The December Thessaloniki derby also happens to be a top-of-the-table derby, as Aris are performing very well so far and is in third place, two points behind leaders Olympiakos and one behind PAOK.

And yet, the season started in the worst possible way for the Yellow and Blacks. The notorious European newcomers Kolos Kovavlika dumped Aris out of Europe and prompted the club to make some wholesale changes.

Initially, the team’s technical director Angelos Charisteas resigned, while former coach Michael Oenning also left the club.

The next phase, however, has been a stark contrast. Aris put their faith in Akis Mantzios in the coaching role. The club began the domestic season in dynamic form and find themselves at the top of the standings.

Aris have collected 23 points from seven wins, and two draws (against PAS Giannina and Atromitos), while they were defeated by Olympiacos at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium. The goals tally reads 16 goals scored and seven goals conceded. In the final three matches before the mini winter break, Aris have three tough assignments, starting with PAOK, before then facing OFI and AEK.

What is required now for the Aris camp is for the players to stay focused and try to maintain their current rich vein of form.

The squad has both quality and depth. The team’s top scorer is Bruno Gama with four goals, three of which have come from the penalty spot, while Manos and Bertolio have scored two each, and Silva is first in the assists count with two.

Aris will be without the suspended Lindsay Rose for the match against PAOK at the Kleanthis Vikelidis.