Tomorrow’s derby between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos has several differences from the derby of recent years. Chief among them is that the hosts emerge as favourites, a few years later, even if the title does not play a primary role in them, as has been proven in the past.

Another thing is the difference in points between the rivals, which, of course, worries the Red-Whites more, who know that if they cannot close the difference, they will be even further away from their main goal – the title, which is now being sought with many claims to Jovanovic players.

The Serbian coach has put together a team that gives the feeling that losing points is very difficult, especially at home. With trained football players who wear down the opponent and perfectly use his speed in counterattacks. And, of course, with a very good defensive function, thanks to which he conceded only three goals in ten matches.

Traits that are largely missing from Mitchell, who is trying to build a team from a roster that envisions the best in contracts, not on the field. The main disadvantage of the Piraeus team is poor physical shape. Most of the goals, both inside and outside the field, were conceded in the last minutes of matches, when the lack of strength of his players becomes apparent.

That is why I believe that, no matter how history teaches us that in the derby of the “eternal” the result is largely determined by the will and passion of the opponents, the existing competitive facts at the moment cannot be ignored.