Olympiakos vs. Bayer Leverkusen Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups

The new calendar year has been tough going for Bayer Leverkusen in January. A crushing 4-1 defeat at the hands of VfB Stuttgart and a 1-0 loss to TSG Hoffenheim sandwiched a postponed trip to Hamburger SV in midweek.

Kasper Hjulmand's men can take some solace in the fact that they faced two of Germany's most in-form sides. The result against the Swabians is somewhat shocking, but when facing Hoffenheim they lacked a creative edge.

When the chips are down in life, we all benefit from a change of scenery. That's exactly what Leverkusen will get tomorrow as they travel to the Greek capital for a Champions League clash with Olympiakos Piraeus on Matchday 7.

Despite only trailing the eight direct qualifying spots by three points, it's unlikely that Bayer will close the gap. However, Alex Grimaldo's late goal to salvage a point against Newcastle will give them encouragement to advance. 

"It's sure to be a great atmosphere and heated," said Simon Rolfes at the final training session. Only Real Madrid (4-3) and PAOK (2-0) have managed to emerge victorious from the intimidating Karaiskakis Stadium this season.

José Luis Mendilibar will know - despite being just outside the top 24 teams - a win over Leverkusen will give them a big chance. Their final fixture of the league phase could be an all-or-nothing clash with a struggling Ajax.

Team news and predicted lineups:

For Olympiakos, goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis remains sidelined with a calf injury, so it's expected that Konstantinos Tzolakis starts. Otherwise, only Lorenzo Pirola (muscle) is a doubt to feature. 

Hjulmand is unlucky to be without Mark Flekken (ligaments) and Edmond Tapsoba (muscle) who both suffered recently injuries. Eliesse Ben Seghir (ankle) Nathan Tella (foot) and Axel Tape (muscle) won't feature. 

Click here to see our Olympiakos vs. Bayer Leverkusen lineups.