Preview: Qarabag FK vs. Olympiacos - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are just three points behind the leaders in Group G, but they head into this match on the back of a six-match undefeated record.

Match preview

Qarabag have been impressive as of late, putting on some fantastic performances both offensively and at the back as they have put together six games in a row without a loss.

Filip Ozobic scored the only goal of the game at the weekend as they defeated Gabala in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

That result marked the second game in a row where Qarabag kept a clean sheet, showcasing the defensive qualities that the team have got.

The previous result just so happened to be against Olympiacos last week in the Europa League as they secured a dominant 3-0 victory away from home.

Owusu Kwabena put his team ahead in the 68th minute, and that was followed up by a couple of goals in the final 10 minutes of the fixture to earn an important three points.

While Qarabag will no doubt be happy with a repeat of that result, the visitors are now in a desperate need for points as time is starting to run out.

With only three games remaining the Greek outfit will be hoping to keep themselves in contention of progressing to the next stage in the competition with their first win of the tournament.

Olympiacos are currently without a single point in this competition, and a defeat on Thursday would put them at least nine points away from a top-two position.

Despite the defeat Michel's men were able to get back to winning ways immediately on Sunday by defeating OFI 2-1.

Olympiacos came back from behind to get the victory with goals from Cedric Bakambu and Garry Rodrigues, and the desire to fight back is something the team now needs in the second half of the Europa League group stage.

Qarabag FK Europa League form:

L

W

W

Qarabag FK form (all competitions):

W

D

L

L

W

W

Olympiacos Europa League form:

W

D

W

L

L

L

Olympiacos form (all competitions):

D

L

L

W

L

W

Team News

The hosts could be looking to use the exact same starting XI that featured against Olympiacos last week considering the impressive result that they got.

However, one change could see Kevin Medina be brought into the starting lineup this time around after he returned to the team on Sunday.

Olympiacos switched to a 4-3-3 formation at the weekend which led to them getting back to winning ways, and that could be something that Michel decides to implement once again in midweek.

Marcelo made his debut for the Greek club in the reverse of this tie, with all of the goals being conceded after his introduction, but his experience could be called upon once again.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the field Bakumbu has been a bright spark for Olympiacos this season, and after scoring again at the weekend he will likely lead the line.

Qarabag FK possible starting lineup:

Mahammadaliyev; Vesovic, Mustafazada, Medina, Bayramov; Qarayev, Jankovic; Sheydayev, Kady, Zoubir; Kwabena

Olympiacos possible starting lineup:

Tzolakis; Vrsaljko, Cisse, Papastathopoulos, Reabciuk; M'Vila, I. Hwang, Camara; Masouras, Biel Bakambu

We say: Qarabag FK 2-0 Olympiacos

Olympiacos have been struggling in European competition this season, which has been clear with the fact that they have zero points so far.

The same cannot be said for the hosts, and coming off the back of such a recent victory against their opponents should provide all of the confidence they need.

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