The first major derby of this year’s Stoiximan Super League is here. Panathinaikos hosts PAOK at the OAKA on Sunday (Sept. 6, 9:30 p.m.), in a match that stands out on the third-round schedule and comes at a crucial juncture for both teams.
The “Clover” has played only one league game so far, as the season opener was postponed. In their only Super League match so far, they defeated Levadiakos 2-0 on the road, and midweek they secured another victory, this time in the Cup, defeating Niki Volos 1-0.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
At the same time, the “Greens” have already completed their European qualifying campaign and secured a spot in the League Phase of the Conference League. This run came during a period with many games and considerable pressure, with the team’s performance not always being consistent. What matters, however, is that Panathinaikos has managed to get the results it wanted.
In its last two games in Greece—in the league and the Cup—the team has recorded two wins without conceding a goal. In the derby against PAOK, however, the level of difficulty rises significantly, and the “Greens” will need to show greater stamina and consistency in their play.
On the field, Jacob Nistrup will be without Tsapra, Pantelidis, Tsiriveya, and Christiansen, while Ounai will be included in the roster for the first time following his return. In detail: Peña, Kotsaris, Chaves, Calabria, Kyriakopoulos, Katris, De Vrij, Van Drongelen, Palmer – Brown, Kamara, Kontouris, Biniaris, Kangwa, Taborda, Louza, Ounai, Jagiusic, Pelistri, Antino, Garcia, Tetei, Rastonder, Desers.
On the other hand, PAOK has already played two league games and has a perfect record. Following their opening-day victory, they also traveled to Peristeri and came from behind to defeat Atromitos 2-1, putting in a solid performance and confirming that, at least at the start of the Super League, they have come out with determination.
The situation, however, is not quite as straightforward overall. PAOK is still trying to recover from its European elimination, while the departure of Konstantelias dealt another significant blow to the team.
Despite these difficulties, their performance in the Greek league has been positive so far. Two wins in as many games have provided the necessary confidence, and now the main challenge is to maintain this momentum against a strong opponent. In the Cup, however, they have yet to secure another victory, drawing 0-0 with OFI in a match played under difficult weather conditions.
As for the “Double-Headed Eagle’s” roster, Lousé, Hatzidiakos, Meité, Sarris, and Despodov were left out. Specifically, Lissi selected the following players: Pavlenka, Tsiftsis, Monastirlis, Kenny, Elustondo, Michailidis, Bataoulas, Giannoulis, Baba, Thymianis, Santamaria, Zafeiris, Kamara, Ugrecic, Pelkas, Soretire, Tyson, Ali, Zivkovic, Hatzidis, Endiaye, and Mythou.
Probable Starting Lineups:
Panathinaikos (4-4-2): Peña – Calabria, De Vrij, Van Drongelen, Kyriakopoulos – Taborda, Kamara, Kangwa, Antinho – Levi, Tetei.
PAOK (4-2-3-1): Pavlenka – Kenny, Elustondo, Michailidis, Yannoulis – Zafeiris, Santamaría – Zivkovic, Pelkas, Ali – Ndiaye.
*photo source: KYPE
