Panathinaikos vs Chelsea Predictions

Panathinaikos vs Chelsea predictions ahead of this Conference League clash. Chelsea aim to secure back-to-back wins in the 2024-25 Conference League as they travel to Greece to face Panathinaikos at Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis on Thursday evening. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Conference League | League Stage | Oct 24, 2024 at 5:45pm UK at Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis

Panathinaikos vs Chelsea Predictions

Can Chelsea’s Attack Outshine Their Defensive Frailties in Greece?

• Chelsea’s Leaky Defence: Despite their strong attacking output, Chelsea have only managed to keep two clean sheets this season. They’ve conceded an average of 1.3 goals per game, highlighting their defensive issues.
• Panathinaikos’ Home Fortress: Panathinaikos have lost just five of their last 23 home matches in 2024. Their form at the Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis has been a crucial factor in their domestic and European campaigns.
• Chelsea’s Scoring Prowess: Chelsea have been prolific in front of goal, averaging 2.1 goals per game in the Premier League this season. Their attacking players have delivered, with Nkunku, Neto, and Felix all likely to play pivotal roles.

Our Tips

Chelsea head into their Europa Conference League clash with Panathinaikos looking to bounce back after a tough defeat at Anfield. Having tasted victory in their opening group-stage game against Gent, the Blues are keen to secure another three points, but this trip to Greece poses a different challenge. Panathinaikos, while not at their best domestically, have always been a formidable force at home. A full-capacity crowd at the Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis could turn this into a testing night for the Premier League side.

For Chelsea, it’s a game of momentum. They are sitting in the upper half of the Premier League table, and despite the loss to Liverpool, Enzo Maresca’s side have been praised for their style of play and attacking verve. Their Conference League journey, however, is still in its infancy, and Panathinaikos will look to take advantage of any slip-ups, especially after their spirited 1-1 draw with Borac Banja Luka in their last European outing. With both sides keen on grabbing points, this match promises to be a tactical battle, with Chelsea’s offensive power facing off against Panathinaikos’ typically stubborn defence.

Best Bet: Both Teams To Score

It’s hard to look past both teams getting on the scoresheet in this one. Chelsea have been scoring freely in the Premier League and the Conference League, but their Achilles heel remains their leaky defence. This season, the Blues have only managed to keep two clean sheets in all competitions, with glaring defensive lapses costing them points, even in games they controlled. The 4-2 victory over Gent in their previous Conference League game is a prime example — while their attack shone, their defence left much to be desired, conceding twice to a team they were largely expected to dominate.

On the flip side, Panathinaikos, despite their struggles, are more than capable of finding the back of the net. In fact, the Greens have shown resilience at home, going unbeaten in their last four matches at the Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis. Brazilian winger Tete, who grabbed the winner against OFI in their recent league game, will be key in troubling Chelsea’s backline. Chelsea’s defence, still in the process of adjustment under Maresca, will be tested by the pace and technical ability of Panathinaikos’ attacking unit, led by Alexander Jeremejeff and supported by Facundo Pellistri and Anastasios Bakasetas.

Chelsea’s attacking stars, however, are a class above. The likes of Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Joao Felix are all expected to feature prominently in the starting lineup. Nkunku, in particular, has been a standout performer this season and his eye for goal, combined with Felix’s creativity, will likely create a multitude of chances. With 17 goals scored in just eight Premier League games, it’s clear that Chelsea’s offensive firepower is a huge asset.

What’s even more convincing for this tip is Panathinaikos’ tendency to concede goals in Europe. They’ve only kept four clean sheets in their last 23 home matches in 2024, and given Chelsea’s pace on the counter and ability to carve open defences, it’s difficult to see them keeping a clean sheet here. Yet, Panathinaikos are at home and have already shown they can score against quality opposition, so expect them to at least trouble a Chelsea side that’s far from watertight at the back.

“Chelsea’s attack will overwhelm most teams in the Conference League, but defensively, they’re still a work in progress,” says BettingTips4You.com expert Gram Dodd. “That’s why I can’t see them keeping Panathinaikos out in front of their home crowd. Both teams to score is the way to go.”

Correct Score Prediction: Panathinaikos 1-3 Chelsea

If Chelsea’s recent form is anything to go by, they should come away from Greece with a win, but it won’t be plain sailing. Panathinaikos are no pushovers, especially on their own turf, but Chelsea’s attacking strength should ultimately prove too much for the Greek side to handle. Expect Panathinaikos to grab a goal, likely capitalising on a moment of defensive uncertainty from the visitors. A well-organised Panathinaikos team could even keep it tight for a while, but Chelsea’s superior quality should shine through as the game progresses.

The 3-1 prediction aligns closely with Chelsea’s form this season, where they’ve often found the net multiple times but have struggled to keep teams out. Given that Chelsea average 2.1 goals per game in the Premier League and have missed a fair few big chances along the way, they’re likely to score at least three here. Panathinaikos, on the other hand, have only scored 0.9 goals per game on average in the Greek Super League this season, but their home advantage could help them nick a goal against a Chelsea defence that has shown it’s vulnerable under pressure.

While the scoreline may suggest a comfortable win for Chelsea, Panathinaikos will certainly make life difficult for the Blues, particularly in the first half. However, the visitors’ ability to create chances from wide areas, especially through Neto and Felix, should eventually break down the Panathinaikos defence.

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