Marseille vs Panathinaikos Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in the Champions League. Marseille would have work to do to get back on track after the 1-0 defeat in the first leg in Greece. Read on for our free predictions and tips.
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Match Live Tuesday, 15th August at 8:00 pm In:
Marseille vs Panathinaikos Predictions
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Epic Showdown: Marseille’s Redemption Quest against Panathinaikos
Key Stats
– Aubameyang, a recent addition to Marseille, is tipped to be a game-changer in the upcoming clash.
– Under 2.5 goals have been scored in six out of seven recent away games featuring Panathinaikos.
Tuesday night at the Stade Vélodrome promises an exciting face-off as Marseille look to flip the narrative against Panathinaikos in the Champions League’s third qualifying round. The Greek visitors hold a slender advantage, courtesy of Bernard’s late game-winning heroics in the first leg, making this return fixture all the more tantalising.
Last season saw Marseille clinching the third spot in Ligue 1, which secured their berth for the third qualifying round of the Champions League. They’re no strangers to this stage, having shared a group with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Sporting Lisbon in the previous year. But the red card shown to Geoffrey Kondogbia in the 65th minute of the first leg has added a twist, offering Panathinaikos a lifeline they capitalised on.
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However, the French side seems to be gathering momentum. Their Ligue 1 campaign began on a positive note, with a 2-1 victory against Reims. The scorers, Azzedine Ounahi and Vitinha, will surely be raring to go. Their summer recruitment drive was nothing short of impressive, with names like Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining the ranks.
Yet, the physical toll of their recent match might play a factor. Panathinaikos, in contrast, will be stepping on the pitch with fresher legs, their domestic campaign set to start only the following weekend. With their full focus on the Champions League, Ivan Jovanovic’s men navigated past Dnipro-1 in the previous round, underlining their intent.
Key Players and Formations
Marseille’s Arsenal
Team news from the Marseille camp signals changes. Kondogbia’s absence means that Matteo Guendouzi is likely to step up. The team’s recent goalscorers, Sarr, Aubameyang, and particularly Vitinha, who impressed in the Ligue 1 opener, are expected to bring their firepower. Joining Aubameyang in attack might be Ndiaye, adding to the front line’s dynamism.
Probable Line-up: Lopez; Clauss, Gigot, Balerdi, Lodi; Sarr, Veretout, Guendouzi, Ounahi; Ndiaye, Aubameyang
Panathinaikos’ Brigade
On the other end, Panathinaikos seem set with their winning combination. Barring injuries, Jovanovic is expected to stick to his trusted XI. Andraz Sporar, their consistent performer, will likely lead the attack. Though Bernard, the hero from the first leg, and Laszlo Kleinheisler might start from the bench, their recent performances make them valuable assets during the course of the game.
Probable Line-up: Brignoli; Vagiannidis, Jedvaj, Magnusson, Juankar; Perez, Vilhena; Mancini, Duricic, Verbic; Sporar
Predictions
1. Under 2.5 Goals Expected
Historical Insight:
One of the most intriguing statistics surrounding this fixture is the defensive solidity of Panathinaikos when playing away. A staggering six of their last seven games on foreign turf have seen fewer than 2.5 goals. This is a testament to their disciplined defensive setup and their tactical focus on nullifying opposition attacks, particularly when they have a lead to defend.
Recent Performances:
Marseille’s recent games also lend weight to this prediction. Their attacking force, despite boasting the likes of Azzedine Ounahi and Vitinha, has often found it hard to breach defensive lines, having netted more than once in just two of their last seven outings. With Panathinaikos expected to reinforce their defence, considering their 1-0 advantage, goals might be at a premium.
2. Final Score: Marseille 1-0 Panathinaikos
Team Dynamics:
The first-leg’s slim margin suggests the tie is on a knife-edge. Marseille, having finished third in Ligue 1 last season, are no strangers to high-stakes situations and will be intent on overturning the deficit. Yet, Panathinaikos’ recent resilience and Marseille’s slight struggles in front of goal indicate we might be in for a tight contest.
Potential Game Progression:
As Marseille press for an equaliser on aggregate, expect them to dominate possession and territorial play. However, Panathinaikos, understanding the precariousness of their lead, will likely set up in a compact, low-block formation, trying to hit on the counter. This tactical battle may lead to a solitary goal deciding the tie.
3. Vitinha: The Man to Watch
Recent Form:
Vitinha has started the season on a bright note. His average BettingTips4You Expert Rating of 7.90 tops the chart for Marseille, a clear indication of his influence on the field. With a goal already to his name in Ligue 1 this campaign, he is showing early signs of being in fine form.
Match Dynamics:
Given the nature of the game, where Marseille will be probing and searching for gaps in the Panathinaikos defence, players with the ability to make a difference in tight spaces will be crucial. Vitinha, with his technical prowess and eye for goal, is likely to be the home side’s go-to man in attack. Expect him to be at the heart of Marseille’s most threatening moves, and don’t be surprised if he’s the one to break the deadlock.
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