Our prediction for this Champions League match:
PAOK will be aiming to put an end to their dreadful losing run in pre-season when they take on Borac Banja Luka in their Champions League opener. The Black and Whites were struggling in warm-up games, but they are still seen as favourites to win Wednesday’s clash. The likes of Mady Camara, Tomasz Kedziora, and Konstantinos Thymianis have signed permanent deals with the club, while the chiefs managed to keep hold of Taison, Kiril Despodov, and Andrija Zivkovic.
Borac Banja Luka, on the other hand, defeated Egnatia on penalties to set up a meeting with PAOK, but they will have a mountain to climb in Thessaloniki. To make things even worse for the visiting team, boss Mladen Zizovic will have to watch the game from the stands following his sending-off in the clash with Egnatia. Anyhow, anything but a routine home win would be a big surprise.
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.