- Paksi FC have won three and lost two of their last five matches, including a 1-3 away win at Diosgyor VTK in NB I and a 2-1 friendly loss to Dundee FC.
- Panathinaikos have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five (W3, D3, L4 across their last ten in all competitions).
A tight first leg is expected in Hungary
Paksi FC will provide a solid test for Panathinaikos on Thursday in the first leg of this UEFA Conference League qualification tie, but the Greek side look the likelier winners at 1.6. The Hungarians are offered at 5.5 to beat the Athenians, who have more quality in their ranks, but Paksi's home record suggests that they should get a result in this contest.
György Bognár has set up his team to be compact and not too gung-ho, and they usually look more comfortable when they can release their energy forward on the counterattack and in the second ball area. Panathinaikos will bring a faster and more progressive game, with possession, an organized press and wide overloads designed to force teams back into their own half.
Jacob Neestrup's side have been less than convincing this season, however, going three wins, three draws and four defeats from their last ten matches in all competitions, and they could be forced to grind out a first-leg result in Hungary.
Paksi are in good form with five wins, two draws and three defeats in their last ten in all competitions, and although it's not a spectacular record, it indicates a solid base of a team that's capable of causing problems for the visitors on Thursday.
Panathinaikos the most likely winners
Although there is a strong case for taking the draw at 3.85, the market is skewed towards a Greek away win for a reason and that's our selection here. Paksi will sit deep and make Panathinaikos work for every opportunity, but the Hungarians cannot expect to contain the visitors for 90 minutes, so there should be chances to capitalize on in the game.
Backing a Panathinaikos win and under 3.5 goals should suit this fixture, particularly as Paksi look more likely to play with a tight defensive setup and force the visitors to find their openings. Vicente Taborda has been a real spark for the Greeks in the last five matches, having chipped in with three of their nine goals in the last five, and he could be the difference maker for the away side on Thursday.
