Ajax vs Panathinaikos Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is a top against bottom clash in Group G, with the Dutch giants already through to the next round. That doesn’t mean their work is done, they’ll be hoping to finish top of the pile, ahead of nearest challengers Celta Vigo. They can secure first place with a victory this week, as long as they can see off Panathinaikos in Amsterdam.

The Greek side are now out of contention for second, they sit bottom of the group with just one point so far. It looks almost impossible for them to even sneak in to third place in the standings. Panathinaikos are not enjoying things domestically either, they’re already seven points off top spot in the Greek league at this stage of the campaign.

They just lost 3-0 away to Olympiakos, so just how tough will this challenge prove to be for them? Panathinaikos head to face an Ajax side who have been in brilliant form since the end of the summer. Their winning run has them competing for silverware on multiple fronts. They’re currently unbeaten in 16 matches, with that run lifting them to within two points of top spot domestically.

Their title chase in Holland won’t stop them eyeing up a run in Europe and they’ll also be looking to keep up their home momentum in this clash. Ajax come into this game on the back of eight straight victories, with three of their last five wins here coming to nil. They’re tightening up at the back and scoring goals, which makes them a dangerous prospect for the Greek visitors.

Ajax have impressed in Europe; they’ve scored at least two goals in three of their four group games so far. They’re creating 13 chances per game on average, while they convert 15% of those into goals. The away side concede 10 shots per away trip in this competition, with a massive 20% of those hitting the back of the net. Panathinaikos also lost their last Europa League game 3-0 at home to Standard Liege, which knocked them out of the competition. There’s clearly quite a gulf between them, and this could end up being a rout.

This is Panathinaikos’ most difficult game in the group, and we just can’t see them keeping up with the hosts. The Dutch side have averaged 2.57 per match at home, while they’ve conceded just 0.85 a game in the Eredivisie. We think they’ll outclass the weakest side in the group, so we’re backing them on the -1 Asian Handicap, which is priced at evens, despite the visitors’ struggles.