Ajax vs Panathinaikos Predictions: Expect Eredivisie giants to advance

Ajax take on Panathinaikos in the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie on Thursday(19:15), looking to secure a spot in the playoffs. 

The Dutch outfit have established a 1-0 lead in the tie thanks to a first-half strike from Steven Berguis in Athens, but it is all to play for as the sides prepare to reconvene in Amsterdam. 

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Christian Rasmussen is injured and Steven Berghuis should once again start in his place, while Steve Bergwijn is back in the Ajax squad after missing the first leg. 

Panathinaikos are expected to once again start with Alexander Jeremejeff up top, with Andraz Sporar settling for a spot on the bench. 

Ajax vs Panathinaikos Odds

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 Ajax are 8/11 favourites to win the second leg in Amsterdam, while a Panathinaikos win in 90 minutes is priced at 3/1. The draw is 13/5. 

Ajax are 1/9 to win the tie and progress to the Europa League play-offs, while Panathinaikos are 5/1. 

Ajax to win and under 3.5 goals @ 8/5  

Last season was disastrous for Ajax both on and off the pitch, but they have made a bright start to life under Francesco Farioli and can take a huge step towards the Europa League on Thursday. 

The Dutch giants have a 1-0 lead from the first leg and that victory in Athens formed part of a four-match winning streak to start the season. 

They won 1-0 and 3-1 against Vojvodina in the second qualifying round before their first leg with Panathinaikos and on Sunday they were 1-0 winners again when they hosted Heerenveen in Eredivisie. 

Farioli is slowly but surely working out his squad and he has got the best out of them in the opening weeks of the season. 

They have won three of their opening four matches by a 1-0 scoreline and, while Panathinaikos have to attack this game, Farioli has Ajax defending well so they should keep the score low once again. 

With that in mind, a low-scoring Ajax win could be the way to go in Amsterdam. 

Chuba Akpom anytime goalscorer @ 11/8  

Brian Bobbey is arguably still the star man in this Ajax squad, but he has not been a starter recently following a post-Euros break. 

And, while he could be given more of a role to play in this second leg, Chuba Akpom could again be tasked with leading the line. 

Akpom is yet to score this season but is worth taking a chance on at the Amsterdam Arena. 

The former Middlesbrough striker had a decent return of 11 goals in 25 appearances for Ajax in Eredivisie last term and he can make his mark in this tie. 

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