The Super League season continues with the rescheduled match between Panathinaikos and Kifissia for Matchday 1, with the two teams set to face off (9:15 p.m.) at the OAKA.
Panathinaikos is riding a wave of momentum. The “Greens” are coming off a 3-1 victory over PAOK in Sunday’s derby, a game that went their way after Elustondo was sent off in the 15th minute.
Jacob Nystrup’s team capitalized on their numerical advantage, went into halftime with a two-goal lead, and essentially laid the groundwork for the three points.
Tetei was the star of the show, scoring twice, while Panathinaikos extended its winning streak to four consecutive victories. Qualifying for the Conference League’s League Phase has given the “Greens” added peace of mind, with Nistrup’s philosophy becoming increasingly evident in their play.
At the same time, new signings such as Louza and Ounai are beginning to see more playing time and are becoming increasingly active in the rotation. Desers is out of the roster after being ejected from the derby.
The full roster is as follows: Peña, Kotsaris, Chávez, Calabria, Kyriakopoulos, Katris, De Vrij, Van Drongelen, Palmer-Brown, Kamara, Kontouris, Biniaris, Kangwa, Tamborda, Louza, Ounai, Jagusic, Kyriopoulos, Pelistri, Adino, Garcia, Tetei, Rastonder.
On the other hand, Kifissia is looking to bounce back. The team from the northern suburbs suffered its first loss of the season, falling 2-0 to OFI at Pankritio Stadium in a game where it paid dearly for a poor first half.
By then, however, they had already managed to cause trouble for last year’s champions, as they earned a draw against AEK, proving that it can give even the league’s top teams a run for their money. That is exactly what it will attempt to do at the OAKA.
Pombo is one of the team’s most important assets, while center back Van Aima remains sidelined. Kousoulos is available, the new signing from Omonia, who is expected to start alongside Rukounakis, with Leto looking to create more balance in midfield.
The full roster is as follows: Anagnostopoulos, Ramires, Apostolakis, De Luis, Petkov, Kaloskamis, Abanda, Polykratis, Hugo Souza, Zoliboua, Manso, Doiranlis, Pombo, Benny, Rukounakis, Yagne, Kousoulos, Antonise, Theodoridis, Zerson Souza, Embula, Pateras, Sagal, Christopoulos.
Probable starting lineups:
Panathinaikos (Jacob Nistrup): Penia, Calabria, De Vrij, Van Drongelen, Kyriakopoulos, Louza, Kanguwa, Taborda, Antino, Levi Garcia, Tetei.
Kifissia (Sebastián Leto): Ramires, Manso, Zoliboua, Hugo Souza, Abanda, Kousoulos, Rukounakis, Zerson Souza, Pombo, Antonise, Sagal.
Referee: Michail Matsoukas.
Assistant referees: Giorgos Stefanis, Konstantinos Matsas
; Fourth official: Konstantinos Tsetzilas
; VAR: Ioannis Papadopoulos; AVAR: Alexandros Megas.
*Photo source: CNA
