Malmo vs Panathinaikos Prediction
π Can Panathinaikos break their losing streak after a promising start in the Europa League? On Thursday, the Greek side travel to face MalmΓΆ at the Eleda Stadium. The season has been notably disappointing for the Swedish team. They've lost any chance of securing a European competition spot in their domestic league and are still searching for their first Europa League victory. The Shamrocks, after a resounding win in the opening round, have suffered two consecutive defeats. Which team's unfortunate run will come to an end?
Head-to-Head
π These teams have not faced each other before.
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results
Malmo Team Overview
With just one match remaining in the Swedish regular season, Anes Mravac's team has already lost its chance to secure a spot in European competitions. Heading into the 28th round of the Allsvenskan, the "sky blues" were three points behind third place. However, a defeat to Hammarby (1-3) and a draw with HΓ€cken (1-1) completely dashed their hopes of qualifying for the Conference League next summer. In the current Europa League campaign, MalmΓΆ have also struggled to make an impact, collecting just one point from three matches. They earned their first point in a home fixture against Dinamo Zagreb (1-1) in the previous round. That draw was somewhat against the odds, as the Croatians dominated possession with 75% and registered 22 shots, keeping the hosts pinned back for the full 90 minutes.
One of the few bright spots for the team this season has been Hugo Bolin. The 22-year-old midfielder is the team's top scorer with seven goals and has maintained his form recently, contributing three goal involvements (2 goals, 1 assist) in his last four matches. The team's best playmaker is Otto Rosengren. The same age as Bolin, Rosengren has amassed 11 assists across all competitions.
Match Results: Malmo
Panathinaikos Athens Team Overview
Not long ago, the highly respected Rafael Benitez took the helm of the club. He stepped in when the team was sitting in 7th place in the Greek Super League and immediately made an impact. Under the Spaniard, "Pao" secured a league victory over Asteras from the bottom of the table (2-0) and a cup win against mid-table Atromitos (2-1). However, the "Shamrocks" couldn't keep their winning streak going. Heading into the fourth round of the Europa League, they suffer a defeat to Volos (0-1). Their latest result in Europe's second-tier competition was a disappointing away loss to Feyenoord (1-3). Yet, their tournament position isn't too dire, as they currently sit in a playoff spot thanks to a commanding victory over Young Boys (4-1).
Arguably, Panathinaikos' standout player this season is Karol Swiderski. The Polish forward consistently performs at a high level regardless of the "Shamrocks'" results. With seven goals across all competitions, he is the team's top scorer. In his last four matches, Swiderski has netted three goals, matching his tally in the Europa League, where he has scored in each group stage round.
Match Results: Panathinaikos Athens
Latest news
Malmo
β MalmΓΆ's questionable results are largely due to injuries to key players. Since summer, last year's second top scorer Eric Botheim has been sidelined with a leg fracture. As the current season progressed, ArnΓ³r SigurΓ°sson, Lasse Johansen, and Anders Christiansen also went down. One of their most dynamic playmakers, Daniel Gudjohnsen, who has tallied 11 goal contributions across all competitions (5 goals and 6 assists), will also miss the match.
Panathinaikos Athens
π Rafael Benitez has recently taken the helm at Greek club Panathinaikos and has already set a record in local football. The Spanish coach is now the highest-paid manager in the history of Greek football, earning an annual salary of β¬4.4 million. Panathinaikos president Giannis Alafouzos was eager to work with the renowned coach, prompting such an investment, especially since the club's sporting director Franco Baldini shares his priorities.
β In the Panathinaikos injury list, familiar names to European championship fans like Renato Sanches, Cyriel Dessers, and Facundo Pellistri remain sidelined. Recently, another summer signing, Davide Calabria, joined them on the injury list.
β½οΈ Goal Prediction
MalmΓΆ have been quite inconsistent defensively this season, even at home. In 5 of their last 6 matches, the Swedish side have failed to keep a clean sheet. However, these games have consistently featured both teams finding the back of the net. Panathinaikos struggle on the road, having conceded in seven consecutive away games. Yet, their quality up front should be enough to score at the "Eleda". Our prediction: both teams to score (yes).
π© Corner Prediction
Rafael BenΓtez advocates for a dynamic and dominant style of play. His influence on "Pao" was immediate, with an average possession of 61% over three matches. This aggressive approach near the opponents' goal allows the "Clover" to earn a fair number of set-pieces. Over four away games, they averaged 4.5 corners. While this is a borderline figure, given MalmΓΆ's current form, we expect the hosts at "Eleda" to spend much of the game in their own half. This should allow Panathinaikos to exceed 4.5 corners.
Editorial Prediction
This season hasn't been kind to either team. For MalmΓΆ in Sweden, the campaign is nearing its end with little to fight for, while Panathinaikos still have time to turn things around in the Super League and don't look entirely out of the running in the Europa League either. In the first two rounds, the "Shamrocks" controlled the pitch, only faltering against Feyenoord where they couldn't deliver their usual high-level football. That match, along with a loss to Go Ahead Eagles, are the only two instances in their last eleven games where the Greeks conceded more than 1.5 goals.
MalmΓΆ are struggling not just with finishing but also with creating chances, posting an average xG of only 0.87 over six matches. In six of their last seven home games, they failed to score more than once. Given this lackluster scoring record, we suggest betting on MalmΓΆ scoring under 1.5 goals. We give Panathinaikos the edge with a predicted scoreline of 2-1.
Betting Tips: Malmo - Panathinaikos Athens
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Comparison of Teams Stats
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