Chelsea vs Panathinaikos: Predicted Lineup, Team News & What to Expect
Chelsea are back in Champions League action, facing Panathinaikos in the first leg of their playoff round. This is a massive game for both sides, with the winner going through to the group stages of the prestigious tournament.
Chelsea have been in a bit of a rollercoaster season so far. They've struggled to find consistency, and the pressure is on to get a good result against Panathinaikos. The Blues have a new manager in Mauricio Pochettino, and they'll be looking to make a statement in this match.
Panathinaikos have had a good season so far, but they face a huge test against Chelsea. They're the underdogs going into the match, but they'll be hoping to pull off an upset. They have some good players in their squad, and they'll be looking to exploit any weaknesses in Chelsea's defense.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Chelsea:
- Injuries: There are no major injury concerns for Chelsea. They have a full squad to choose from.
- Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Kepa; James, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Fernandez, Caicedo; Mudryk, Sterling, Nkunku; Jackson.
Panathinaikos:
- Injuries: Panathinaikos have a few injury concerns, including defender Bartley.
- Predicted lineup (4-3-3): Brizolis; Vagiannidis, Jedvaj, Schenkeveld, Juankar; Perez, Palacios, Aitor; Sporar, Verbic, Bernard.
What to Expect
This is a tough match to call, but Chelsea are the clear favorites. They have a lot more experience in the Champions League and a stronger squad on paper. However, Panathinaikos are a dangerous team that has been playing well, and they'll be looking to exploit any weaknesses in Chelsea's defense.
Key battles to watch:
- Nkunku vs Schenkeveld: Nkunku is a world-class attacker who could cause a lot of problems for the Panathinaikos defense. Schenkeveld will have his hands full.
- Fernandez vs Palacios: This could be a pivotal battle in midfield. Fernandez is a skillful playmaker who could dictate the tempo of the game, while Palacios is a tough-tackling midfielder who will be looking to disrupt Chelsea's attack.
A Tough Battle Ahead
Overall, it's going to be a tough match for both sides. Chelsea will be looking to dominate possession and create chances, while Panathinaikos will be looking to sit back and hit on the counter.
The first leg in Greece will be a tight affair, and I expect it to be a close game. However, I think Chelsea will have enough to edge out a win. This will put them in a good position going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
It's going to be a fun one!