Greek is the Word | Panathinaikos Preview

How do you follow that, I guess is the question we’re all asking. Well, just as James D. Watson and his colleagues would’ve had laundry to fold and tax returns to fill-out just days after discovering the molecular structure of DNA, so does the world not grind to a halt for Tottenham after making history at Old Trafford last weekend.

Not that anyone’s claiming that winning a game of football is on a par with solving biology’s greatest conundrum, you understand. Clearly Spurs’ was the harder task.

The laundry to take care of this afternoon, then, comes in the shape of Athens-based outfit, Panathinaikos. Fondly remembered in this parish for the halcyon days of the mid-90s, when they counted Giorgos Donis among their number. Or as I was convinced he was called at the time, George Adonis. Hailed as the quickest player in Europe, he sounded more like a hero of Greek mythology than a work-a-day footballer. After getting to a Champions League semi-final in 96’- losing to eventual winners Ajax- Donis was signed by Ray Harford at Blackburn before finally ending up at Huddersfield Town. Often the career path of gods.

As a side note, Panathinaikos also featured heavily on the Mega Drive classic, European Club Soccer. Always a tricky opponent because of their impenetrably camouflaged green kit. Salient details every one, I’m sure you’d agree.

But enough wistful nostalgia. Andre Villas-Boas has reiterated his stance of upmost importance with regard to the Europa League this season- in contrast to his predecessor’s ‘not for me, thanks’ approach- so it’s likely we’ll see a competitive side. Lloris in for Brad appears to be a no-brainer while Defoe will presumably lead the line again as Adebayor struggles to witness the fitness. He’s not even traveled. Expect Dempsey to play near enough alongside the poacher petite.

 

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