Villarreal vs Panathinaikos prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-11-29 20:00.
Villarreal know that avenging their matchday one defeat against Panathinaikos will put them within touching distance of qualification from UEFA Europa League (UEL) Group F, which would come as some welcome positivity for a side who’ve endured a tumultuous campaign so far. They reappointed manager Marcelino earlier this month to become the club’s third manager of the season and he led them to just their second La Liga win from their past nine league games against Osasuna over the weekend (3-1).
Form in Europe has been one of the Yellow Subarmine's bright spots as they beat both Rennes and Maccabi Haifa in their two most recent UEL matches to climb into second, two points clear of their visitors despite having played one game less due to the conflict that has impacted Maccabi’s football schedule. That game with the Israelian outfit is set to take place next week, but for now, extending an unbeaten home record against Greek opposition (W2, D1) will be the host's primary focus.
Panathinaikos’ 2-0 win in the first H2H looked to have handed them a brilliant platform to build upon as they attempt to qualify from a UEL group for just the second time from five attempts. They’ve added just one point since though, with the recent doubleheader against Group F leaders Rennes ending in two defeats. The most recent loss, which came on the road (3-1), was particularly disappointing given Rennes played from the 33rd minute with just ten men.
The Greens also suffered defeat in their most recent domestic clash away at Aris (2-0) and now only hold onto their spot at the top of the Greek Super League by a single point. That was hardly ideal preparation as they travel to Spain with an already daunting record of 14 defeats from their last 15 away games against La Liga opposition – the only exception being a 1-1 draw here against Villarreal in 2009.
Players to watch: José Luis Morales is loving life under Marcelino, netting all five Villarreal goals in the two games since his new boss was appointed. In a similarly hot streak, opponent Fotis Ioannidis has converted from the spot in each of Panathinaikos’ last two UEL games.
Hot stat: As Marseille manager, Marcelino has already met Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifiers this season, going down 1-0 in the away leg then winning 2-1 at home before losing on penalties.