Ounahi is out and the plan changes
Azzedine Ounahi has a serious injury. Jacob Nistrup now has to rebuild the creative middle of a team that just scored five.
One of his options is Vicente Taporda in an enganche role. Nistrup is clear on why: "Perhaps Taporda's best position is close to the striker" (4).
The other names in the mix are Rafa Benitez, Kotsiras and Calabria (4). Three routes, one hole to fill (2).
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The 5–1 was the last good news
Panathinaikos 5–1 Asteras Tripoli on Sunday, October 18. Top of the table on 18 points from 7 games, +13 goal difference (fact sheet).
You are first. You also just lost your Moroccan midfielder. That is where the week actually stands.
Louza is the key against a low block
Imran Louza is one of the most important players in this squad for games against packed defences (1). With Ounahi gone, that job gets bigger.
Kairat Almaty away on Thursday, October 22 in the Conference League (fixtures). Expect a wall. Louza is how you break it.
Kairat away, then Volos, then AEK
Thursday, October 22: Kairat Almaty away in the Conference League (fixtures).
Then Volos NFC away on Sunday, October 25, and AEK Athens at home on Sunday, November 1 (fixtures). The derby is 12 days out. Ounahi will not be there for it.
