The New Saints welcome Panathinaikos on Thursday evening and you can find our preview, prediction, team news and predicted lineups down below.
The New Saints vs Panathinaikos Preview
The New Saints are the only Wales representative in European football this season, as they continue their Europa Conference League campaign on Thursday evening.
Despite their Welsh heritage, TNS play their European home matches at The Croud Meadow which is the home of League One side – Shrewsbury.
Results in Europe have been hard to find for the Welsh side, winning just one of their opening four games and sitting outside the qualification spots.
Craig Harrison’s side were beaten 1-0 in their last UECL clash, putting in a lifeless display at home against Djurgarden.
As for Panathinaikos, recent form has been a breath of fresh air for the Greek side remaining unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions.
However, Rui Vitoria’s side have accumulated just four points in Europe this season after beating HJK, drawing to Borac Banja Luka and losing to Chelsea and Djurgarden.
They now take up the final qualification place in the Conference League and will be full of confidence after a big league victory over Asteras in their most recent match.
The New Saints vs Panathinaikos Team News
The New Saints have been dealt a strong hand for this European clash, as their injury list is limited to just one player – Ryan Astles.
The English defender has been out for the entirety of this season and is not expected to return until 2025.
As for the visitors, Andraz Sporar, will miss the match after picking up an injury back in November and the Slovenian is expected to miss the upcoming matches in the festive period.
Azzedine Ounahi is also unlikely to feature after missing Panathinaikos’ latest league match, but the Moroccan could feature following a late fitness test.
The New Saints vs Panathinaikos Predicted Lineups
The New Saints: Roberts; Baker, Pask, McGahey, Davies; Redmond, D. Williams, Clark; Daniels, McManus, J. Williams
Panthinaikos: Lodygin; Vagiannidis, Schenkeveld, Ingasson, Mladenovic, Arao, Bakasetas, Maksimovic; Pellistri, Jeremejeff, Djuricic
The New Saints vs Panathinaikos Prediction
Panathinaikos are the heavy favourites on UK betting sites going into the clash, which is fuelled by their superior quality and recent results.
With that in mind, we expect the Greek side to earn a vital three points in Europe and win by two clear goals – keeping a clean sheet in the process.
Prediction: The New Saints 0-2 Panathinaikos
