Panathinaikos vs Ajax Prediction: The match between Panathinaikos and Ajax is expected to end in a 1-1
The UEFA Europa League third qualifying round kicks off with a heavyweight clash as Greek giants Panathinaikos host Dutch powerhouse Ajax at the Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis in Athens. This match marks the beginning of a two-legged tie that will determine which team advances to the playoff round.
Match Details
Date: August 8, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM local time (6:00 PM BST)
Venue: Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis, Athens
Team News and Projected Panathinaikos vs Ajax Lineups
Panathinaikos
New manager Diego Alonso has breathed fresh life into the Greek side since taking over from Fatih Terim. The Greens comfortably dispatched Botev Plovdiv in the previous round, showcasing their attacking prowess.
Projected Panathinaikos Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jedvaj, Arao, Jeremejeff, Tete, Djuricic, Bakasetas, Cerin, Mladenovic, Baldock, Dragowski, Ingason
Swedish striker Alexander Jeremejeff is expected to lead the line after his impressive goal-scoring form in the previous round. Summer signings Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Nemanja Maksimovic, and Tete are likely to feature prominently.
Ajax
Francesco Farioli’s Ajax side enters this tie on the back of a solid run of form, including six straight victories when accounting for pre-season matches. The Dutch giants overcame Vojvodina in the second qualifying round with relative ease.
Projected Ajax Lineup (4-3-3): Hato, Van den Boomen, Berghuis, Pasveer, Taylor, Akpom, Sutalo, Baas, Rensch, Henderson, Rasmussen
With Geronimo Rulli still on leave after Olympic duty, veteran keeper Remko Pasveer is expected to start between the posts. Jordan Henderson and Kenneth Taylor will likely anchor the midfield, while Chuba Akpom spearheads the attack.
Injuries and Unavailable Players
Panathinaikos:
No major injury concerns reported
Ajax:
- Geronimo Rulli: On leave after competing at the Olympics
- Owen Wijndal: Arm injury
- Gaston Avila: Knee injury
- Brian Brobbey: Recently returned to training, involvement uncertain
- Steven Bergwijn: Recently returned to training, involvement uncertain
Where to Watch?
Panathinaikos vs Ajax Live Streaming and TV Schedule for select countries:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Moja TV, Arena Sport 4
- Croatia: MAXtv To Go, Arena Sport 1 Croatia
- Cyprus: Cablenet Sports 2
- Greece: Cosmote Sport 1 HD
- Netherlands: Ziggo Sport
- Serbia: Arena 2 Premium
- Slovenia: Arena Sport 1 Slovenia
Fans in other countries should check local listings closer to kick-off time.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
This fixture revives a rivalry that dates back to the 1971 European Cup final, which Ajax won. Both teams come into this match in good form, with Panathinaikos impressing in their 6-1 aggregate win over Botev Plovdiv and Ajax securing a 4-1 aggregate victory against Vojvodina.
Prediction
Given the historical pedigree of both clubs and their current form, this promises to be a closely contested affair. Ajax’s European experience might give them a slight edge, but Panathinaikos will be buoyed by their home support.
Predicted Score: Panathinaikos 1-1 Ajax
The first leg in Athens is likely to end in a draw, leaving everything to play for in the return fixture in Amsterdam.
Key Stats
- Panathinaikos scored 6 goals in their previous qualifying round
- Ajax have won their last 6 matches including pre-season friendlies
- Alexander Jeremejeff has scored 3 goals in Europa League qualifying for Panathinaikos
Europa League Standings
As this is a qualifying round, there are no group stage standings to report. However, it’s worth noting that both teams finished in Europa League qualifying positions in their respective leagues last season:
- Panathinaikos: 4th in Greek Super League
- Ajax: 3rd in Eredivisie
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