Panathinaikos Backed to Win Away Against Weaker Paksi

Paksi continue under head coach Gyorgy Bognar this season, but forward Szabolcs Bode and right-back Janos Hahn have left the club. The squad has so far been reinforced by goalkeeper Gergo Nagy and centre-back Kristof Kuszmann.

Panathinaikos have appointed former Copenhagen boss Jess Thorup as head coach for the new campaign. Their new signings include former Inter Milan centre-back Daniele Rugani, former Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena and former Leicester City left-back Victor Kristiansen, although striker Karol Swiderski has departed.

For Paksi, defender Bence Lenzser is injured, while there are no suspensions. For Panathinaikos, defenders Tin Jedvaj and Juankar are sidelined, with no players suspended.

Paksi struggled in Europe last season and were eliminated in the early qualifying rounds. They have never previously reached the main stage of a European competition, so even with home advantage they are hard to fancy here.

Panathinaikos reached the Europa League round of 16 last season before being knocked out by Real Betis. With several established internationals added for the new season and far greater experience in major matches than their opponents, the visitors look the stronger pick to win.

The two sides have not met in recent years.