Panathinaikos vs Chelsea: UEFA Conference League Match Preview and Latest Updates

Chelsea is set to face Panathinaikos in their second match of the UEFA Conference League group stage on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The match will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece, with a kick-off time of 12:45 PM EDT (17:45 BST).

Chelsea, coming off a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Premier League, aims to continue their strong performance in the Conference League after a 4-2 victory over Gent in their opening match. Despite the recent loss, Chelsea has been in good form, having enjoyed a seven-match unbeaten streak prior to the Liverpool game. The team is expected to rotate players, with several first-team members, including Cole Palmer, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, and Malo Gusto, staying in London.

Panathinaikos, one of Greece’s top clubs, has experienced a mixed start to the season. They finished last season in fourth place in the Greek Super League and secured the Greek Cup but have only managed three wins from eight matches this season. The team is dealing with the recent tragic passing of defender George Baldock and will be without key players such as Fotis Ioannidis, Dimitris Limnios, Zeca, and Tonny Vilhena. Andraž Šporar, who missed the last match due to illness, is expected to recover in time for this game.

The match is emotionally charged for Panathinaikos, marking their first home game since the news of George Baldock’s passing. Chelsea, however, has a historical advantage, having never lost to a Greek team in European competitions. They have advanced to the final in all their previous encounters against Greek sides.

The game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, and streaming options are available via Paramount+ in the United States. The referee for the match is António Nobre, with André Narciso handling VAR duties.

Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, is expected to field a strong side despite the rotations, including young talents like George Sam Rakakyi and Shim Mhueka, who may make their senior debuts. The predicted lineup for Chelsea includes players such as Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Joao Felix, who are set to play key roles in the attack.

Panathinaikos, under new manager Diego Alonso, will look to capitalize on home advantage and their recent win in the Greek Super League. The match is predicted to be closely contested, with Chelsea favored to win but Panathinaikos capable of earning a result.