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On Wednesday, August 9th, the football world will turn its attention to Athens as Panathinaikos welcomes Marseille to the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

Panathinaikos’ Return to Prominence

Panathinaikos’ journey back to the Champions League qualifiers has been inspiring. After eliminating Ukraine’s Dnipro-1 5-3 on aggregate, they now aim to reach the group stage for the first time since the 2010-11 season. They have displayed resilience, with just one defeat in their last 10 games in all competitions, and their recent performance at home against Dnipro-1 with a 2:2 draw shows their fighting spirit.

The Greek side’s recent home record has been mixed, with two draws in their last three games, but they have proved challenging to beat. Panathinaikos’ attacking prowess is evident, with an average of 2.60 goals per clash in their last five outings.

Coach Ivan Jovanovic’s potential lineup is expected to feature key players like Brignoli, Kotsiras, Djuricic, and Sporar. The addition of USA international defender Erik Palmer-Brown may provide a defensive boost, while the offensive creativity of Mancini and Bernard will be crucial in the final third.

Marseille’s Quest for Redemption

Marseille’s recent Champions League record leaves much to be desired, having failed to progress to the knockout stages in their last campaign. They will be eager to start the new season on a positive note and overcome the four defeats in their last five away games.

Marcelino’s side underwent a significant attacking transition, with acquisitions like Renan Lodi, Ismaila Sarr, and the experienced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The new forwards’ chemistry could be key, with players like Lopez, Gigot, and Veretout forming a solid core for the team.

However, Marseille’s three consecutive losses in recent matches and struggles in their pre-season raise concerns. Their defensive frailties and lack of cohesion in attack could be their Achilles’ heel.

Head-to-Head and Key Stats

Interestingly, this will mark the first-ever competitive showdown between these two teams. Panathinaikos’ record against French teams stands at three wins in 11 meetings, while Marseille boasts seven wins in 10 clashes against Greek opponents.

Match Prediction and Possible Outcome

Considering both teams’ recent form and the specific dynamics of this fixture, we can expect an open and thrilling game. Panathinaikos’ home advantage and resilient spirit could surprise Marseille, while the French side’s revamped attack might need some time to gel.

Possible Score Outcome: Panathinaikos 2 – 2 Marseille.

Reasoning: Panathinaikos’ recent unbeaten streak and ability to score, combined with Marseille’s vulnerable defence, point to a potential high-scoring draw. Marseille’s offensive quality may help them net goals, but their inconsistency could see them concede as well.

The clash on August 9th promises drama, excitement, and a true display of footballing skill. The road to the Champions League group stage heats up, and this match could be one of the highlights of the qualification campaign. Fans of both teams and neutrals alike will have their eyes glued to what could be a classic encounter.

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