Michael Olaitan is set to lead Olympiacos’ attack against Premier League side Manchester United in Tuesday night’s European Champions League last-16 tie in Athens.
The Greek champions’ top scorer Javier Saviola is out with a thigh injury and, having sold Kostas Mitroglou to Fulham in January and last summer signing from Partizan, Marko Scepovis being cup-tied, coach Michel is set to hand the 21-year-old Nigeria international a third Champions League appearance this season.
Nevertheless, Olympiacos Spanish boss Michel chose not to disclose much when asked whether January loan signing from Al Jazira, Nelson Valdez, is fit to play.
“He’s alive and that’s all I am telling you,” said Michel when quizzed on the fitness of the Paraguayan.
However, Olaitan insists the reigning English League champions are beatable.
He was quoted as saying by Gazezetta.gr: “If you do not believe in the dream, then you better not play I say generally and if you do not believe this, then you better not get off the field.
“We will do everything to oppose this huge team called Manchester United.
“Whether we qualify or not is not to prejudge anyone. What we can anticipate is that we will fight!
“If we fight, we hope to do something great.”
Olympiakos are top- with a 20-point lead over PAOK Thesaloniki- and unbeaten in the Greek Super League and have only lost twice at home in the league in four years.
United are sixth on the Premier League standings, 15 points adrift of leaders Chelsea and 11 points behind Liverpool in fourth place- the final qualifying slot for the European Champions League.
