Panathinaikos vs Chelsea Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Conference League, October 24, 2024

Panathinaikos vs Chelsea Preview

• Tournament: Conference League
• Date: Wednesday, Oct 23
• Kick-off Time: 05:45 pm GMT
• Venue: Olympic Stadium, Greece

Greek club Panathinaikos will host Chelsea for their second game of the 2024/25 Conference League season at their home ground Olympic Stadium. Panathinaikos are looking to aim for their first win in the competition.

Hosts Panathinaikos will lock horns with in-form Chelsea in a highly-anticipated fixture who have been decent on their travels since the start of the season. Diego Alonso’s men have opened their Conference League season with a 1-1 draw with Borac and have had a rough start to their domestic campaign. Due to their poor start, they would struggle to bag a point against Chelsea who had a promising start to their campaign under Enzo Maresca.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have made a positive start to their domestic campaign and have maintained an uptick in form in their last few games except their recent 2-1 loss to Liverpool at home. They are one of the best-attacking teams under coach Maresca and have scored four goals against Gent in their Conference League opener. The visitors are expected to find the back of the net given their recent successes in European ties.

Panathinaikos Team News

The hosts enter this game without Dimitris Limnios, Zeca and Tonny Vilhena as are all ineligible for this tie. Captain Fotis Ioannidis is out with an adductor injury whereas Andraz Sporar is out with his illness. Polish goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski is expected to start between the sticks

Chelsea Team News

As for Chelsea, they will be boosted with the return of Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella who missed out the domestic tie against Liverpool due to suspension. Chelsea captain Reece James made his long-awaited comeback over the weekend but the club will unlikely include in this midweek tie. Enzo Maresca has a fully fit squad from which to choose.

Panathinaikos vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups

Panathinaikos predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Bartlomiej Dragowski

Defenders: Kotsiras, Jedvaj, Ingason, Mladenović

Midfielders: Arão, Čerin, Bakasetas

Forwards: Tetê, Đuričić; Ioannidis

Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Jörgensen

Defenders: Disasi, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Veiga

Midfielders: Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall

Forwards: Neto, Félix, Mudryk; Nkunku

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Head-to-Head Record

The two sides have never faced off each other in the past and Panathinaikos will play their first game against the English giants.

Key Players to Watch in Panathinaikos vs Chelsea

Filip Đuričić (Panathinaikos)

Serbian forward Filip Đuričić who announced his retirement from international football has made a bright start to the domestic campaign bagging three goals and one assist in eight appearances. Earlier this summer, the 32-year-old attacking midfielder led Serbia to the European Championship after 24 years.

Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)

After struggling to make his mark in his debut Premier League campaign, Nknunku made a fine start to his second year at Chelsea as the Frenchman has bagged seven goals in 12 appearances across all competitions. The 26-year-old featured in every game for the West London giants this season. He is now currently fighting for a permanent spot in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI.

Panathinaikos vs Chelsea Prediction

The hosts started their 2024/25 campaign on a sour note both domestically and in European games. One of the most illustrious sides in Greek football, Panathinaikos has struggled against English sides in the past managing just one win in their last 18 encounters. They are currently sitting sixth in the Greek Super League standings due to their inconsistent form in the domestic league.

As for Chelsea, they had a decent start to their domestic campaign despite coming off a 2-1 loss to Liverpool the weekend. They are languishing in the top half of the Conference League table and will be looking to consolidate their position with another win on their travels. Before the weekend defeat, Chelsea were unbeaten in seven games across all competitions.

Predicted Score: Panathinaikos 0-2 Chelsea

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