Botev Plovdiv vs Panathinaikos Prediction & Betting Tips (1 August)

Arriving in only 7th position in the Bulgarian championship last season, Botev Plovdiv especially put itself forward by winning the National Cup, which gives it the right to take part in its qualifications. He also started in the first round where he dismissed Maribor thanks to his victory obtained in the first leg 2-1 and his draw in the return 2-2. On the other hand, this Bulgarian team got off to a bad start in this double confrontation by losing to Panathinaikos last Thursday 2-1. Back in business also in the championship, this team started with a victory away against Botev Vratsa 1-3 but they had to settle for a draw in the derby against Lokomotiv Plovdiv 2-2.

Panathinaïnkos will undoubtedly not keep lasting memories of the last season where they did not only took 4th place in their Greek championship but still won the National Cup ahead of Aris Salonika. Consequently, he had to give up all his hopes of returning to the Champions League and he even had to go through these qualifications to go to the Europa League. They also got off to a good start by winning the first leg against the Bulgarians 2-1.

Macedonian recruit Maras is not operational. In addition, defender Chernev (1 goal in 20 appearances last season) is also absent at the moment. During the transfer window, the club parted ways with Ume Emmanuel (7 goals) who left for Zurich but Iliev (Inter) arrived. On the other hand, striker Sekulic (6 pawns in the championship last year) is very fit, he who scored a double during the first day of the championship. Last week, it was the Slovenian Korosec who found the fault in the first leg.

For his part, Pana will travel to Bulgaria without the Greek international Ioannidis (15 goals, 7 assists in the league last season), without rookie Nikas and defenders Magnusson and Palmer-Brown who are all still stuck in the infirmary. During this transfer window, former Everton player Bernard (10 goals, 9 assists in the elite last year) returned to the country, Atlético Mineiro while the Argentinian Palacios (6 pawns, 5 pancakes) left for Talleres Cordoba (free). Jeremejeff (8 goals), Bakasetas (7 goals, 2 assists), or still the Brazilian Arao (3 goals, 2 assists) are still available. The first two mentioned both scored in the first round.