PAOK vs FCSB prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-10-02 19:00.
[p]After enjoying a near perfect run since being knocked out of Champions League qualification by Malmö back in mid-August (W6, D1), PAOK have been well and truly brought back down to earth with back-to-back defeats over the last week. The first of those came against Galatasaray in a 3-1 loss during their UEFA Europa League (UEL) opener last week, before their misery was compounded by a 1-0 loss to Aris on home soil at the weekend.[/p]
[p]As such, the Greek side enter their first UEL home game in the main draw since December 2020 with a point to prove, as they face off against Romanian opposition for just the fourth time in European competition. The fact that their only win during those prior fixtures (L2) came on home soil could prove a good omen at least, and their chances could be further boosted by their return of 30 goals across their last ten home European outings (W7, D1, L2).[/p]
[p]The hosts could find the going much harder in this clash though, as they face an FCSB side who began their own UEL league phase campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over RFS on matchday one. The famous Romanian outfit then backed that victory up with another in their domestic league over the weekend, and as such, will make the lengthy trip to Thessaloniki having won four of their last six competitive games (D2). [/p]
[p]What will provide less confidence for FCSB is their return of just three wins across their last 40 away matches in the main draw of European competition (D12, L25). At least each of those wins came in this competition though, whilst their overall form on the road this campaign remains respectable (W3, D4, L1) which should give the visitors an additional boost. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: PAOK captain Stefan Schwab has already struck three goals from midfield this season across all competitions, with each of those coming from the penalty spot. FCSB’s Alexandru Băluță can go one better as he’s netted four competitive strikes this term, whilst none of his last 21 goalscoring club appearances have ended in defeat (W14, D7). [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Ten of PAOK’s last 11 games saw scoring on or beyond the hour mark, while three of the last five witnessed a goal scored after the 85th minute. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Nathan Evans [/i][/p]