UEFA Europa League Preview: Panathinaikos vs Roma – Team News, Lineups & Prediction | OneFootball

Roma will look to lock down a top-eight finish in the UEFA Europa League table when they take on Panathinaikos later today. Olympic Stadium of Athens is the venue as the two sides face each other for only the third time.

Despite back-to-back draws against Ferencvaros and Viktoria Plzen, Panathinaikos have secured knockout qualification with a game in hand. Rafael Benitez’s men boast a four-point lead over 25th-placed Ludogorets ahead of tonight’s kick-off, but there’s more than just pride to play for here.

Panathinaikos sit 19th in the standings, three points adrift of eighth-placed Real Betis. Although they’re unlikely to fly directly to the Round of 16, they could still secure a seeded spot in the playoffs. However, beating Roma could prove a tall order for the Greek giants.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side bounced back from a second-half deficit to hold bitter Serie A rivals Milan to a 1-1 draw at the weekend. While their Scudetto hopes are in tatters, the visitors have positioned themselves perfectly to avoid the Europa League playoffs on the back of four consecutive wins.

A comfortable 2-0 home triumph over Bundesliga powerhouse Stuttgart last week put Roma a point clear of ninth-placed Porto. Therefore, they cannot afford a slip-up in Athens if they’re to release some pressure on their hectic February schedule.

Match Preview

Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos appeared to be on the verge of progressing straight into the Round of 16 after the opening five league-phase rounds. However, a pair of draws on the last two matchdays has thrown a spanner in the works, leaving Benitez’s side with a mountain to climb on the final day.

Not only do they have to hold up their end of the bargain by beating Roma, but they also need a raft of favorable results in other matches. The impending home return will all but guarantee success, given that Panathinaikos have only won two of their last 12 Europa League main-draw outings in Athens (D2, L8).

Indeed, the hosts have delivered a mixed bag of performance at the Leoforos Alexandras Stadium this season, winning just one of their three continental fixtures (D1, L1). It’s also worth noting that each of those three matches came against sides currently sitting outside the top 16, suggesting Roma could be in a prime position to take all three points.

Roma

As one of the most in-form teams in the competition, Roma take this trip in pursuit of a fifth consecutive Europa League triumph after seeing off Rangers, Celtic, Midtjylland, and Stuttgart. The Giallorossi last achieved that feat in April 2021, but having scored at least two goals in each of those victories, they should feel pretty confident.

Another triumph would see Roma secure a passage to the Europa League last-16 for the eighth consecutive time. However, the Italian giants cannot afford to take anything for granted. Indeed, they have lost both previous meetings with Panathinaikos by an identical 3-2 scoreline, though they last faced each other in 2010.

On the bright side, Gasperini’s charges have flourished on their continental travels this season, winning all three Europa League matches away from home. A fast start would probably help Roma maintain their perfect road record, considering the half-time leader won six of their seven league phase games this season.

Team News

Numerous high-profile injuries have decimated Benitez’s squad, with Panathinaikos missing the likes of Filip Djuricic, Cyriel Dessers, and Karol Swiderski, all of whom used to play in Serie A. Moreover, ex-Milan captain Davide Calabria is also at risk of sitting out this clash due to illness.

As for Roma, Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk remains in the pits with a groin injury. Star midfielder Manu Kone has joined him on the sidelines, while Paulo Dybala picked up a knock against Milan. With newcomers Robino Vaz and Donyell Malen both ineligible, Gasperini could again turn to Evan Ferguson to lead the line.

Panathinaikos vs Roma Potential Starting Lineups

Panathinaikos (4-2-3-1): Lafont; Calabria, Ingason, Touba, Kyriakopoulos; Sanches, Gnezda Cerin; Pellistri, Bakasetas, Zaroury; Tetteh.

Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi; Celik, Cristante, Pisilli, Tsmikas; Soule, Pellegrini; Ferguson.

Panathinaikos vs Roma Prediction

Panathinaikos may not be at their peak, but Roma would be naive to underestimate their hosts. Gasperini knows better than to do that, as we expect the Giallorossi to squeeze into the win column, just like they have done so many times this season.