Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
PAOK will be looking to make a comeback in the Conference League tie with Dinamo Zagreb when they two sides face each other at Toumba Stadium on Thursday. The Eagles failed to impress in the 2-0 loss at Stadion Maksimir, but they are still seen as favourites to win the reverse fixture. Experienced midfielder Stefan Schwab is pushing for a start after coming as a substitute in a hard-break loss to Aris in the Thessaloniki derby, while all Michailidis, Samatta, Sastre, and Troost-Ekong remain in the recovery room.
The Croatian champions, on the other hand, proved their worth in the first leg, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry at Toumba Stadium. Unlike the Aris game (no spectators), the stadium will be packed this time out and that is the probably the main reason why home win should be considered. As for the away team, both Petar Sucic and Bruno Petkovic are back to the starting XI, while both Bulat and Ogiwara should recover in time to face PAOK.
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.