Until the fifth match of the season, everything went wrong for Asteras. The impressive team which began the summer friendlies went AWOL and was seemingly replaced by one that although had plenty of character on the pitch, they could not get positive results. And so they were left with just two points and one goal.

In such cases, the climate and burden usually weighs on the coach. However, at Asteras they voted in favor of the stability that characterizes the team and their decision seems to have been vidicated.

After a tough 1-0 away win over Apollon Smyrni on Matchday 6, things seemed to turn in their favor and now Asteras are just two points away from the Play Offs places, which is the club’s main goal this season .

Milan Rastavac’s team have put their bad start behind them, as well as their elimination from the Greek Cup by Levadiakos and, as it seems, they will battle for a place in the top six.

Good football, many protagonists

Asteras’ main «weapon» this year is undoubtedly their defence, with only 12 goals conceded so far. This is a typical hallmark of Milan Rastavac’s teams.

Papadopoulos and Tsiftis have been sharing the goalkeeping role, while Carmona, Castanio, Alvarez and Atienza stand out in the defence. Meanwhile, the «old man» Munafo, along with Sito and Valiente, have been the key performers in midfield.

On the offensive line, Soni with four goals and two assists is the club’s most productive player and is flanked by Barrales, Riera and Crespi.

With confidence and a few absentees

The Arcadians arrive to the Toumba with confidence particularly high after getting a draw with AEK and beating Panetolikos, with Castanio returning to the squad having served a one-match ban.

All the other players are at the disposal of Rastavac, except for Capilla and Santafe, who are both facing injury problems.