Panathinaikos vs Celta Vigo: Preview and Prediction

Panathinaikos vs Celta Vigo
UEFA Europa League – Matchday 6
Date: Thursday, 8th December 2016,
Kick-Off at 20:05 UK
Venue: Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, Athens.

Celta Vigo must win big against their Greek opponent Panathinaikos in order to qualify beyond the Europe League group stage. Celta are locked on 6 points alongside Standard Ligue on second place. The Group G is already won by Ajax with 13 points from their 5 games so far. Panathinaikos are eliminated and are at the bottom of the group with 1 point to their name.

Celta and Standard have drawn in two fixtures between them by the 1-1 score-line and therefore goal-difference will be taken into account to separate them if tied on points at the end of matchday 6. At the moment the Belgians are ahead with a +2 goal difference as against Celta’s +1. Therefore Standard Ligue can qualify if both the group matches end in a draw. While Celta’s one way to qualify beyond the group is by winning their match by a healthier goal-difference if Standard win against Ajax.

Panathinaikos vs Celta Vigo: Head-to-head stats

Panathinaikos haven’t fared well while playing against Spanish teams in UEFA competitions. They were only been able to register 3 wins alongside 7 draws from 26 encounters, while losing out in 16. However, the record at home is slightly better as 12 games produced 3 wins, 6 draws and 3 defeats.

Celta Vigo’s only other Greek opponent is Aris Thessaloniki, whom they met during the UEFA Cup 1999/2000 edition. They managed a home win and a draw in the away leg during that time.

Panathinaikos vs Celta Vigo: Prediction

Panathinaikos are a team in crisis as they had lost in 4 of their last 6 matches in all competitions. They have managed only one win during the period, which has come at PAOK this weekend. The confidence is expected to be on the lower side after already being eliminated. The head-coach could rest the key players as their concentration will be solely on the domestic league.

Celta Vigo on the other hand are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions. However, they haven’t done well on the road against slightly better teams this season. This is expected to be a very close clash and the most likely result is a draw at full-time. At the same time, there won’t be any shortage of goals.