Lens vs Panathinaikos Predictions

Lens vs Panathinaikos predictions for this Europa Conference League playoff tie. Lens will host Panathinaikos at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Thursday in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff round tie. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Conference League | Playoffs | 1st Leg | Aug 22, 2024 at 8pm UK at Stade Bollaert-Delelis

Lens vs Panathinaikos Predictions

Will Lens’ Defence Prove Unbreakable Against Panathinaikos?

• Lens have a 59% record of home games ending with under 2.5 goals last season.
• Panathinaikos have managed only one shot on target per game in their recent matches.
• Lens have lost just 13 of their 58 home games since returning to the top flight.

Best Bet

Lens will host Panathinaikos at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis this Thursday for the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff round. The French side, buoyed by their recent strong performances in Ligue 1, are looking to establish a solid foundation in this first-leg encounter. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos arrive after a tense exit from the Europa League qualifiers and will be eager to overturn their fortunes. Both teams will be aiming to seize the upper hand in this crucial fixture.

Given the context of both teams’ recent performances, the standout bet for this match is on there being under 2.5 goals. This prediction hinges on several key factors that suggest a low-scoring affair is likely.

Lens, despite their strong home record and a solid start to the new season under their new manager, Will Still, are not typically a high-scoring side. Their recent pre-season form and opening league game against Angers, where they secured a narrow 1-0 victory, indicate that they prioritise defensive stability. Lens have shown a tendency to control possession without overcommitting forward, which often results in matches with few goals. This is further reinforced by the fact that 59% of their home games last season ended with under 2.5 goals.

On the other hand, Panathinaikos, after their recent struggles in the Greek Super League and a tough outing against Ajax in the Europa League, will likely approach this match cautiously. Their recent 1-0 defeat to Asteras Tripolis in the league also suggests that their attacking prowess is not at its peak. With key players like Adam Cerin and Andraz Sporar doubtful for this clash, their offensive threat may be further diminished. Moreover, both legs of their tie against Ajax ended with fewer than three goals, underlining their current struggle to score freely.

The combination of Lens’ controlled, possession-based style and Panathinaikos’ likely cautious approach to this away leg suggests that a high-scoring game is unlikely. The French side will be focused on securing a win without conceding, while Panathinaikos will be wary of avoiding a heavy defeat to keep their hopes alive for the second leg. Therefore, betting on under 2.5 goals appears to be the most logical choice.

Additional Prediction

The correct score prediction of 1-0 in favour of Lens is well-supported by the data available and the tactical inclinations of both teams. Lens, known for their robust defence and ability to grind out results, are likely to be the more dominant side in terms of possession and chances. However, their conservative approach, especially in a first-leg scenario, suggests they will be more focused on maintaining a clean sheet than on racking up goals.

Panathinaikos, with their patchy form and injury concerns, are unlikely to pose a significant threat going forward. The Greek side’s recent inability to score, highlighted by their struggles in the league and their goalless performance in the first leg against Ajax, supports the likelihood of them being shut out in this match. Additionally, with the onus on the home side to establish an advantage, Lens will aim to score but will not take unnecessary risks, making a 1-0 victory a plausible outcome.

Given these considerations, Lens’ home advantage, coupled with Panathinaikos’ current form, makes a narrow 1-0 win for the French side the most likely scenario.

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