Europa League | League Stage

Oct 24, 2024 at 8pm UK

Eleda Stadion (Malmo)

Malmo vs Olympiacos

Match preview

Since their last Europa League match in 2024-25, Malmö have drawn two consecutive matches in their domestic league. They drew with Värnamo on October 6 and drew with Vasteras SK on Saturday afternoon.

The Sky Blues had a great start to the match on Saturday when Erik Botheim scored for the visitors within the first 20 minutes. However, the hosts came back in the second half and Pedro Ribeiro's efforts resulted in a draw.

Even though they've had a few hiccups recently, Malmö are on the brink of being crowned champions of Sweden. With just three games left in the domestic season, they're eight points clear at the top of the Swedish Allsvenskan standings and sitting pretty in the Europa League too.

In terms of the Europa League, the Sky Blues lost their first game of the League Phase to Rangers on 24 September, but then won their first match on 3 October, with Botheim scoring twice against Qarabag FK.

Olympiacos go into Thursday night's game in Sweden on the back of one of their best wins of the League Phase. On 3 October, they beat Braga 3-0, a Primeira Liga side who have been regular Champions League competitors in recent times.

Ayoub El Kaabi is no stranger to stepping up on the continental stage for numerous clubs throughout his colourful career. He netted a double for Thrylos on the night, while another strike from Argentinian midfielder Santiago Hezze made sure of the three points.

Since that amazing performance against Braga in the Europa League, Olympiacos have drawn two games in a row in the Greek Super League. They drew 0-0 with Panathinaikos on October 6 and played out a four-goal thriller with Levadiakos on Sunday evening.

Chiquinho and El Kaabi were on the mark in the first 21 minutes, putting Thrylos in a strong position. However, the division's bottom side fought back hard for a point, with Alen Özbölbül and Giannis Gianniotas both scoring for the hosts.

Recent Performance

Malmo Europa League form:LW

Malmo form (all competitions):WLWWDD

Olympiacos Europa League form:LW

Olympiacos form (all competitions):LLWWDD

Team News

Malmo are still without Anton Tinnerholm, who's out with a bad groin injury that's kept him out since May.

Veteran Oscar Lewicki is on the mend from a cruciate ligament injury but could play some part in the League Phase during November.

Sead Haksabanovic is out of action for the Sky Blues due to a groin issue, having previously played for Celtic and Stoke City in the British Isles.

Olympiacos have had a tough time with injuries recently. Their former Chelsea and Arsenal winger Willian picked up an injury after playing just three league matches.

Even though they let in two goals at home to struggling Levadiakos last time out, Thrylos should stick with a centre-back pairing of Andreas-Richardos Ntoi and David Carmo.

Possible starting lineups

Malmo possible starting lineup:

Dahlin; Larsen, Rosler, Jansson, Busanello; Bolin, Johnsen, Berg, Christiansen; Thelin, Botheim

Olympiacos possible starting lineup:

Tzolakis; Costinha, Ntoi, Carmo, Ortega; Hezze, Mouzakitis, Rodinei, Chiquinho, Martins; El Kaabi