The Athenians look more convincing, but a high-scoring match is expected: Panathinaikos vs PAOK prediction
The third-round Greek Super League match between Panathinaikos and PAOK will take place on 6 September at the Olympic Stadium in Athens. The hosts head into the fixture after a major squad overhaul and a successful European qualifying campaign, while the visitors have already been eliminated from European competition.
Panathinaikos: major rebuild and promising start under the new coach
After last season, the Athens club carried out a major overhaul of the squad: 19 players left and 13 new signings arrived. Panathinaikos have already spent more than €45 million, while Azzedine Ounahi's €11 million move became a new club transfer record.
Jacob Neestrup, who previously enjoyed success with Copenhagen, was appointed as the new head coach. Under his guidance, the team came through four rounds of Conference League qualifying to reach the league phase and have also made a solid start in domestic competition.
PAOK: European disappointment and questions over the squad
PAOK also began the season with a new coach following the departure of Răzvan Lucescu. However, Alessio Lisci has yet to deliver significant progress: the team were first eliminated from the Europa League and then failed to come through Conference League qualifying.
PAOK's squad has also weakened compared with last season, lowering expectations of a serious challenge for the top positions. The club will now have to focus primarily on the league and the Greek Cup.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Panathinaikos and PAOK have played 166 matches against each other in the Greek league — a record number for a single pairing.
- The teams have met 219 times in official competitions overall.
- Panathinaikos have traditionally performed well against PAOK at home.
Both teams are capable of scoring: Panathinaikos vs PAOK prediction
Both sides have defensive problems, but their attacking lines look strong enough. Their head-to-head meetings also often produce plenty of goals.
Panathinaikos look the stronger side based on their current condition, although backing them confidently for the win would be risky. PAOK are also capable of creating chances, so both teams to score appears to be the most logical option.
