AS Roma travels to Athens as they prepare for their final round match of this season’s UEFA Europa League group phase against Panathinaikos.
Roma have already qualified as a seeded team but remain intent on finishing in the competition’s top eight for their direct qualification to the last 16, whereas the Greek champions are also fighting to secure at least the playoffs spot.
Panathinaikos vs AS Roma – Match preview and team news
- Date: Thursday, 29th January.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Olympiako Stadio Sypros Louis, Athens.
Panathinaikos team news
Rafael Benítez’s side faces the challenge of this crucial fixture without several key players. Davide Calabria remains a doubt due to illness, while midfielder Pedro Chirivella is recovering from a calf injury sustained in Sunday’s league match.
Forward Cyriel Dessers and Karol Swiderski are both unavailable, with the latter serving a suspension for accumulated bookings.
Despite these setbacks, Benítez retains a competitive squad with attacking options including Anass Zaroury, who has netted four goals in ten Europa League appearances, and Andrews Tetteh leading the line.
Midfield stability will be provided by Renato Sanches and Anastasios Bakasetas, whilst the backline remains anchored by experienced defenders Erik Palmer-Brown and Ahmed Touba.
AS Roma team news
The Giallorossi face a significant attacking crisis, with Evan Ferguson ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained in the closing stages of their weekend fixture against Stuttgart, though he was in the bench against AC Milan but will not take any part this final Europa League match.
This compounds an already stretched offensive arsenal, as Artem Dovbyk will be absent for months after surgery. Stephan El Shaarawy continues to manage an Achilles tendon irritation.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed that January signings Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz remain ineligible for Europa League competition until the knockout stages commence. Paulo Dybala carries a minor knee complaint from the Milan encounter but showed improvement in training, with the Argentine’s participation set to be determined on match day.
Devyne Rensch returns to the squad after missing the Milan clash with a bruised knee, whilst Mario Hermoso and Manu Kone remain sidelined with injury concerns.
Form
Panathinaikos
Benítez’s side struggles to find consistent results, having drawn 0-0 with Atromitos in their most recent Super League fixture before that 1-1 stalemate away at Ferencváros in the Europa League. Panathinaikos have managed just three wins from their opening seven Europa League league phase matches, accruing 11 points and occupying 19th position.
AS Roma
Gasperini’s men have rediscovered the form that defines their domestic campaign, stringing together four consecutive victories following an indifferent start to their European endeavour.
Their most recent outing saw them dismantle Stuttgart 2-0 last week in the Europa League, with the visitors controlling proceedings throughout. They also drew 1-1 against AC Milan after that match.
Predicted lineups
Panathinaikos: Lafont; Calabria, Ingason, Touba, Kyriakopoulos; Sanches, Gnezda Cerin; Pellistri, Bakasetas, Zaroury; Tetteh.
AS Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ziolkowski, Ghilardi; Celik, Cristante, Pisilli, Tsmikas; Soule, Pellegrini; Dybala.
How to watch Panathinaikos vs AS Roma?
UK viewers can watch Panathinaikos vs AS Roma live on TNT Sports 7.
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