RFS vs PAOK prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-11-27 17:45.
[p]RFSā quest to become the first Latvian club to reach the knockout phase of a European competition has not started well. The VirslÄ«ga champions have played four matches so far in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League (UEL), but a tally of just two points so far (D2, L2) means they head into this round sitting outside the top 24 in the table.[/p]
[p]The good news for their supporters is that both those draws have been picked up on home soil, against Galatasaray and, most recently, Anderlecht. Viktors Morozsā men, who are participating in the main draw of a UEFA tournament for only the second time, have also lost just five of their last 25 matches across all competitions inside 90 minutes (W17, D3), while they warmed up for this clash by beating Flora 3-0 in the Livonia Cup final on Friday.[/p]
[p]That record may well worry opponents PAOK, who have also made a miserable start to their UEL campaign, picking up only one of an available 12 points (D1, L3). The latest of those encounters was a 2-0 loss at the hands of Manchester United earlier this month, which leaves the Greek side facing an uphill battle if they are to reach the knockout phase of this competition for the first time since the 2016/17 season.[/p]
[p]One of the reasons for their poor results is the fact that RÄzvan Lucescuās side have only scored three goals across the league phase – the joint fifth-lowest tally in the UEL. They are having no such problems domestically though, having netted in 19 of their last 21 league fixtures (W13, D4, L4), including a 2-1 win over Asteras Tripolis at the weekend.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: It is usually a good omen for RFS forward Victor Osuagwu if he gets on the scoresheet, as he has avoided defeat across the last 15 games in which he has netted (W10, D5). PAOK meanwhile may rely on goals from midfielder Stefan Schwab, who has netted first or last in nine of his last ten scoring appearances.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Seven of RFSā last eight home matches in all competitions have seen both teams score.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Matt Jones[/i][/p]