Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Top position in Group F will be at stake when Rennes and Panathinaikos go head to head at Roazhon Park on Thursday evening. Les Rouges et Noirs did well to beat PAO in Athens and the hosts are seen as favourites to win the reverse fixture as well. Talented forward Arnaud Kalimuendo is widely expected to return to the starting XI after coming as a substitute in a 2-0 loss to Nice at the weekend, whereas Morocco international Mohamed Jaouab continues to miss out with injuries.
Panathinaikos, on the other hand, did well to beat Lamia 2-1 in their last league match, but given their difficulties on the road in European competitions, we are tempted to put our money on the Ligue 1 outfit. Both Erik Palmer-Brown and Hordur Magnusson remain in the recovery room, while fit-again midfielder Tonny Vilhena could play some part in Thursday’s clash.
Highlighted Player (Flavien Tait):
Born in Longjumeau, France on February 2, 1993, Flavien Tait is a French footballer who plays for Angers as a midfielder. Tait began his youth career at Rodez and in 2010 he moved to Chateauroux. After spending first years of his senior career at Chateauroux, the 175-cm tall footballer joined Angers in 2016 and he has been playing for les Scoistes ever since.
Flavien Tait impressed in the 2017/2018 Ligue 1 campaign and it has to be noted that he scored 4 goals in 34 appearances for Angers in the process. His main position is winger, but he is often used as an attacking midfielder. Flavien Tait’s preferred foot is right and he wears No. 20 jersey at Angers.
His contract with les Scoistes should expire on June 30, 2020. It has to be noted that his market value was €4.5 million on June 4, 2018.Flavien Tait has yet to make his France debut.
Highlighted Team (Panathinaikos):
Despite being founded on 3 February, 1908, Panathinaikos won their first domestic trophy in 1930. However, they quickly established themselves as one of the biggest clubs in Greece. Oi Prasinoi clinched their 20th Greek Superleague trophy in 2010, with the team finishing the season six points clear of their fiercest rivals Olympiakos.
There have always been fireworks in meetings between the two capital clubs and the clash between the two sides is well known as the “Derby of eternal enemies”. According to UEFA Panathinaikos are the second most-popular team football team in Greece. Speaking of the club’s European success, PAO made it to the 1970/1971 European Cup (Champions League) final, but Ajax proved to be a big catch for the Greek side in the title game.
It is well known that green trifolium (shamrock) is the club’s emblem. Giorgos Karagounis, Djibril Cisse, Emmanuel Olisadebe, Paulo Sousa and Goran Vlaovic are notable footballers who played for PAO in the past. Giourkas Seitaridis, Antonis Nikopolidis, Kostas Chalkias, Angelos Basinas, Giannis Goumas and Dimitris Papdopoulos are Panathinaikos players who helped Greece win the 2004 European Championship trophy.