AEK Athens vs Panathinaikos Prediction: Big derby match without spectators

Another big derby match in Athens and Greece will be played without fans in the stands. In the 18th round of the Greece Super League, the city rivals AEK Athens and Panathinaikos will meet in OPAP Arena. It’s a match between 1st and 2nd placed teams in the league, and probably a duel between the best teams in the league. Both teams have very busy and difficult schedules, so we can’t say that this derby comes at a good time for either one of them.

Form: DWWDD

With several good results in a row, AEK got back into the title race. In the last round, they had a huge win over another big opponent, Olympiacos as visitors. They showed amazing performances in that match, played as last season when they won the title. Now they are in 2nd position, with 38 points, the same as PAOK and 2 points less than Panathinaikos. Last week they had another difficult match in the Greek Cup, and they played a draw against Aris. Their manager said that the focus of the team is on the league and these matches have more importance for them right now. They won in the first match this season 2:1 and now will try to repeat it at home.

Form: DWWWL

Panathinaikos’ fans are saying that this is their year and that the so-wanted title will be theirs this season. The team is looking really good, they are in 1st place, they got out of crisis fast, and in the last 5 matches in all competitions, they have 3 wins, a draw, and a defeat. In the last round, they were better than Panetolikos 2:1 and in a cup match, they played a draw against Olympiacos in a very difficult match. In this match, it’s important for them not to lose and keep the momentum because they have a very difficult schedule ahead of them.

It’s a big lose for Greek football, and football in general that this kind of derby will be played without fans. Both teams are in very good form, they are playing interesting, offensive kind of football and I expect much from this match. In their h2h stats Panathinaikos are better, but recently AEK showed that they are back on their old glory ways. All players are fit and ready for this match, and both managers can use the best players in this match. I think that both teams will score in this derby, and the match will end in a draw.