Panathinaikos vs CSKA Sofia Prediction

Both sides finding their rhythm again

Panathinaikos have won six matches in a row across the Greek league and cup heading into this period, scoring freely in the process. Before that run, their form in Conference League qualifying was shakier, including a home loss to Hradec Králové and a couple of draws in that tie.

Panathinaikos: 20 completed matches; CSKA Sofia: 20 completed matches.

Panathinaikos

20 matches

Win

70% 14 / 20

Draw

20% 4 / 20

Loss

10% 2 / 20

Scored

41

Conceded

19

Difference

+22

CSKA Sofia

20 matches

Win

55% 11 / 20

Draw

25% 5 / 20

Loss

20% 4 / 20

Scored

38

Conceded

22

Difference

+16

CSKA Sofia haven't lost in their last five matches either, picking up three wins and two draws, among them a comfortable Super Cup win over Levski Sofia. Like Panathinaikos, their continental form earlier in the summer was far less convincing, with an exit from Europa League qualifying at the hands of OFI.

Both teams look sharper domestically right now than they did in Europe a few months back, which makes this one tricky to judge purely on recent form.

Comparative Team Statistics: Panathinaikos vs CSKA Sofia

Dessers the main source of goals

Panathinaikos' attacking threat has leant heavily on Dessers lately, who has scored three goals in his last three appearances for the club.

Panathinaikos:

Best scorers:

C. Dessers - 3

Penalty cards:

T. Tsapras x 3

Tsapras has picked up three yellow cards in his last four matches without being sent off, worth bearing in mind if the referee is quick to reach for cards.

What might shape this one

Both sides go into this on the back of confident recent runs, which could make for an open game if that domestic form and goalscoring carry over into Europe.

With no head-to-head meetings or standings to lean on, this really comes down to which team's current rhythm travels better into a continental fixture.