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Botev Plovdiv host Panathinaikos at the Hristo Botev Stadium in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round on Thursday (August 1). Dusan Kerkez's Botev suffered a 2-1 defeat in Greece in the first leg last week.
The hosts failed to make it two wins from their opening two games in the new Bulgarian top-flight campaign, as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Lokomotiv Plovdiv on Sunday. Before that, Kerkez’s side had kicked off the new season in style with a 3-1 victory over Botev Vrasta at the Hristo Botev Stadium on July 21.
Botev turn their attention to the Europa League qualifiers, where they edged out Maribor 4-3 on aggregate in the first round before a loss to Panathinaikos in the first leg of their second-round clash last week.
First-half goals from Alexander Jeremejeff and Anastasios Bakasetas were enough to hand Panathinaikos the win at the Athens Olympic Stadium.
For the Greek side, that result was in keeping with their solid showing in pre-season, where they won thrice in five warm-up games. Panathinaikos are unbeaten in three competitive games, winning two, including a 1-0 victory over Aris Thessaloniki in the Greek Cup final on May 25.
Botev Plovdiv vs Panathinaikos Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the second meeting between the two sides.
- Panathinaikos have lost one of their last eight matches across competitions, winning five since mid May.
- Botev have lost once in their last five competitive home games, winning two, since May.
- Panathinaikos have lost two of their last nine competitive away matches, winning six, since January.
Botev Plovdiv vs Panathinaikos Prediction
Panathinaikos travel to the Hristo Botev Stadium with a one-goal advantage and will look to complete the job. The Greek side boasts the firepower needed to advance and should come out top once again.
Prediction: Botev 1-2 Panathinaikos
Botev Plovdiv vs Panathinaikos Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Panathinaikos to win
Tip 2: First to score - Panathinaikos (The Greek outfit have netted the opening goal in six of their last eight games.)
Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals - Yes (There have been at least three goals scored in Botev’s last five matches.)
