Panathinaikos and Ajax renew their historic rivalry on Thursday, August 8 in a thrilling Europa League third-round qualifier. 

The first leg takes place in Athens, where both teams aim to secure a crucial advantage and a playoff spot against either Bodo/Glimt or Jagiellonia Białystok.

Panathinaikos Look to Continue European Revival | Home Win = 2.23

Panathinaikos, returning to European competition after finishing fourth in the Greek Super League playoffs, have started their campaign on a high note. They defeated Botev Plovdiv with a 2-1 victory at home and a commanding 4-0 win away, thanks to the impressive form of Swedish striker Alexander Jeremejeff, who netted three goals in the tie.

Under the guidance of new head coach Diego Alonso, who replaced Fatih Terim in May, Panathinaikos aims to challenge for domestic glory and secure a spot in the Europa League group stages. The Greens narrowly missed out on the Champions League last year and are determined to make a deeper run in Europe this season.

Historically, Panathinaikos reached the 1971 European Cup final but fell to Ajax. Now, they hope to rewrite their European history with a strong performance against the Dutch giants.

Ajax Aim for Stability and Success | Away Win = 3.05

Ajax, boasting a rich European heritage, face the challenge of rebuilding under new coach Francesco Farioli. The Amsterdam club had a tumultuous last season, finishing fifth in the Eredivisie after a poor start. However, they have shown resilience by defeating Vojvodina 4-1 on aggregate in the second round of Europa League qualifying.

Ajax have won six consecutive matches, including pre-season games against Rangers and Olympiacos. With key players like Brian Brobbey and Jorrel Hato remaining at the club, Ajax are poised for a strong campaign under Farioli’s leadership.

Despite off-field issues, Ajax’s European pedigree remains intact. Their triumph in the 1971 European Cup against Panathinaikos marked the beginning of a dominant era, and they are eager to reclaim their status in European football.

Key Players & Team News

For Panathinaikos, summer signings Sverrir Ingi Ingason, Nemanja Maksimovic, and Tete played pivotal roles in their previous victory. Slovenian midfielder Adam Gnezda Cerin is expected to start, while Alexander Jeremejeff will lead the attack, having scored seven goals in 14 league games last season and already netting three in Europa League qualifying.

Ajax will miss goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, still on leave after the Olympics, leaving Diant Ramaj and veteran Remko Pasveer to compete for the starting spot. Injuries have sidelined Owen Wijndal and Gaston Avila, but Brian Brobbey and Steven Bergwijn could feature after returning to training.

The visitors are likely to field Chuba Akpom as the forward, with Jordan Henderson and Kenneth Taylor controlling the midfield. Steven Berghuis and Branco van den Boomen are also pushing for starting roles.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 3.40

Ajax has a better head-to-head in games against Panathinaikos with four (4) wins from their last five (5) meetings, which include and home and away victory in the 2016 Europa League. | Specials Market: Draw/Away = 1.99

Panathinaikos have shown good form with four (4) wins from their last five (5) games in all competitions including a home and away 6-1 win over Botev Plovdiv in the previous round of qualifiers. | Specials Market: Over 2.5 & Yes = 1.94

There have been three (3) over 2.5 goals in both Panathinaikos and Ajax’s last five (5) games in all competitions. Over 2.5 goals occurred in three (3) of their last five (5). \ | Main Market: Over 3.5 = 2.70

You can follow the Panathinaikos vs. Ajax Europa League match on MSport here.

Arsenal will host Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, August 6, in an Emirates Cup pre-season friendly that will see Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso, two former Premier League midfield stalwarts, go head-to-head as managers.

This match offers both teams a chance to fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming season, a season where Alonso’s team would try to defend their Bundesliga title while Arteta’s Gunners give the EPL title another go.

Arsenal: Fine-Tuning for a Title Challenge | Home Win = 1.80

Arsenal recently wrapped up their USA tour with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Liverpool. Despite the loss, Arteta's squad has shown promising signs in their pre-season fixtures.

With victories over Preston North End and Manchester United, and a penalty shootout win against Bournemouth, the Gunners are keen to build momentum for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.

The match against Liverpool highlighted Arsenal's potential and areas for improvement. Harvey Elliott's brilliance for Liverpool saw them take an early 2-0 lead, but Kai Havertz pulled one back for Arsenal. Despite their efforts, the Gunners couldn't break through Liverpool's solid defence in the second half.

Now back in North London, Arsenal are preparing for their penultimate pre-season match. They will host Lyon next in the Emirates Cup on August 11, marking the traditional start of their season. Arteta will likely field a strong team against Leverkusen, aiming to integrate new signings and returning international stars.

Bayer Leverkusen: Building on Last Season's Success | Away Win = 3.80

Bayer Leverkusen, under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, is coming off a stellar season where they clinched the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles. Alonso, who has transformed Leverkusen into a dominant force, brings his team to England after a mixed pre-season.

They secured a 2-1 victory over Rot-Weiss Essen and played out a 2-2 draw with Lens. Leverkusen's pre-season preparations have seen them steady their form, and they will aim to put on a strong performance against Arsenal.

This match will be a key test for Alonso's squad as they prepare for the new Bundesliga season as defending champions and aim to maintain put up a decent performance in their first UEFA Champions League appearance in a while.

Key Players & Team News

Arsenal have bolstered their squad with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, and he could feature for the first time against Leverkusen. Euro 2024 finalists Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, and David Raya have returned to training and may be involved in the match.

However, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are sidelined due to injuries. Young talents like Ayden Heaven and Ethan Nwaneri have impressed in pre-season but are unlikely to start.

Leverkusen will be without full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo, who are still on post-Euros breaks. Matija Marsenic is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and won't feature. Jonathan Tah, linked with a move to Bayern Munich, played against Lens and is expected to travel to London.

Match Stats & Betting Odds | Draw = 4.00

Arsenal are unbeaten against Bayer 04 Leverkusen from their two (2) previous meetings in the 2001-02 Champions League season which saw a 1-1 draw in Germany and a 4-1 victory for Arsenal at Highbury. | Specials Market: Home/Draw & Over 2.5 = 1.97

Bayer Leverkusen have scored at least two (2) goals in three (3) of their last five (5) games in all competitions. | Specials Market: Draw/Away & Over 2.5 = 3.55

Three (3) of Arsenal’s last five (5) games in all competitions have seen over 2.5 goals in total while four (4) of Bayer Leverkusen’s last five (5) games have seen over 2.5 goals in total. | Main Market: Over 3.5 = 2.30

You can check out the Arsenal vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Preseason game on MSport here.