Larisa vs Aris Thessalonikis Match Preview - Jan 18, 2026

Larisa on the Brink: Aris Thessalonikis' Challenge Awaits

The battle lines are drawn at AEL FC Arena as Larisa, languishing in 13th place with a mere 10 points, faces off against Aris Thessalonikis, who sit comfortably in 7th place with 21 points. The stakes couldn't be higher for Larisa, desperate to claw their way out of the relegation zone, while Aris aims to solidify their position in the upper half of the Super League table. With both teams' recent performances suggesting a crucial clash is imminent, every player on the pitch will feel the weight of expectation.

Predicted Lineups:

• Larisa: GK: Alexandros Anagnostopoulos, DEF: Ahmed Lavrentis Ouattara Kossonou, Epameinondas Pantelakis, Erick Ferigra, Yvann Maçon; MID: Facundo Pérez, Vasilios Sourlis; FWD: Ľubomír Tupta, Ángelo Sagal, Leandro Garate.
• Aris Thessalonikis: GK: Giorgos Athanasiadis, DEF: Noah Fadiga, Lindsay Rose, Pedro Álvaro, Álvaro Tejero; MID: Monchu, Uroš Račić, Dudu; FWD: Fredrik Jensen; Loren Morón.

As we dive deeper into recent form and stats that tell this story, it's impossible not to notice that Larisa's struggles are glaring. They have only secured one win in 16 matches-one! The defense has leaked goals consistently while their attack falters under pressure. In contrast, Aris has shown flashes of quality but also inconsistency-particularly highlighted by a recent 0-3 capitulation to Panathinaikos in the cup just days before this encounter.

Analyzing Recent Form: Looking closely at Larisa's last five outings reveals a disheartening trend. Their defensive frailty was evident against Levadiakos when they succumbed to a humiliating 0-3 defeat-a stark reflection of their position near the bottom of the table. Notably, Larisa conceded an alarming total of 82% ball possession during that match. What does this mean? Simply put: if you can't hold onto the ball or create chances (averaging only about four total shots per game), you won't win football matches.

On the other side lies Aris's mixed bag. Their ability to match opponents shot-for-shot remains intact-they managed more shots than AEK Athens despite a draw-but let's face it: they need goals from their key players like Loren Morón (who netted an impressive 15 goals this season). If he fires blank again against Larisa's vulnerable backline this time around...questions will be raised regarding Aris's ambitions this season.

Tactical Patterns and Statistical Insights:

So how do these contrasting forms translate onto the field? For starters, look at possession stats: Aris frequently finds themselves dominating games through intricate passing patterns while Larisa tends to cede control (as illustrated by their most recent match where Kifisia held 63% possession). Can Larisa reverse that trend at home?

Moreover, if we examine shots on goal from both sides-the disparity is striking. While Larisa averages about four shots on target per game, Aris has seen up to ten attempts! But beware-it's all well and good taking those shots if conversion rates fail to keep pace with ambition; opportunities must be converted into goals.

And here's where individual brilliance comes into play. Take Facundo Pérez, who may not light up the scoreboard often but embodies work ethic and craftiness in midfield-a potential disruptor for Aris's setup if utilized effectively. With his pass accuracy hovering around 75%, any chance he gets could lead to something explosive given his history of delivering under pressure.

Let's also spotlight Loren Morón. Scoring 15 times in various competitions means he knows how to find space within tight defenses. His partnerships up front alongside fellow forwards could prove decisive. If they can exploit gaps left open by a disorganized Larisa backline-a team already prone to committing fouls (evidenced by multiple yellow cards)-they might just walk away with three vital points!

The Head-to-Head History

Recent encounters haven't been particularly favorable for Larisa either; losing two out of three past meetings against Aris should weigh heavily on their psyche as they prepare for what feels like an uphill battle-two strikingly different teams eyeing each other across a pivotal chasm in league standings.

But statistics alone don't dictate outcomes! Here's an intriguing plot twist: even amid adversity lurks opportunity-a chance for redemption! This might be exactly what gives hope backers would demand from struggling Larisa fans-a moment where individual grit meets tactical urgency fueled by home support!

Final Prediction

As we look ahead towards kickoff-and weighing everything from recent form trends right down through individual player performances-the prediction boils down simply:

Expect Aris Thessalonikis to ride into AEL FC Arena and secure all three points-though it won't come easy! A spirited effort from Larisa could bring surprises but unless drastic changes happen rapidly throughout midfield connections and finishing touches improve considerably-they risk another loss sealing their fate deeper within relegation waters.

There you have it: expect tactical savvy from Aris leading them closer towards mid-table stability while pushing current battles high-stakes forward as thrilling narratives unfold right before our eyes on January 18th!