Malmo vs Panathinaikos: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News, Lineups
On Thursday, Malmo will take on Panathinaikos in a crucial Europa League matchup at Elada Stadion. Both teams seek to avoid elimination as they head into this decisive group stage clash. Currently, Malmo finds itself in a challenging position, placed 31st with just one point after three matches. In contrast, Panathinaikos sits two positions higher, at 22nd with three points.
Match Preview
For Malmo to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the knockout rounds, they need to finish within the top 24 of their group. A position from 24th to ninth would secure a playoff for the round of 16. Malmo recently drew 1-1 against Dinamo Zagreb on October 23, managing to snatch a point late in the game despite the hosts missing several scoring opportunities.
In the Allsvenskan, Malmo is currently in seventh place with 46 points from 29 matches. However, they cannot qualify for European competition next season through league play, as they have only one game remaining in the domestic league. The team has struggled lately under the leadership of head coach Anes Mravac, recording one win, two draws, and three losses in their last six games. They have scored six goals but conceded 13 during this stretch, and their home record at Elada Stadion is concerning with three defeats in their last four matches.
Panathinaikos enters this match following a 3-1 loss to Feyenoord on October 23. They initially took the lead but failed to maintain control, showcasing ongoing defensive issues, having kept just two clean sheets in ten matches. Under the management of Rafael Benitez, who took over in October after Luis Vitoria’s departure, the team is currently eighth in the Greek Super League with 12 points. Their most recent fixture saw them lose 1-0 to Volos, marking the first time in 12 outings that they did not score.
Recent Form Comparison
- Malmo: 1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses in the last six games
- Panathinaikos: 2 wins, 1 loss under Benitez, but inconsistent prior to his tenure
Team News
Malmo is expected to field players who performed well against Dinamo Zagreb, with central defenders Pontus Jansson and Colin Rosler likely starting. Striker Daniel Gudjohnsen is still suspended, paving the way for Emmanuel Ekong to lead the line. Oscar Lewicki, who sustained an injury, is anticipated to be fit for selection following his appearances in the last two matches.
On the other hand, Panathinaikos faces injury challenges with key players like Facundo Pellistri sidelined. This situation may position Tete to start on the right flank. The midfield could see Pedro Chirivella, Manolis Siopis, and Adam Gnezda Cerin paired with center-backs Sverrir Ingi Ingason and Ahmed Touba.
Possible Lineups
| Malmo | Panathinaikos |
|---|---|
| Ellborg | Drągowski |
| Larsen | Kotsiras |
| Jansson | Ingason |
| Rosler | Touba |
| Busanello | Kyriakopoulos |
| Busuladzic | Chirivella |
| Lewicki | Siopis |
| Rosengren | Cerin |
| Bolin | Tete |
| Ekong | Swiderski |
| Haksabanovic | Duricic |
Predictions
Given the struggles of both teams domestically and in Europe, a competitive battle is anticipated. Neither Malmo nor Panathinaikos has displayed dominant form recently, which may lead them to cancel each other out, potentially settling for a draw. A scoreline of 1-1 appears a likely outcome as both sides fight for their place in the Europa League.
