Aris opens UEFA Cup run in Thessaloniki

Aris will look to kick-off their UEFA Cup campaign with a good showing against Croatia side NK Slaven Koprivnica at the Kleanthis Vikealidis stadium in Thessaloniki. Recent preseason tests have seen the Greek side impress on the attacking front, but the task of scoring will be much tougher in this, the second qualifying round of the UEFA CUP.

Chemistry seems to be in place at Aris, and the club nickname ‘God of War’ will look to continue the great team against Slaven tonight. Aris Coach Enrique Hernandez named his 19-man squad earlier in the week, and Spaniard hopes for a good start in this his second stint with the Thessaloniki club. After reaching the group stages of the tournament last season, a thumping against Bayern Munich ended Aris’ chances of progressing further in the complex competition. Now, Aris looks to establish itself in Europe with Slaven being the first hurdle in the way.

Sergio Koke will be the main threat in attack, and the Spaniard has a knack of doing so. Since agreeing to join Aris in 2006, the 25-year-old has scored 20 times on 62 occasions in the Aris yellow. Possibly paired with Marcio Amoruso, the Aris attack could be potent throughout the match. Koke’s countrymen, Felipe Sanchon, Javito, and Toni Calvo will most likely man the midfield; but look for new summer signing Mario Regueiro to have some playing time. Defensively, the departure of Avraam Papadopoulos leaves gap in Aris’ back line, but the likes of the Brazilian trio consisting of Marco Aurelio, Ronaldo Guiaro and Neto will provide the necessary cover. In goal, it is unclear whether or not the Hernandez will stick to last year’s favourite Marian Kelemen, or choose new signing Michalis Sifakis instead.

Aris will look to attack from the start, but their defense will be cautious of the threat posed by their Croatian opponents. With away goals deciding many of the ties during this stage, Aris will be keen on not allowing Slaven hit the score sheet in Thessaloniki.

Aris FC (Enrique Hernandez): Kelemen, Sifakis, Vangjeli, Neto, Ronaldo Guiaro, Jahic, Lembo, Aurelio, Calvo, Javito, Prittas, Garcia, Battion, Regueiro, Felipe, Thiago, Koke, Włodarczyk, Delorte.