The New Saints v Panathinaikos: Prediction, Tips and Odds

UEFA Conference League action comes from Shrewsbury’s New Meadow on Thursday, when The New Saints face Panathinaikos.

The 2024/25 season is already regarded as an historical one for The New Saints, who have become the first team from the Welsh league system to qualify for the group or league stage of a European tournament.

And they are still very much in contention to make the top 24 in the UEFA Conference League standings following their 2-0 win over Astana on matchday two.

But defeats in their other three matches temper enthusiasm and they are expected to be up against it when they host Greek Super League club Panathinaikos on Thursday.

While their Park Hill stadium meets UEFA regulations for qualifying fixtures, it does not do so when it comes to the main draw of European competitions, so they have been playing at Shrewsbury Town's New Meadow instead.

That was the venue for their victory over Astana in October but repeating the feat against Panathinaikos will be much harder.

The New Saints v Panathinaikos betting tips and predictions

Panathinaikos to win and under 2.5 goals - 13/5

Panathinaikos fans would have hoped for better from their team in the new-look UEFA Conference League but their side nonetheless start the next matchday in 24th spot, meaning they are on course for the play-offs.

The Greek Super League side have accrued four points from their opening four games - just one point more than The New Saints - but they head into this fixture on a good run of form.

Panathinaikos have won five and drawn one of their last six contests, including a 1-0 defeat of HJK on matchday four of the UEFA Conference League.

They are starting to see progress in the Greek Super League, having moved up to fourth spot, and they have lost just two games in the top flight this term.

With three clean sheets in their last six games, it is fair to say their strength is in defence and they should run out winners in a low-scoring contest in Shrewsbury.

Despite their precarious position in the overall standings, Panathinaikos have shipped just seven goals in the UEFA Conference League, so they are not exactly leaking goals and they could keep the door shut against The New Saints.

The Welsh outfit have already drawn blanks against Fiorentina and Djurgarden in the competition and while a Panathinaikos win to nil appeals, the better approach could be the visitors to win and under 2.5 goals.

Filip Djuricic to score at any time - 12/5

Panathinaikos do not have an overly potent sting in their tail but there are still some decent options in the goalscorer markets.

Fotis Ioannidis and Alexander Jeremejeff alternate as starting striker for Panathinaikos but, at 12/5, winger Filip Djuricic could be the best bet to score in Shrewsbury.

Former Southampton winger Djuricic is one of three Panathinaikos players to have scored in the competition this season - their other was an own goal from HJK - and he has already bagged five goals in the Greek Super League, making him his side's top scorer.

He has had four shots in the UEFA Conference League - only Facundo Pellistri (eight) has managed more for the Greeks - and is overpriced to net in this League Phase contest.

Read more football betting tips and predictions on site.

The New Saints v Panathinaikos odds

The New Saints - 9/1
Draw - 4/1
Panathinaikos - 3/10

View the full market and more odds for The New Saints v Panathinaikos on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.