PAOK (Gre) vs Malmo FF (Swe) prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Qualification betting tips on match 2024-08-12 17:30.
[p]After an enthralling 2-2 draw in the first leg, Greek champions PAOK return to Thessaloniki with the tie balanced on a knife edge as they seek a place in the modern UEFA Champions League proper for the very first time. RÄzvan Lucescuâs side had to come from behind twice to keep this tie level, and with the Greek Super League resuming in the wake of this clash, their undivided focus in training has been for this game.[/p]
[p]PAOK typically perform well at this stage of Champions League qualifying, last losing a third round home qualifier to Ajax in 2016. Since then, theyâve conceded five times across the three ensuing third round home qualifiers (W2, D1), suggesting this could be another high octane affair. Whatever happens, both sides have secured their place in a revamped league phase, with defeat for either side sending them to the Europa League play-off round.[/p]
[p]Unlike their hosts, Swedish champions Malmö have the added advantage of match sharpness as their domestic season started in March! Currently sailing six points clear at the summit of the Allsvenskan, the Swedes may have to tighten up if theyâre to translate that domestic dominance into continental progression as theyâve conceded five goals across their three qualifiers so far.[/p]
[p]Sweden havenât had a representative in the Champions League proper since Malmöâs own 2021/22 group stage elimination, when they defeated eventual Europa League finalists Rangers 2-1 away from home. Once again chalked up as outsiders by the bookmakers, Malmö wonât mind that tag one bit as they enter this clash having avoided defeat in each of their last six Champions League third qualifying round games at any venue (W3, D3). [/p]
[p]Players to watch: PAOKâs 36-year-old veteran Taison bagged his first goal of the season in the first leg, with that first half equaliser being the fourth of his last five goals to open his teamâs scoring. It didnât take Sebastian Nanasi very long to put Malmö back in the lead in that game – heâs directly contributed to two goals in the same game three times in his last six appearances (G2, A4).[/p]
[p]Hot streak: Malmö have scored in each of their last 15 away matches. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Matthew Billon[/i][/p]