Panathinaikos vs Sturm Graz: Prediction, Team News, Lineups Preview

On Thursday evening, Panathinaikos will host Sturm Graz in a crucial Europa League match. The Greek side currently sits in 16th place in the league standings, while Sturm Graz is not far behind at 25th, just two points adrift. A win would significantly boost Panathinaikos’ chances of securing a top-24 spot in the Europa League League Phase.

Match Preview: Panathinaikos vs. Sturm Graz

Following the recent appointment of renowned coach Rafael Benitez, Panathinaikos is experiencing an optimistic surge. Under his leadership, the team has secured five wins from their last six matches, with their only loss occurring against Volos on November 1. Notably, the team has recorded victories over Malmo, PAOK, and Panserraikos, scoring six goals and maintaining two clean sheets during this stretch.

In the Greek Super League, Panathinaikos remains in sixth place, trailing Olympiakos by 10 points but holding a game in hand. In terms of Europa League performance, the team has earned six points from their first four matches. They have three fixtures remaining, all of which are at home against Sturm Graz, Viktoria Plzen, and Roma. A victory against Sturm Graz is essential to prevent the Austrian side from gaining an advantage in the standings.

Sturm Graz’s Current Form

Sturm Graz holds four points in the Europa League, having secured points in home fixtures against Rangers and Nottingham Forest. They notably defeated Rangers 2-1 and managed a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest. However, their away performance has been disappointing, with losses to FC Midtjylland (0-2) and Celtic (1-2). This lack of success places additional pressure on coach Jurgen Saumel.

Sturm Graz has struggled to find victories in normal time, having gone seven matches without a win. Their latest victory was a narrow 4-3 win against BM Linz on October 19. Overall, they have conceded 15 goals in eight games, with only one clean sheet achieved against Nottingham Forest.

Team News and Lineups

For Panathinaikos, midfielder Manolis Siopis will be absent due to a one-match ban incurred from three yellow cards. Additionally, injuries to goalkeeper Alban Lafont and midfielder Pedro Chirivella could force a minimum of three changes in the lineup. Konstantinos Kotsaris, Adam Gnezda Cerin, and Tonny Vilhena may be reinstated to the starting eleven.

In contrast, Sturm Graz welcomes back Tochi Chukwuani, who returns from suspension after missing the match against Nottingham Forest. Following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to LASK Linz, Axel Kayombo and Seedy Jatta might also make a return to strengthen the squad.

Projected Starting Lineups

• Panathinaikos: Kotsaris; Jedvaj, Palmer-Brown, Touba, Mladenovic; Cerin, Vilhena; Tete, Bakasetas, Zaroury; Pantovic
• Sturm Graz: Christensen; Malic, Oermann, Lavalee, Karic; Horvat, Gorenc Stankovic, Chukwuani; Kiteishvili; Jatta, Grgic

Predicted Outcome

Many analysts predict a close contest, favoring Panathinaikos to secure a 2-1 victory over Sturm Graz. Given the form of both teams, home advantage could play a significant role in this outcome. Despite Sturm Graz’s confidence from their recent draw with Nottingham Forest, Panathinaikos has shown remarkable consistency in their past matches.