Our prediction for this Champions League match:
Spartak Moscow
Match Time & Date:
14/08/2018
01:30 PM
Prediction: 2-1
PAOK
Otkrytiye Arena will host Tuesday’s football match between Spartak Moscow and PAOK, who face each other in the Champions League third qualifying round, return leg. The Greeks recorded a 3-2 win over the Russian side in Thessaloniki, meaning that yet another entertaining game is on the cards. Spartak Moscow are likely to adopt an attack-minded approach in the return leg and all eyes will be on Dutch winger Quincy Promes, who missed a penalty in the 3-2 loss to PAOK a week ago. The Greek side, on the other hand, will give 100% to defend their slim lead in Moscow, but seeing that Spartak are a real force to be reckoned with at home, we are tempted to put our money on the Russian outfit. A man to watch in the away side will be Serbian attacker Aleksandar Prijovic, who has been scoring goals for fun in the Champions League qualifiers.
Highlighted Player (Roman Zobnin):
Roman Zobnin is a talented Russian footballer who was born in Irkutsk on February 11, 1994. Zobnin played for the likes of Zvezda Irkutsk and Konoplyov football academy during his youth career, while starting his senior career Akademiya Tolyatti.
In 2013 Dynamo Moscow chiefs brought him to Arena Khimki and he played for the capital club from 2013 to 2016, scoring two league goals for the White-blues during that period. Roman Zobnin then moved to Spartak Moscow and he has been playing for the Krasno-Belye ever since. His main position is central midfield, but he is capable of playing as both attacking and defensive midfielder as well.
Roman Zobnin made his debut for the Russian national team in March, 2015 in a friendly game against Kazakhstan. It has to be noted that his older Aleksandr Zobnin was also a professional footballer. Roman Zobnin has a contract with Spartak Moscow, which expires in 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.
