Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 12/11

Bookmaker: Luckster

Seeking a Europa League comeback on Thursday night, Real Betis will welcome Panathinaikos to Andalusia for their second-leg showdown.

Real Betis

Starting with the hosts, while Real Betis might have opened up the New Year in the midst of a real Champions League chase, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have come crashing back down to earth. Putting in a downbeat display over in Greece last week as they slumped to a first-leg 1-0 loss, the former Manchester City boss will be firmly under the microscope here. Failing to pick up some much-welcomed momentum over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Celta Vigo, Betis have failed to win any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Likewise, despite opening Thursday’s return to Andalusia pencilled in as a landslide contender, Pellegrini’s camp have failed to win any of their previous four consecutive matchups in front of their own supporters.

Real Betis Team News

Shown a late red card over in Greece last week, one-time Leeds defender Diego Llorente will miss out through suspension on Thursday night. Former Real Madrid superstar Isco remains on the sidelines with a long-term ankle injury.

Making his move from Manchester United a permanent one over the summer, Brazilian international Antony has registered seven direct goal contributions in as many Europa League appearances this season (four goals, three assists) and should play a leading role in attack.

Panathinaikos

As for the visitors, putting in a stellar first-leg performance on home soil last week as they claimed a 1-0 victory in Athens, Panathinaikos travel over to Spain on Thursday night holding a slender advantage. Despite facing what looks set to be a stern examination in Andalusia, the Greek heavyweights are enjoying what has been an extended purple patch. Extending on their Europa League adventure last month as they edged past Plzen thanks to a nail-biting penalty shootout victory in the Czech Republic, Rafa Benitez’s side are unbeaten in all of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Despite being pencilled in as a real underdog contender in midweek, Panathinaikos shouldn’t be overlooked and they are more than capable of asking some real questions on foreign soil.

Panathinaikos Team News

Shown a dramatic red card in Athens last week, former Burnley midfielder Anass Zaroury will miss out through suspension on Thursday night. Dealing with what is a stacked injury list, Panathinaikos will be unable to call upon the likes of Cyriel Dessers, Gerorgios Kyriopoulos and USA international Erik Palmer-Brown.

Converting from the penalty spot late on last week and handing Benitez’s side their slender first-leg advantage, Argentinian youngster Vicente Taborda should be handed a full recall over in Andalusia.

Real Betis vs Panathinaikos Key Factors to Consider

• When Real Betis and Panathinaikos met for their first-leg showdown last week, the Greek giants claimed a 1-0 victory on home soil.
• Real Betis have failed to win any of their last four consecutive appearances in Andalusia (three draws, one defeat).
• Betis have also recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their first eight matchups in Andalusia so far this calendar year.
• Panathinaikos are unbeaten in all of their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
• Brazilian international Antony has registered seven direct goal contributions in as many Europa League appearances this season (four goals, three assists).

Conclusion

Falling to a late 1-0 loss in Athens last week, Real Betis are seeking a Europa League comeback on Thursday night. However, despite marking their return to Andalusia pencilled in as a standout contender, the Spanish strugglers could face some real headaches. Watching Panathinaikos embark on an extended nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions, Thursday’s guests will be confident of testing a Betis defence who have registered just a sole clean sheet in front of their own supporters so far this calendar year.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 12/11

Bookmaker: Luckster