Panathinaikos vs Rennes Prediction & Tips
Panathinaikos are the UEFA Europa League (UEL) Group F leaders and the only team in the section still unbeaten (G1, E1). A 2-0 win over Villarreal was followed by a 0-0 draw against Maccabi Haifa, before Ivan Jovanović’s side posted an emphatic 5-0 home win over Atromitos. The chance to add to that growing momentum was halted on Sunday when their clash with arch-rivals Olympiacos was abandoned 1-1 after a player was hit by a firework.
They will now turn their attention back to the continental stage, aware that the ongoing conflict in Israel could affect Maccabi Haifa’s future in the competition, and their match against Villarreal originally scheduled for Thursday has now been rescheduled for December. With those two teams not playing this week, Panathinaikos could move ahead of them in the group as the Athenians attempt to reach the UEL knockout stage for the first time since 2009/10, having failed in three subsequent attempts.
The visitors, Rennes (G1, P1), are one of two teams just one point behind Panathinaikos. Their 1-0 loss to Villarreal on matchday two was another game marked by controversy, with the Ligue 1 side issuing a statement shortly after the end condemning the treatment of their supporters by Spanish police forces. The altercation may have had a wider impact on the pitch, as that collapse sparked a run of three consecutive defeats in all competitions for the “Bretons” – their worst run since they strung five together in March 2021.
Despite their recent troubles, Bruno Génésio’s men have proven strong away from home on the European stage, and their defeat in Spain earlier this month was their first in seven matches in a UEFA group stage (G5, E1). To build on that record, Génésio really needs to rectify the blunt nature of his team’s attacking away performances this season, as Rennes managed just two goals in five away games without a win (3E, 2D).
Players to watch: With three goals, one assist and two yellow cards in his last six games for Panathinaikos, midfielder Filip Đuričić is expected to be in the thick of the action once again. Martin Terrier was Rennes’ top scorer in this competition last season (three goals) and will surely be looking to make amends for his missed penalty in second-half stoppage time against Villarreal.
Key stat: Panathinaikos have lost just one of their previous six home matches against Ligue 1 clubs (G4, E1).
Panathinaikos – Rennes FREE TIPS
OVER 2.5 GOALS @ 2.25
