Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
PAOK will be aiming to move one step closer to making it to the Conference League 3rd qualifying round when they face Beitar Jerusalem at Toumba Stadium on Thursday. Razvan Lucescu’s men suffered a 3-2 loss to PAOK in their last pre-season friendly, but they are surely capable of outplaying Beitar in front of home fans. The club chiefs did well to keep hold of Serbia pacey winger Andrija Zivkovic, with the likes of Abdul-Rahman Baba, Ally Samatta, and William Troost-Ekong joining the team.
Since Razvan Lucescu has a number of high-profile players to choose from, home win should be considered. The Israelis, on the other hand, are eager to impress on their Conference League debut, but seeing that PAOK are a very experienced side, we predict that the visitors will return to Jerusalem empty-handed. A man to watch in the away team will be Yarden Shua.
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.