In a crucial matchup in the UEFA Europa League, Panathinaikos will face Viktoria Plzen in Athens on Thursday. Both teams are vying for top-eight positions, with only goal difference separating them. They currently sit 13th and 14th in their group, each with nine points from five matches. This remains just one point outside the qualifying spots for the knockout stage, with three matches remaining.
Match Preview: Panathinaikos Seeking Third Consecutive Victory
Panathinaikos aims to secure their third straight win in the Europa League. They started the competition with one victory and two losses but have rebounded in their last two matches. Their recent success includes a win against Malmo, with Filip Duricic scoring the decisive goal and a 2-1 victory over Sturm Graz, featuring goals from Karol Swiderski and Davide Calabria.
However, the Greek side’s league form has been less impressive. They settled for a 2-2 draw against AEL last weekend, maintaining their sixth position in the Greek top flight. Despite leading the match, they conceded an injury-time penalty, which left them just one point away from the top-eight positions in the league phase.
Viktoria Plzen’s Performance and Challenges
Viktoria Plzen enters this match after a challenging domestic setback, having lost 3-0 to Slovacko. They remain in fifth position in the Czech league but have performed well in the Europa League. After dropping out of the Champions League qualifying rounds, they have not lost yet in this competition. They began with a draw, followed by victories against Malmo and Roma, and managed to secure two goalless draws against Fenerbahce and Freiburg.
Plzen boasts the joint-best defensive record in the Europa League, having conceded only two goals in five matches. Nevertheless, they have struggled domestically as they approach their final three league-phase matches.
Team News and Lineup Considerations
Panathinaikos will be without several key players, including Giorgos Kyriakopoulos and Renato Sanches. Cyriel Dessers is ineligible, placing the spotlight on Karol Swiderski, who has scored eight goals this season. Despite a red card in their last match, Filip Mladenovic will be available, while Emmanouil Siopis returns from suspension.
Meanwhile, Viktoria Plzen will miss Milan Havel and Jan Kopic. Rafiu Durosinmi has been instrumental for them, contributing 12 goals in all competitions, including two in the Europa League. He will be supported by teammates Matej Vydra and Lukas Cerv in what is expected to be a competitive matchup.
Predictions for the Match
With both teams eager to secure their places in the knockout stage, this match promises to be tightly contested. El-Balad anticipates a narrow victory for Panathinaikos, predicting a 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen. This match could mark Viktoria Plzen’s first Europa League defeat of the season.
Expected Starting Lineups
| Panathinaikos | Viktoria Plzen |
|---|---|
| Kotsaris | Wiegele |
| Calabria | Dweh |
| Palmer-Brown | Jemelka |
| Touba | Doski |
| Mladenovic | Souare |
| Siopis | Cerv |
| Duricic | Valenta |
| Zaroury | Memic |
| Bakasetas | Vydra |
| Tete | Durosinmi |
| Swiderski | Adu |
This match is critical for both teams as they strive for advancement in Europe, making it a must-watch event for fans and analysts alike.
