Verdict: Andrews Tetteh Over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will be looking to claim their own respective Europa League first-leg advantages on Thursday evening, Real Betis will travel over to Greece when they meet Panathinaikos.
Panathinaikos
Starting with the hosts, while Panathinaikos might open their Round of 16 adventure on Thursday evening pencilled in as a real underdog contender, the Shamrocks are enjoying what has become a major domestic flurry. Now collecting consecutive 4-1 victories against Levadiakos and OFI Crete, Rafa Benitez’s men certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high and they are more than capable of asking some serious questions here. Extending on their Europa League adventure on February 26th as they edged past Plzen thanks to a nail-biting penalty shootout victory in the Czech Republic, Panathinaikos have now won all of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Finding a major clinical edge in the final third, the former Newcastle boss will know the importance of claiming an essential first-leg advantage on home soil.
Panathinaikos Team News
Shown a dramatic late red card over in the Czech Republic last month, Spanish midfielder Javi Hernandez will miss out through suspension here. Enduring a nightmare time since arriving from Rangers last summer, Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers remains on the sidelines with a thigh issue.
Handed a domestic rest over the weekend, one-time Bayern Munich youngster Renato Sanches could be handed a full recall on Thursday evening. Returning from a recent muscle issue, former Manchester United starlet Facundo Pellistri should get some more minutes under his belt.
Real Betis
As for the visitors, while Real Betis might have their sights set on mounting a genuine Europa League title charge over the next couple of months, Manuel Pellegrini’s men are seeking some recent stability. Failing to pick up some momentum over the weekend as they eventually fell to a toothless 2-0 loss away at Getafe, the one-time Manchester City boss has seen his squad win just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Crashing out of the Copa del Rey on February 5th following a 5-0 drumming at home against Atletico Madrid, Thursday’s guests have also shown some recent defensive struggles. Facing what could be a tricky first-leg challenge when they travel to Greece in midweek, Real Betis have registered just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 10 outings.
Real Betis Team News
Dealing with a long-term ankle injury and not making a single appearance across any competition since the end of November, former Real Madrid superstar Isco remains on the sidelines. Likewise, ex-Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is still unavailable due to a muscle issue.
Handed a La Liga rest away at Getafe over the weekend, former Manchester United attacker Antony will certainly be handed a full recall in the final third. Receiving plenty of praise from across Spain’s elite this season, ex-West Ham midfielder Pablo Fornals should also feature from the start in Greece.
Panathinaikos vs Real Betis Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Greece will be the first competitive showdown between Panathinaikos and Real Betis.
- The Shamrocks have won each of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Panathinaikos have also registered 14 goals in those five consecutive victories across all fronts.
- Real Betis have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
- Thursday’s guests have registered just a pair of wins from their previous seven matchups outside of Andalusia.
Conclusion
While Real Betis might travel over to Greece on Thursday evening pencilled in as a standout contender, Pellegrini’s side should be bracing themselves for what could be a tricky test. Watching Panathinaikos embark on a sensational domestic flurry, the Shamrocks have also gained a recent reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. Notching 14 goals on their five-match winning run across all fronts, the Greek giants are more than capable of asking some real questions on home soil.
Verdict: Andrews Tetteh Over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Luckster