Panathinaikos Athens vs Standard Liège Match Preview
Don't let history fool you in this match up. The Greeks have not conceded in their last three home games against Belgian sides. While Standard Liege have never won in Greece. This will be a clash of the unknown as these two teams have never met before.
Djibril Cisse, a man in impeccable form right now. He has netted 25 goals so far this season. He has struggled to prove himself as a worthy striker after he suffered a terrible tragedy in 2005 (Fractured tibia and fibula of his left leg). He has found his place at Panathinaikos and has made a sudden impact. The Greeks produced a confident 3-0 win against Levadiakos over the weekend.
Leto and Salpigidis can provide support to Cisse going forward. Look for the Silva to demand the ball and control the structure in midfield. Panathinaikos have a very supportive fan base that will be out in full force. The Greeks have made waste of some hefty competition in the last couple of rounds. They will try get a good result on their home field.
The Belgians are on a mission to break the Greeks current success. Standard Liege sits in 7th place in Jupiler league. Last years Belgian Champions have taken a fall from grace. In the midst of this slip they will look to emerge with a good result. The young Belgium midfielder Witsel proved to be an offensive force netting goals in the round of 32 against Salzburg. Some say Standard was handed a life line in the last round and that their success should be marked with an asterisk. Football is a game of momentum and don't be surprised if you see the Belgians playing with a chip on their shoulder.
