Chelsea travel to Greece for a UEFA Conference League clash against Panathinaikos at the Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis. Chelsea are looking to build on their opening 4-2 win against Gent, while Panathinaikos seek their first victory after a 1-1 draw with Borac Banja Luka.
Both teams have a lot to prove, with Panathinaikos eager to impress at home and Chelsea aiming to secure another three points on their European journey.
Panathinaikos Recent Form
Panathinaikos come into this match following a morale-boosting 1-0 win over OFI in the Greek Super League. That victory ended a three-game winless run and has pushed the Greens into sixth place domestically.
However, their Conference League form has been patchy, with just one win in their last four European outings.
Injury and Team News - Panathinaikos
Panathinaikos will be without captain Fotis Ioannidis, who is sidelined with an adductor injury.
Additionally, key players Dimitris Limnios, Zeca, and Tonny Vilhena have been omitted from the squad.
There are also doubts over Andraz Sporar, who missed the last match due to illness.
Last Panathinaikos Lineup
Here is how Panathinaikos lined up for their last match:
GK: Bartlomiej Dragowski
DEF: Giannis Kotsiras, Tin Jedvaj, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Filip Mladenovic
MID: Nemanja Maksimovic, Adam Gnezda Cerin, Willian Arao
FOR: Facundo Pellistri, Anastasios Bakasetas, Filip Duricic
FOR: Alexander Jeremejeff
Chelsea Recent Form
Chelsea have been in good form recently, though they are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League.
Before that, the Blues had gone six matches unbeaten in domestic competition. In Europe, Chelsea opened their Conference League campaign with a strong 4-2 win over Gent, and they’ll be looking to carry that momentum into this fixture.
Injury and Team News - Chelsea
Chelsea have notable absentees in Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, and Wesley Fofana, who are all left out of the Conference League squad.
Filip Jorgensen is a doubt after suffering a head injury, but Maresca could rotate, with players like Reece James expected to have their minutes managed after returning from injury.
Last Chelsea Lineup
Here is how Chelsea lined up in their last match:
Panathinaikos Player to Watch
Brazilian winger Tete has been crucial for Panathinaikos, scoring the winner in their recent league match. His pace and technical ability will be key if Panathinaikos are to threaten Chelsea's backline.
Chelsea Player to Watch
Christopher Nkunku has been in excellent form for Chelsea, including in their Conference League opener. His creativity and clinical finishing will be pivotal in breaking down a well-organised Panathinaikos defence.
Prediction
Despite playing away in a challenging atmosphere, Chelsea are favourites to secure a win. Panathinaikos will look to frustrate their opponents, but Chelsea’s superior firepower should see them prevail.
Our Prediction: Panathinaikos 1-3 Chelsea
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Both Teams to Score – Panathinaikos have shown resilience at home, while Chelsea tend to concede away from Stamford Bridge.
Tip 2
Over 2.5 Goals – With Chelsea’s attacking depth, expect goals to flow in this match.
Tip 3
Christopher Nkunku to Score Anytime – The French forward has been in great form and should get on the scoresheet again.
