Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Real Sociedad
Match Time & Date:
30/01/2025
21:00
Prediction: 1-1
PAOK
Real Sociedad will look to put an end to their three-game losing run in all competitions when they face PAOK in the Europa League round 8. The Basques are one point away from booking their spot in the knockout stages and, as a result, they are likely to adopt a cautious approach in Thursday’s clash. Left-back Aihen Munoz serves a one-game ban, while both Hamari Traore and Arsen Zakharyan remain on the sidelines with injuries.
The Black and Whites, on the other hand, did well to beat Slavia Prague 2-0 in round 7, with the team moving one step closer to securing their spot in top 24. As both PAOK and Real Sociedad should be happy with one point from Thursday’s encounter, there is a big value in betting on draw. Serbia forward Andrija Zivkovic faces race against the clock to be fit for the decider, while Austria international Thomas Murg remains on the sidelines through illness.
Highlighted Player (Mikel Oyarzabal):
Intelligence is not an attribute you will find in Mikel Oyarzabal’s stats with Real Sociedad but this tricky winger is a highly knowledgeable winger who will use both brain and feet while playing. For a player born in Eibar, who made his first steps in his hometown club, it was always going to be a choice between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad for Oyarzabal.
La Real saw their chance and grabbed this gem of a player at a young age, helping him develop into a proper professional throughout their youth ranks. Mikel Oyarzabal has spent the entirety of his senior career with the Basque behemoths where he’d use his ability to fill in a number of positions up top much to his own benefit.
Oyarzabal’s positioning and movement are work of a tactical genius, whereas it is his nous to find details to exploit that best define him as a player. Having come through the youth categories of the Spanish national team, Oyarzabal also has a senior cap next to his name. It was in 2016 that he also represented the Basque region, scoring on his debut to cap a 3-1 win over Tunisia.
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.
Bournemouth
Liverpool
Wolves 
Aston Villa 
Espanyol
Real Madrid 
Barcelona
Alaves
Brentford
Tottenham
Manchester United 
Crystal Palace 
