Verdict: Roma win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to officially punch their top-eight finish on Thursday night, Roma will travel to Athens when they meet Panathinaikos for their final Europa League group stage battle.
Panathinaikos
Starting with the hosts, although Panathinaikos might have already wrapped up their play-off ticket with time to spare, Rafael Benitez’s men are seeking some recent stability. Putting in a downbeat display over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at Atromitos, the former Newcastle boss has not seen his squad win any of their previous three appearances across all competitions. In fact, the Greek giants are enduring their longest winless rut since the middle of September. Facing another heavyweight challenge on Thursday night, Panathinaikos are also searching for some kind of clinical edge in the final third. Including a woeful 4-0 drumming against bitter local rivals AEK Athens on January 18th, the Shamrocks have notched just a single strike in almost 300 minuets of action.
Panathinaikos Team News
Shown what was a costly second-half booking away at Ferencvaros last week, Polish international Karol Swiderski will miss out through suspension here. However, dealing with a recent thigh issue and struggle to find his feet since arriving from Scottish giants Rangers last summer, Cyriel Dessers remains a major doubt.
Coming off the bench and bagging a late equaliser in Bulgaria last week, former Burnley midfielder Anass Zaroury could will be hoping for a Europa League start. Now in his second campaign in Athens, ex-Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri will feature in the final third.
Roma
As for the visitors, while Roma might have accepted that they will need a real miracle in the race to claim a first domestic crown since way back in 2001, the Wolves have rightfully received plenty of plaudits from across Europe’s elite this season. Last seen in Europa League action securing securing an eye-catching 2-0 victory at home against Stuttgart, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have their sights set on mounting a genuine European charge in 2026. Sat firmly in the driving seat to punch an expected knockout stage ticket, Roma should also be excited by their extended success on foreign soil. Including a thumping 3-0 romp away at Celtic last month, the former Atalanta boss has seen his squad win their three European showdowns away from the Stadio Olimpico by an aggregate score of 7-1.
Roma Team News
Both dealing with respective injury issues, Roma will be unable to call upon the attacking duo of Stephan El Shaarawy and Ukrainian international Artem Dovbyk here. Despite completing a January loan switch from Aston Villa, Donnell Malen is ineligible to feature on Thursday night.
Notching just a single strike across any competition since the end of October, Argentinian superstar Paulo Dybala will likely settle for a spot on the bench. Arriving on a season-long loan switch from Brighton over the summer, Evan Ferguson should spearhead Roma’s charge.
Panathinaikos vs Roma Key Factors to Consider
- When Panathinaikos and Roma last met for a Europa League showdown back in 2010, the Shamrocks collected a 6-4 aggregate win.
- Roma have registered 15 points from their seven Europa League appearances this season.
- The Wolves have won each of their three Europa League showdowns on foreign soil by an aggregate score of 7-1.
- Thursday’s hosts have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 10 straight matchups in Athens.
- Panathinaikos have recorded just a single strike in almost 300 minutes of action across all competitions.
Conclusion
Sat firmly in the driving seat to wrap up a top-eight finish on Thursday night, Roma will be looking to punch their knockout stage ticket with a statement on intent. Securing an impressive 2-0 victory at home against Stuttgart last week, the Italian giants have also gained a reputation for their extended success on foreign soil. Including a 3-0 romp against Celtic on December 11th, Roma have won all of their three Europa League battles away from the Stadio Olimpico by an aggregate score of 7-1.
Verdict: Roma win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Luckster