Panathinaikos, one of the most renowned clubs in Greek football, have endured a challenging start to their season, both in domestic competition and on the European stage. Their Conference League campaign began with a single point from their opening match, placing them 19th in the standings. This position mirrors their inconsistent league form, where they sit 8th after seven matches, having recorded two wins, three draws, and two losses. This uneven performance has defined their early season struggles.

The Athens-based team boasts a rich continental history, although their European accomplishments are limited. Their most notable achievement remains reaching the final of the 1970-71 European Cup, where they were defeated by an iconic Ajax side. Since then, success in Europe has been elusive, with Panathinaikos never having won a major continental trophy. This season marks only the second time they've qualified for the UEFA Conference League, after being eliminated by Slavia Prague in the third qualifying round last year.

Historically, Panathinaikos have struggled against English clubs, winning just one of 18 encounters and losing 11. This record highlights the gap in quality between the two leagues, and it's unlikely that the trend will change in this meeting. Despite playing at home, where Greek teams often benefit from passionate fan support, Panathinaikos will need more than a fervent atmosphere to keep Chelsea from claiming all three points.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have made an impressive start to their season. Currently 6th in the Conference League standings after a victory in their opening match, the London club will aim to solidify their position with another win. While the Conference League isn't their main priority, it still presents an opportunity for the club to add to their European silverware. Chelsea could become the first team to win all three major European trophies, having already lifted the Champions League and Europa League.

Chelsea's early form has been promising under new manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian, who took over from Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, faced initial scepticism given his limited managerial experience and his time spent as part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City. However, Maresca has adapted well, drawing out strong performances from players like Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke. His flexibility in tactics, blending a possession-based approach with a more dynamic, transition-focused style, has won praise.

Despite their promising form, Chelsea’s focus on the Conference League is secondary, evidenced by their decision to omit star player Cole Palmer from the squad. Yet as the competition progresses, the club’s desire to complete the set of European titles could grow stronger.

Panathinaikos’ form is less encouraging, with just one win in their last five matches. Their most recent victory was a narrow 1-0 win away to OFI, courtesy of a goal from Tetê. This followed a goalless draw with Olympiakos, which itself came after a 1-1 tie with Borac Banja Luka. Panathinaikos also suffered a 2-0 defeat to local rivals AEK Athens and secured a 3-1 win over Panserraikos. A 0-0 draw with PAOK rounded out a tough stretch of fixtures.

Chelsea’s recent form is much stronger, with the Blues winning four of their last five games. Their latest outing was a 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, despite a spirited performance that saw Nicolas Jackson score. Before that, Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, with Noni Madueke finding the net. A pair of 4-2 victories over Gent and Brighton preceded those results, and Chelsea also registered a 5-0 win over Barrow in the EFL Cup, following a 3-0 triumph over West Ham.

With Chelsea’s attack in top gear, having netted 17 goals in their last five matches, they are unlikely to falter in Athens. Maresca’s men have lost only once this season, and that defeat came in a largely inconsequential match against Servette. Both teams have scored in Chelsea’s last three games, so we can expect a similar pattern here. However, Panathinaikos' shaky form, with just two wins in their last seven matches, makes it hard to see them taking advantage of any Chelsea squad rotations. The Blues should continue their strong run.

Matchoutlook Prediction : Away Win (1-3)