Chelsea will face Panathinaikos in their second match of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa Conference League at the Athens Olympic Stadium, aiming to build on their perfect start in the competition. Despite their recent setback against Liverpool in the Premier League, Chelsea will be determined to get back to winning ways and maintain their European form after a 4-2 victory over KAA Gent in their first Conference League match.
Panathinaikos, who entered the competition after missing out on Europa League qualification, have had a mixed season domestically and started their European campaign with a 1-1 draw against Borac Banja Luka. They will be looking to put up a strong fight against the Londoners on home turf.
Panathinaikos vs Chelsea Team News & Tactics
Panathinaikos: Manager Diego Alonso will only be without Fotis Ioannidis due to an adductor injury, while Dimitris Limnios, Zeca, and Tonny Vilhena are unavailable as they were not included in the European squad. The Greek side will likely set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bartlomiej Dragowski in goal. The back four is expected to consist of Giannis Kotsiras, Tin Jedvaj, Sverrir Ingi Ingason, and Filip Mladenovic.
In midfield, Nemanja Maksimovic and Adam Gnezda Cerin will form a double pivot, shielding the defense and looking to control the tempo. Anastasios Bakasetas will likely operate in the number 10 role, while Filip Djuricic and Facundo Pellistri provide width. Alexander Jeremejeff is expected to lead the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Dragowski; Kotsiras, Jedvaj, Ingason, Mladenovic; Maksimovic, Cerin; Pellistri, Bakasetas, Djuricic; Jeremejeff.
Chelsea: Enzo Maresca has no new injury concerns, with Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, and Wesley Fofana excluded from the European squad due to fitness management. Chelsea are expected to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Filip Jorgensen in goal. Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Renato Veiga will likely form the back four.
Cesare Casadei and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will operate as the double pivot in midfield, while Joao Felix takes up the playmaker role. Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk are expected to provide width, while Christopher Nkunku leads the attack. Nkunku will be keen to impress in this fixture as he seeks more playing time in the Premier League.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Disasi, Tosin, Badiashile, Veiga; Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku.
Key Stats:
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Panathinaikos and Chelsea.
- Chelsea remain unbeaten in their last six matches against Greek opposition.
- Panathinaikos have scored two or more goals in 10 of their last 20 matches, while Chelsea have achieved this in 14 of their last 20 matches.
- Chelsea’s seven-match unbeaten streak came to an end with their recent loss to Liverpool.
Player to Watch:
Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku will be eager to shine in this match, as he’s currently being rotated primarily in Europe and cup competitions. With frustration building over his lack of Premier League starts, this is his opportunity to demonstrate his value and push for a spot in Chelsea’s domestic lineup.
This clash offers a chance for Chelsea to solidify their strong start in the Europa Conference League, while Panathinaikos will hope to pull off a major upset at home.
Prediction
Panathinaikos 1-3 Chelsea
How to Watch Panathinaikos vs Chelsea
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
