Panathinaikos - Aris Thessaloniki predictions and free betting tips [25/05/2024]

Today in the city of Volos, the Greek Cup final will take place, featuring Panathinaikos and Aris.

Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos has shown varied performances throughout the season, finishing fourth with 72 points, leaving the team outside European competitions. The national Greek Cup has become the crucial chance for the club to secure a spot in European tournaments. The journey to the final was challenging: Panathinaikos claimed victories in tense matches against Olympiacos and PAOK, where penalty shootouts were decisive, and also overcame Atromitos after losing in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

In the recent matches leading up to the cup final, the team displayed inconsistent results. In their last five league matches, Panathinaikos secured only one win — against Lamia. Defeats to AEK and PAOK, along with setbacks against Aris and a draw with Olympiacos, highlighted significant form issues for the team. Nonetheless, a strong cup performance has allowed the team to maintain hopes of salvaging the season by winning the trophy.

The Greek Cup final will be a decisive moment for Panathinaikos. Considering the team's past successes and strengths, as well as the significant number of goals scored this season, the "Greens" have every chance to prove their competitiveness and claim the cup, despite the difficulties in their recent league matches.

Aris

Aris approached the Greek Cup final after successfully progressing through all stages of the tournament, showing confident results against teams like AEK, Niki Volos, and Panetolikos. In the Round of 16, Aris defeated AEK via penalties, then secured a solid 3-0 victory over Niki Volos in the quarter-finals, and overcame Panetolikos in the semi-finals. These victories allowed the Thessaloniki-based team to reach the final, where they will face Panathinaikos.

In the national league season, Aris's results were less impressive, finishing in fifth place, trailing significantly behind the leaders. The team delivered average results, scoring 51 goals and conceding 44 over the season. In the matches leading up to the cup final, Aris lost home games to AEK and PAOK with a score of 1-2, but managed a 1-1 draw with Olympiacos.

Success in the Greek Cup will be a chance for Aris to prove their competitiveness and potential to strive for high achievements, despite the disappointing league results. The clash with Panathinaikos in the final will be a test for the team, allowing them to confirm their potential, which might compensate for their weak league performances and bring the club a prestigious trophy.

Head-to-Head

In the last five encounters between Panathinaikos and Aris in the Greek Super League, both teams have shared two victories each. On 28th April 2024, Aris triumphed with a 1-0 scoreline. On 7th April 2024, Panathinaikos won 2-0 at Aris's home ground. Before that, Panathinaikos also secured a 2-0 home win on 28th February and 26th November 2023, and Aris responded with a home win by the same scoreline on 26th November 2023. The match on 14th May 2023 ended in a 1-1 draw.

Match prediction: Panathinaikos vs Aris

With the match set to be played behind closed doors, playing in such an atmosphere is extremely challenging. Considering the well-balanced rivalry in their head-to-head encounters, I will place a bet on a total goals under 2.5.