Panathinaikos vs Standard Liege Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Panathinaikos managed to break out of their winless streak on Sunday when they beat Iraklis 2-0 at home, ending a run of five games in which they had drawn four and lost one.

This run included a Europa League draw against Standard Liege in October, with that result giving them their first point of the campaign after defeats to Ajax and Celta Vigo. Unsurprisingly, their solitary point leaves them rock bottom of their group and four points off 2nd placed Celta, whilst Standard Liege sit in 3rd with two points to their name.

Panathinaikos may have been struggling recently, but at home their form record doesn’t look too bad. They have won three and drawn one of their last five home matches, and they have only lost twice in their last 16 competitive outings at home.

Swedish striker Marcus Berg can take many of the plaudits for anything good that happens for Panathinaikos. The 30 year old forward has eight goals in all competitions this season, including four in the Europa League. Backing him to get on the score-sheet yet again at 6/5 looks good to me, especially since he has netted six goals in his last seven home games in all competitions.

Standard Liege do have some danger men to look out for, but neither have stepped up to the plate in the Europa League so far. Orlando Sa and Benito Raman have ten goals between them in the league this season, but neither have found the net so far in Europe. I’d recommend sticking to Berg on the goal scoring front.

This is especially appropriate given Standard Liege’s form as well. Their 3-1 loss at KV Oostende on Sunday made it four defeats, two draws, and just one win in their last seven in all competitions. This puts them down in 9th in the Belgian First League, and away from home they have lost four and drawn one of their last five outings.

Panathinaikos will feel confident in their chances of getting a result on Thursday, and it’s easy to see why. They earned a point away from home against Standard Liege and now face their atrocious away record of late, with the hosts coming into this game on the back of a win as well. Odds of 19/20 for a Panathinaikos Win look good value to me, so that’s what I’m backing along with a 3-1 correct score prediction at 14/1.