asteras’ fourth loss across all competitions since early October.

In fact, Asteras – whose objective this season is to secure a top-six spot – haven’t won any of their last seven games and Metaksas’ job is in danger, as his team sit ninth with just 10 points from 12 games. Dropping points on Monday against a struggling Ionikos side could see Metaksas depart Asteras, who could take advantage of the World Cup to hire a new coach, as they will desperately need to bounce back after the break.

Despite Asteras’ drop in form, the difference in quality between the hosts and Ionikos is noticeable, as the visitors have one of the smallest budgets in the league, currently sitting bottom of the Super League table. Only PAS Giannina have recorded more defeats and conceded more goals away from home than Ionikos. Asteras may have registered just one victory thus far, but the game against Ionikos is regarded as one of the easiest home duels they’ll have this season.

The match on Monday is a must-win duel for Asteras, who have failed to live up to expectations under a new coach, who is considered as one of the most talented Greek managers. A victory against Ionikos could allow the team to take a breather and work hard during the break to turn the season around in 2023.

A game of huge importance for both OFI and Levadiakos will take place in Heraklion on Monday. OFI are in desperate need of a victory, as they haven’t won any of their last 10 games across all competitions. The hosts benefitted from the new manager bounce, playing well and grabbing a 1-1 draw away at Aris in Valdas Dabrauskas’ first game in charge.

However, they failed to build on their momentum and lost 2-0 to Ionikos, who sit bottom of the table along with Ledaviakos and OFI on seven points each. A tough game against AEK followed, with the Athens-based side grabbing a 3-0 comfortable 3-0 win. OFI have been struggling in defence, as they have kept just two clean sheets thus far.

The hosts will push for the win from the off in what should be considered as one of the easiest duels OFI will dispute at home this season. However, Levadiakos have demonstrated that they are not an easy team to defeat lately, having recorded one win, a draw and a 1-0 defeat to reigning Champions Olympiacos in the last three games.

Although they were lucky not to concede more than one goal against Olympiacos, Levadiakos will take to the Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium in their bid to build on their momentum. Ionikos showed them the way with their 2-0 win at OFI and Levadiakos are aware that a victory on Monday would be an important relegation six-pointer.

The hosts have scored just one goal in their last five games across all competitions, but only two teams have conceded more goals than OFI thus far. This is a must-win game for OFI and the fact that a win is not enough for them may lead to a more open game than many may expect.