Young Boys vs Panathinaikos Prediction: Goals expected in the Swiss capital

Young Boys and Panathinaikos clash in the Europa League at the Wankdorf Stadium on Thursday night and a high-scoring affair is on the cards. The hosts have amassed just 11 points from their opening six league encounters, a paltry return for an expected title challenger.

Pana are also in the midst of a challenging spell, having commenced their Super League Greece campaign in underwhelming fashion. A 3-2 defeat away at newly promoted Kifisia was sandwiched between 1-1 draws with Levadiakos and arch-rivals Olympiacos, as the Prássinoi felt the impact of an intense European qualification programme.

After being knocked out by Rangers in the Champions League preliminaries, Pana impressively navigated tricky ties against 15-time Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk and Turkish outfit Samsunspor to book their place in the Europa League league phase. Below you can find my Youngs Boys vs Panathinaikos predictions. 

Team News

Switzerland Alvyn Sanches remains sidelined with a serious knee injury, having been out of action since the end of the previous campaign.

Young Boys have also missed the services of Facinet Conte so far this term, after the Guinean suffered a muscle problem at the beginning of the summer.

Football Odds

The loss of Facundo Pellistri has been a major blow for Pan, who often rely on the Uruguayan to provide their attacking spark. He strained his hamstring during the recent international break, but is expected to return in early October.

Goalkeeper Bartłomiej Drągowski will look to continue his superb form between the sticks, after keeping three clean sheets and saving two penalties in the shootout in Krakow during Europa League qualifying.

Today's Football Fixtures

Young Boys vs Panathinaikos Odds

Young Boys have been installed as 13/10 favourites for this tie, with Pana attracting a higher price of 2/1 to beat their Swiss hosts.

The draw is available at 5/2, while Ivorian striker Chris Bedia - who has netted seven times already this season - leads the first goalscorer market at 5/1.

Double Chance: Panathinaikos or Draw @ 3/5

Although neither side will feel overly confident heading into Thursday’s contest, Panathinaikos should have enough to secure at least a share of the spoils.

Christos Kontis’ men have already demonstrated their capabilities on the continental stage this term, while they arguably possess a superior European pedigree to Young Boys.

Last season, Panathinaikos progressed to the Round of 16 stage of the Europa Conference League, where they were beaten by eventual semi-finalists Fiorentina.

The Greek giants also have a proven goalscorer in Cyriel Dessers, who arrived in Athens on transfer deadline day following a two-year stint with Rangers.

The powerful Nigerian striker has netted 14 times in 35 appearances in major UEFA club competitions.

Both teams to score @ 8/13

It’s likely both teams will find a route to goal on Thursday evening, but perhaps more due to their opponent’s defensive frailties rather than their own attacking ingenuity.

Young Boys shipped an eye-watering 24 goals in last season’s Champions League opening phase, with almost half of these coming at the Wankdorf Stadium.

Meanwhile, the visitors have scored and conceded in each of their first three league fixtures, continuing to leave themselves exposed as they pursue an expansive brand of attacking football.

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