Panathinaikos will look to extend their unbeaten run in the Europa League when they face Rennes on matchday three at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium.

Both teams failed to make it two wins from two in their last European outings, as Panathinaikos played out a 0-0 draw away to Maccabi Haifa, while Rennes suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Villarreal.

Match preview

In their last European encounter, the Greens were far from their usual selves offensively, failing to register a single shot on goal, and were lucky in the end to earn a goalless draw against Maccabi Haifa, who dominated for much of the match.

With Villarreal beating Rennes in their other group game, a draw means Panathinaikos are currently top of Group F with four points and could move four points clear of their direct rivals for qualification with a win on Thursday night.

Ivan Jovanovic's side are not only unbeaten after two games, but have yet to concede a single goal after the 2-0 home win against Villarreal on the first matchday created a good starting position for the next games.

Impressively, the Greens are unbeaten in four games in all competitions, including a commanding 5-0 win over Atromitos before the international break, scoring two or more goals in three of the four encounters.

The record could have been different, however, had last weekend's match against Olympiacos not been abandoned due to an injury to Panathinaikos' Spanish defender Juankar, who was hit by a firecracker five minutes into the second half.

Rennes, on the other hand, had a much quieter weekend in the domestic league from the fans' point of view, but a disappointing one in terms of performance with a 2-1 away loss against Lorient.

The Rennes XI dominated the game for long stretches, had almost 70% possession and fired 20 shots on goal, but Bruno Genesio's side were unable to convert the chances they created, taking their winless streak to four games.

As far as the Europa League is concerned, they are desperate for a win after their 1-0 loss to Villarreal in Spain two weeks ago, when Martin Terrier had a chance to equalise in stoppage time through a penalty, only to see it saved by Pepe Reina.

With three points after two games, they currently sit in third place in Group F and have their fate in their hands when it comes to qualifying for the round of 16.

Team News

Panathinaikos can call on a fully fit squad ahead of Thursday's game and will definitely field their strongest lineup in their quest for a second home win in the Europa League.

Filip Mladenovic has shown good form so far this season - the Panathinaikos midfielder has already recorded three assists in all competitions and will be looking to provide the team's strikers once again on Thursday.

The two scorers on matchday one, Fotis Ioannidis and Andraz Sporar, will also be eager to get on the scoresheet, with the Greek international having already scored three times in domestic competitions this season.

The visitors will have to do without defender Arthur Theate, who is currently out with a calf injury and is expected to be available again in early November.

That aside, Rennes have a fully fit squad, with Ludovic Blas and Bertug Ozgur Yildirim considered the biggest threats in attack as they look to add more goals in this season's Europa League after both scored against Maccabi Haifa on matchday one.

Panathinaikos possible starting lineup:
Brignoli; Kotsiras, Schenkeveld, Jedvaj, Mladenovic; Arao, Cerin, Vilhena; Mancini, Bernard, Ioannidis

Rennes possible starting lineup:
Mandanda; Doue, Omari, Belocian, Truffert, Santamaria, Bourigeaud, Doue, Blas, Salah; Yildirim

We say: Panathinaikos 2-1 Rennes

The two teams are not far apart in the Group F standings, but Panathinaikos have had a much better run of late, while Rennes have lost their last three games in all competitions.

Home ground should also benefit Panathinaikos, as they are unbeaten in their last two home games, while Rennes have failed to win any of their last five away games.


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