Panathinaikos FC host AFC Ajax at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium on Thursday night as the Greek outfit begin their Europa League campaign.
Panathinaikos FC Betting News
Panathinaikos FC are joined with five other clubs in the Greek Super League with one win from one with +3 goal difference heading into Thursday’s Europa League opener, hoping to take points from the group’s favourites to top the group, AFC Ajax.
Last time out Panathinaikos FC took on Levadiakos away from home in the Greek Super League, running out 3-0 winners in the end.
Panathinaikos missed out on the Europa League last season, last competing in the tournament in the 2014/15 campaign, finishing bottom of Group E with just two points from six matches.
Such dour performances in Europe are a far cry from their glory years, reaching the European Cup final in 1971, and two semi-finals in 1985 and 1996.
AFC Ajax Betting News
AFC Ajax meanwhile go into Thursday’s match knowing a win will put them in prime position to qualify the group, even at this premature stage.
Placed with Celta Vigo and Standard Liege in Group G, the competition will be tough, but a win against the Greek outfit would give them a great opportunity to be placed firmly at the top of the group after gameweek one.
Last time out in the Eredivisie AFC Ajax took on Vitesse at home, winning 1-0 and subsequently moving up to 3rd in the table, trailing leaders Feyenoord by five points.
In last year’s Europa League AFC Ajax exited in the competition in the group stages, finishing 3rd in a tough Group A on seven points, behind both Fenerbache and Molde, with Celtic finishing bottom of the group.
Panathinaikos FC vs AFC Ajax Match Prediction
Thursday’s match poses a good opportunity for both sides who are arguably the weakest in the group. The Dutch outfit are better – on paper at least – than their Greek opponents, but will face a vociferous atmosphere away from their home of the Ajax Arena. A draw is the likely result in this clash, leaving both with work to do in the matches to follow.
Match Betting Tip: Draw @3.20 at Bet365
