Our prediction for this Champions League match:
Basel
Match Time & Date:
01/08/2018
02:00 PM
Prediction: 1-1
PAOK
PAOK recorded a 2-1 win over Basel in Thessaloniki in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round, but it has to be noted that the Swiss champions were without a number of first-team regulars in the Stadio Toumbas clash. Basel are eager to overcome the deficit, but Wednesday’s football match will be anything but a walk in the park for the hosts. The RotBlau do not seem to be on top of their game at the moment and it has to be noted that they are on a five-game losing run ahead of the visit of PAOK. Basel have been totally out of form of late and seeing that they head into the return leg with a severely-weakened squad, we believe that there is a big value in betting on draw. Serbia international Aleksandar Prijovic found the net in the first leg and he is likely to prove a handful for the opposition defenders.
Highlighted Player (Silvan Widmer):
Silvan Widmer was born in Aarau, Switzerland on 5 March, 1993 and, as expected, he began his senior career at his home-town club Aarau. He made nine appearances for the reserve team in the 2010/2011 campaign and he played for the first team between 2011 and 2013, scoring 11 goals in 65 league appearances for the club.
The pacey right back, who is capable of playing as a right midfielder and a left back, signed a deal with Udinese in the summer of 2012, but he remained at Aarau until 2013. Silvan Widmer has 15 caps for Switzerland U21 team and he played for the U 19 side in the past as well, scoring three goals in eight appearances for the team.
He made his debut for the senior team on 31 March, 2015, in a 1-1 draw with USA in Zurich. Widmer came as a substitute to replace fellow Serie A footballer Lichtsteiner after 46 minutes. His contract with Udinese expires on 30 June, 2020.
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.
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