Ajax vs Panathinaikos Prediction & Betting Tips (15 August)

Ajax came close to their worst season in a long time, but miraculously finished strong to secure a 5th place, giving them a chance to qualify for the C3. Under new coach Farioli, former Nice coach, the team showed good things in the friendly matches, beating Rangers 2-1 and Olympiakos 1-0. In the qualifying phase, they eliminated the Serbs from Vojvodina without excelling, with a score of 1-0 in the first leg and 1-3 in the return. Against Panathinaikos in the first leg, the Dutch proved that they could be serious contenders in Europe with a 0-1 victory. After winning the Greek Cup but finishing only 4th in the championship, Panathinaikos finds themselves this season in full qualifying phase for the Europa League, hoping to obtain consecutive qualification.

The previous year, the Greeks finished in last place in a difficult group, and they are determined to put things right. The start of this qualifying campaign proved promising with two clear victories against the Bulgarians Botev Plovdiv, 2-1 in the first leg and a convincing 0-4 in the return. However, the challenge intensified against Ajax, who took the lead in the first leg 0-1. 

Ajax also has a team with good bench depth since we have seen players such as Van den Boomen, known for his exploits in Toulouse, and Bertrand Traoré, who played for Aston Villa, Lyon and Chelsea. In the first leg, it was former Dutch international and Eredivisie icon Berghuis who guided his team to victory. Alongside him, youth is well represented with players like ex-Cityzen Forbs, as well as training center products Hato, Taylor and Rensch. Scorer Akpom and the experienced Henderson (ex-Liverpool) are also in the game. However, Rulli, who was at the Olympics, is likely out for this first leg, as is key player and Dutch international Bergwijn. Also absent are the long-term injured Avila and the less decisive Rasmussen.

Panathinaikos will have to do without his replacement Vaggianadis as well as new recruit Nikas for this match. The Greek team displays a very attack-oriented composition, with an abundance of talented attackers offering great flexibility to the coach. During the previous round, we saw players like Sporar, Slovenian international, and former Lyon player Tete on the bench. The team is counting on Djuricic (ex-Sassuolo), Bakasetas (7 goals and 2 assists in 15 games last season), and especially Jeremejeff, scorer of goals in the home and away matches against the Bulgarians. The full-backs, such as Mladenovic and Kotsiras, also play a very offensive role, almost as wingers.