Competition: Europa League

Market: Panathinaikos win

Odds: 7/10 @ BetUS

Looking to make it back-to-back Europa League Europa League victories on Thursday night, Panathinaikos will welcome Strum Graz to Athens.

Starting with the hosts, while Panathinaikos might have endured a stuttering start to proceedings when opening up the 2025/26 campaign back in August, the Shamrocks have come roaring back in an impressive fashion. Marking their return from November’s international break with a dominant display over the weekend as they cruised their way to a thumping 3-0 victory away at Panserraikos, Rafael Benitez has certainly made an immediate impact since arriving last month. Heading into November’s fortnight interval with a 2-1 win at home against domestic foes PAOK, the former Newcastle boss should find the mood in his camp at a season-high. Skyrocketing their way up the Super League standings, the Greek giants will be confident of making another statement here. Likewise, last seen in Europa League action securing a gritty 1-0 victory away at Malmo, Panathinaikos have won their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 6-1. Pencilled in as a standout contender on Thursday night, it should also be highlighted that Benitez’s side have also won five of their last six outings.

As for the visitors, embarking on a real fairytale last season as they successfully defended their domestic crown, Strum Graz opened up the 2025/26 campaign with plenty of plaudits from across the continent. However, marking their return from November’s international break with a nightmare 3-1 drumming at home against LASK, the reigning Austrian champions suddenly find themselves at the heart of a public crisis. Getting November underway with a 2-1 defeat away at SK Rapid, Jurgen Samuel appears to have a major job on his hands at the Merkur Arena. Despite being last seen in Europa League action snatching a 0-0 stalemate at home against Nottingham Forest, Strum Graz have failed to win any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes. With that rut stemming back to October 19th, the Blacks will travel to Athens knowing that they face another stern examination. Two camps who find the moods in their respective camps at a polar opposite, we are backing a home win here.

Bet: Panathinaikos 7/10 to beat Strum Graz in Thursday’s Europa League battle @ BetUS