Can Wolves continue their European dream at Olympiakos?
Odds, preview and betting tips for this evening’s Europa League last-16 clash
This time two years ago, Wolverhampton Wanderers were in the Championship. Now they’re sixth in the Premier League and have a Europa League quarter-final in their sights.
It’s been a fairy-tale journey for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and their adventure is far from over, with a tricky test against Olympiakos their latest obstacle.
The first leg in Athens will take place behind closed doors as a coronavirus precaution and the absence of Olympiakos’ vociferous home crowd could be an advantage for Wolves.
But they’ll be well aware of the threat the Greek side pose after they dumped Arsenal out of the competition in the last round.
Olympiakos v Wolves Match Odds
Despite their late heroics at Arsenal last month, Olympiakos go into the tie as the underdogs. They’re priced at 2/1 to qualify and 23/10 to win the first leg.
Our traders have Wolves as favourites to qualify at 1/3 and the Midlands outfit are 13/10 to win tonight, with the draw going at 2/1.
Wolves have been imperious in Europe this season, scoring 13 times in their last four outings, and they’re 8/5 to score two or more in Greece, while over 3.5 goals in the match is 17/5.
Youssef El-Arabi was the hero at the Emirates and after bagging 23 times in all competitions so far this season, our traders have him at 5/1 to score first tonight or 23/10 any time.
Meanwhile, Diogo Jota is 200/1 to score a hat-trick having scored a treble in each of his last two Europa League appearances. Ruben Neves is 9/1 to score his 13th goal from outside the box for Wolves.
Olympiakos are enjoying an impressive season domestically and are on track to win their first Super League title since 2017. They’re currently seven points clear of PAOK, mainly down to the exploits of El-Arabi who leads the race for the golden boot.
Pedro Martins’ side started the season in the Champions League and despite holding Tottenham to a draw in the group stage, they finished third in a tricky group that also included Bayern Munich.
A 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal in the first leg looked to be the beginning of the end of their European journey for this season but a remarkable turnaround at the Emirates gave them a dramatic late win in extra-time.
And they’ll be confident of claiming a second Premier League scalp, particularly with imposing centre-back Ruben Semedo returning from suspension.
Giorgos Masouras is also expected to keep his place after scoring in Olympiakos’ last league game.
Meanwhile, Wolves will be looking to continue their impressive campaign.
Having survived a scare at Espanyol to reach the last 16, they masterminded a stunning 3-2 victory at Tottenham in the league.
A goalless draw against Brighton on Saturday halted their momentum but with lively winger Adama Traore only coming on as a late substitute, he’ll be raring to go if he can shake off a shoulder issue.
Left-back Jonny is expected to miss out again with a foot injury while January signing Daniel Podence could offer Santo some key insight having spent the last 18 months at Olympiakos.
With just five points separating Wolves from fourth-placed Chelsea, Champions League qualification is not out of the question.
And with the Europa League quarter-finals within reach, they may fancy their chances of completing their fairy-tale and going all the way.
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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
