Preview: Aris Hosts Panaitolikos in Greek Cup Clash

THESSALONIKI, Greece (Interstat) — Aris will look to capitalize on home advantage and recent history when it hosts Panaitolikos in a Greek Cup match on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.

The fixture at Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium is a rematch of a September league encounter, which Aris won 1-0 on the road. Statistical models heavily favor a repeat outcome. Interstat’s ELO system gives Aris an 86.70 percent probability to advance, while its game simulator projects another 1-0 victory for the hosts.

Aris enters the cup tie unbeaten in its last two matches across all competitions. It secured a notable 1-1 draw against crosstown rival PAOK in its most recent outing on Dec. 3. The team’s form has been inconsistent this season, however, with a 3-0 loss to OFI in October bookended by victories over AO Aigaleo and Marko.

Panaitolikos arrives following a scoreless draw with GS Iraklis on Dec. 4. Its season has been marked by offensive bursts, including a 4-1 win over APO Ellas Syros, but also by narrow defeats. In addition to the loss to Aris, it fell 2-1 to AEK Athens in late September. The visitors have shown resilience on the road, earning a 2-1 victory at Niki Volos in August.

The head-to-head record from this season provides a clear mental edge for the home side. The solitary goal in their September meeting proved decisive, and Aris will aim to control the match from the outset in front of its supporters.

Aris is expected to rely on a stout defense to set the tone, while Panaitolikos will need to find an attacking spark it has lacked in recent fixtures against higher-tier opposition. The winner will take a significant step forward in Greece’s domestic knockout competition.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time (1700 GMT).