Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
Copenhagen and PAOK take on each other at Parken Stadium in what is expected to be a close Conference League game. Copenhagen aim to keep their 100% record in Group F intact, and they are likely to stick to their attacking style of play. Georgia international Khocholava returns from a domestic ban, while all Zeca, Wilczek, and Falk are sidelined with injuries.
The Black and Whites, on the other hand, dropped two points in a 1-1 draw with Slovan, and seeing that they will go for a win in Thursday’s clash as well, we are tempted to put our money on both teams to score. Portugal attacker Nelson Oliveira remains in the recovery room with a long-term injury. You should bear in mind that PAOK played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Volos in their last league match.
Highlighted Player (Karl-Johan Johnsson):
Born in Ranneslov (Sweden) on January 28, 1990 Karl-Johan Johansson started his youth career at his home-town club Ranneslovs GIF. In 2005 he joined Halmstadts and four years later he made his first-team debut for HBK. The 187-cm-tall goalkeeper made 67 appearances in the league for Halmstads and in 2013 he signed for NEC as a free agent.
Karl-Johan Johnsson played 30 games for the Dutch club during the 2013/2014 Eredivisie campaign and in the summer of 2014 he moved to Randers. The Swedish shoot-stopper spent two seasons at Randers and in 2016 he moved to French club Guingamp. It has to be noted that he managed to keep nine clean sheets in 37 appearances for Guingamp in the 2016/2017 Ligue 1 campaign.
His contract with the club expires on June 30, 2020. Speaking of his international career, Karl-Johan Johnsson has 17 caps for Sweden U21 and he made his senior debut in 2012 against Qatar.
Highlighted Team (PAOK):
PAOK are regarded as one of the most famous clubs in Greece. The club’s biggest rivals are Olympiakos, but they have a great rivalry with local rivals Aris as well. The Double-headed eagle play their home games at Toumba Stadion Thessaloniki and the capacity of the venue is 28 803.
PAOK are a real force to be reckoned with at home, but they often struggle when playing on the travels. The club won their first Greek Superleague title in 1976 and nine years later their clinched their second domestic trophy, finishing the season three points clear of Panathinaikos.
Speaking of the club’s European success, the Black and Whites made it to the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1973/1974 season, but they were outplayed by Italian giants Milan in the two-legged tie. PAOK were founded on 20 April, 1926 and they play their home games in black and white shirts and black shorts. The club’s away colours are white.