Olympiacos vs NEC prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on August 4, 2026
Champions League
In the Champions League qualifying semi-finals on August 4, 2026, Olympiacos and NEC will play their first match. The more experienced hosts will aim to secure the most convincing result here.
Olympiacos vs NEC: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Piraeus, immediately after the arrival of their current head coach Mendilibar, won the Conference League, bringing the first European trophy in the entire history of Greek football. The Spaniard then returned his side to the top spot in the Super League. However, in the 2025/2026 campaign, they were unable to catch up with AEK from neighboring Athens and had to settle for second place.
The team from Nijmegen was, not so long ago, once again in the country’s second division. After finally returning, they stayed in the middle of the table. But last season, they made a sensational leap forward. Collecting 59 points—one more than Twente and three ahead of Ajax—Dirk Schreurs’ side finished third in the Eredivisie!
Last season, the Greeks scored an average of 1.59 goals per game, while conceding three times less—0.53. The Dutch played in a much more entertaining style, scoring 2.26 goals but conceding 1.56 per match.
Previous Matches: Olympiacos vs NEC
Two years ago, the sides played their only friendly. In the Netherlands, the visitors won 2-0.
Currently, the club from Piraeus remains strong and more experienced. At home, they are expected to win (odds – 1.60).
Olympiacos vs NEC: Key Statistics and Trends
- Olympiacos lost their last three preseason friendlies
- NEC lost four out of their last six summer friendlies
Olympiacos vs NEC: Probable Starting Line-ups
Olympiacos are expected to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable line-up): Popovic – Bruno Onyemaechi, Pirola, Smailovic, Maffeo – Garcia, Esse – Fortounis, Chiquinho, Rodinei – Yaremchuk
NEC are expected to play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (probable line-up): Krettas – Fonville, Sandler, Pereira – Neyashmich, Kodai Sano, Onal, Ouassa – Lebreton, Scheri – Linssen
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's progress in the Champions League qualification table
