Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
Stade Velodrome will host Thursday’s Conference League match between Olympique Marseille and PAOK. OM aim to build on a thrilling 4-2 win over St Etienne, and they are likely to adopt yet another attack-minded approach. Luan Peres is back from a domestic ban, while all Balerdi, Milik, de La Fuente should miss out with injuries. The Black and Whites, on the other hand, set up a meeting with Marseille by beating Gent in the double-header.
PAOK, though, are not regarded as good travelers, and we do not believe that they are capable of spoiling OM’s party at Stade Velodrome. Both Kurtic and Zivkovic are back from suspension, speaking of the away team. PAOK were beaten by Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League derby at the weekend, which is yet another reason why home win should be considered.
Highlighted Player (Valentin Rongier):
Valentin Rongier is a French footballer, who plays for Ligue 1 side Nantes as a defensive midfielder. Rongier, who was born on December 7, 1994 in Macon (France) scored two goals in 39 appearances for Nantes B from 2013 to 2015 and he made his Ligue 1 debut with Les Canaris on October 18, 2014 in a 1-1 draw with Stade de Reims.
It has to be noted that he replaced Lucas Deaux 15 minutes before the final whistle. Over the years Valentin Rongier has established himself as a first-team regular at Nantes and you should know that he made no less than 31 appearances for the club in the 2016/2017 Ligue 1 campaign.
On June 25, 2015 he extended his deal with the La Beaujoir-Louis Fonteneau outfit and his contract should expire on June 30, 2020. Valentin Rongier’s main position is defensive midfielder, but he is used as a central midfielder as well. His preferred foot is right.
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.