From the dreamy optimism of the summer, to the disappointment of the first half of the season, and then back to looking up the table once more, it has been a mixed campaign so far for Panathinaikos. The Greens’ season can be characterized as a rollercoaster ride, but in recent weeks the Tryfilli are well and truly on the up and full of confidence.

Up until the corresponding fixture between the two teams earlier in the season at the Toumba, the Greens had collected just eight points and were inconsistent to say the least. Just a few months later and everything has changed at the club.

The Tryfilli are in fourth place with 34 points and it seems as thought they will hold on to their place in the top six. At the same time, they are also through to the quarter-finals of the Greek Cup, where they will face PAOK.

Coach Giorgos Donis has managed to improve the team’s mentality and style of play considerably, while also combining this with positive results. Additionally, in the January transfer window the club have also strengthened their ranks with the arrivals of Ayoub, Anuar, Nagy and Carlitos.

The Greens’ top scorer is Macheda with seven goals, while Tasos Chatzigiovanis is second with five. Creator-in-chief is Zahid, who has contributed four assists.