Panathinaikos Athens vs Lens Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 27/08/2024, 14:00  by Nella Wagah in Conference League Predictions

Greek side Panathinaikos will host Lens in the sides’ return leg of their Conference League Play-off round tie. Lens have the advantage going into this match, though slim, after their 2-1 home win. Here’s our preview and prediction of this game.

After elimination from the Europa League, Panathinaikos will be targeting the league stage of this competition. First though, they must overturn a one-goal deficit. Overcoming Lens by two clear goals will do for the hosts.

They had a first win in three matches to warm up for this game, beating Levadiakos 1-0 on Sunday. It took Andra Šporar’s stoppage time goal to engineer the win at home. A similar result on Thursday will send the game to extra time and possibly penalties.

Three losses in their last five matches could, however, mess with their confidence.

Lens played with 10 men for the better part of the first leg and will feel capable of handling Panathinaikos with 11 players. After two rounds in Ligue 1, they are one of three teams with perfect starts. Coming into this game, they thumped Brest 2-0, adding to their opening day 1-0 win at Angers.

These two victories sandwich their first leg triumph over the Greek side. The major talking point from Lens’ opening three matches has to be their discipline. The French side had a player sent off in each of the last two matches.

Against Panathinaikos Facundo Medina saw red and is suspended for this game. In their most recent game, Deiver Machado left for an early shower but will be available for this midweek game.