Prediction: Panathinaikos vs Ajax

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster

In what could prove to be an enjoyable Europa League qualifying battle on Thursday night, Ajax will travel to the Olympic Stadium when they meet Panathinaikos.

Panathinaikos

Starting with the hosts, while Panathinaikos might have breezed their way to another European finish last season, some in Diego Alonso’s camp would have been disappointed by a missed opportunity. Nevertheless, despite signing off the 2023/24 campaign by collecting just a single point from any of their final four Super League appearances, the Greens should take plenty of positives away from an eye-catching summer flurry. Crowned Greek Cup champions for a 20th time back on May 25th as they secured a 1-0 win against Aris, the former Sevilla boss also saw his squad lay down a routine Europa League marker last week. Extending on their European adventure thanks to a 4-1 aggregate romp against Bulgarian outfit Botev Plovdiv, Panathinaikos will know the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage on Thursday night.

Team News

Arriving from Galatasaray this summer, former Leicester loanee Tete should make a full Panathinaikos debut on Thursday night. Making his move to the Olympic Stadium a permanent switch last month, Polish goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski will start between the sticks.

Notching a trio of goals in his back-to-back appearances against Botev Plovdiv over the past fortnight, Swedish marksmen Alexander Jeremejeff will play a leading role in the final third. Likewise, finding the net in Bulgaria last week, one-time Benfica star Filip Djuricic will join Jeremejeff in attack.

Ajax

As for the visitors, while Ajax might have eventually dragged themselves to a crucial European finish last season, the Dutch giants found themselves at the heart of what was a public crisis behind the scenes in Amsterdam. Officially appointing Francesco Farioli back in May, the four-time European champions are desperate to find some much-needed stability. However, although Thursday’s guests might have gained a reputation for their glaring defensive issues, Ajax will be excited by what has become quite the summer flurry. Extending on their Europa League qualifying adventure thanks to a routine 4-1 aggregate win against Serbian outfit Vojvodina, the former Nice boss should find the mood in his camp at a real high. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 win against Olympiacos, Farioli’s side have won all of their previous six appearances across all formats.

Team News

Despite missing England’s squad for this summer’s European Championships, former Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson will lead out Ajax here. Still dealing with a long-term knee injury, 19-year-old Olivier Aertssen remains on the sidelines and will not travel to Greece.

Coming off the bench and finding the net in his Ajax debut against Vojvodina last week, former Aston Villa star Bertrand Traore should be handed a first start at the Olympics Stadium. Notching 11 Eredivisie strikes last season, one-time Arsenal starlet Chuba Akpom should keep his spot leading Farioli’s attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Panathinaikos and Ajax met in Europa League action back in 2016, the Dutch giants won their two group stage matchups by an aggregate score of 4-1.
• Including their pre-season run, the Greens have won all of their previous four home fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-2.
• Ajax recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their final 11 matchups across all competitions last season.
• Likewise, Thursday’s guests have failed to record a single clean sheet on their travels throughout 2024.
• Continuing on from their summer preparations, Ajax have won all of their previous six appearances by an aggregate score of 13-3.

Conclusion

Two sides who have enjoyed their own respective summer flurries, we could be set for an enjoyable affair from the Olympics Stadium on Thursday night. While Ajax might have turned a recent corner since appointing Farioli back in May, the Dutch giants have gained a reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. Remarkably failing to muster a single clean sheet outside of Amsterdam throughout 2024, chances could come thick and fast here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster