Villarreal will host Panathinaikos at El Madrigal for matchday five of Group F’s Europa League action on Thursday at 20:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Villarreal have won their last two matches in Group F. After three rounds of fixtures, Villarreal will look to take full advantage of the four matches to maximize their chances of making it out of the group and into the knockout stages with two matches remaining to play.
Villarreal have scored three times in three matches; the manager will focus on improving the side’s fluency in the attacking third to improve their chances of qualifying. Playing at home, they will expect to play on the front foot, dominate the ball, and create clear cut chances.
Panathinaikos have lost their last two matches; they are winless in three consecutive matches. They have won once and drawn once in the four rounds of fixtures they have played in Group F. They will hope to return to winning ways in the group when they travel to Villarreal on Thursday.
Playing away from home, Panathinaikos will look to be pragmatic in their approach. They will defend narrow and deep to reduce the gaps between players and force the hosts to play wide, away from the goal.
Injury Report
Neither side has reported fresh injury worries ahead of Thursday’s clash.
Prediction
Villarreal will win the home match and bolster their chances of making it out of Group F and into the knockout stage of the Europa League.
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