Chelsea's debut win in the UEFA Conference League underscored the London team's serious intent to make their mark in Europe's third-tier club competition. Their trip to Panathinaikos will be a good test for the squad, with the manager not hesitating to field reserves who are eager for valuable playing minutes.
Panathinaikos' defensive frailties were evident during the Conference League qualification playoffs against Lens (3:2 on aggregate). Against the Bosnian side Borac (1:1), they managed to create 1.16 xG with only two shots on target. In their home clash with the Londoners, it's likely they'll rely on the partnership of Andraz Sporar and Anastasios Bakasetas, while summer signings Facundo Pellistri, Mateus Martins “Tetê”, Azzedine Ounahi, and Philipp Max have yet to make significant impacts.
Before their setback against Liverpool at Anfield (1:2), Chelsea were unbeaten for nearly two months, stringing together a seven-match streak. Against Gent (4:2) in the opening round of the Conference League, the team were ruthless against the Belgian backline, creating 2.20 xG with 20 attempts, and Renato Veiga scored 1+1. It’s important to note that Chelsea did not register Cole Palmer, Roméo Lavia, andWesley Fofana for the Conference League, yet their squad remains star-studded.
In Greece, Chelsea will push Panathinaikos into making mistakes. Backing the London side to win, as they aim to rebound from their recent Premier League defeat.
