As the Champions League qualification rounds reach a critical juncture, PAOK prepares to host Malmo in the second leg of their third qualifying round matchup.
After a thrilling 2-2 draw in the first leg, the stakes are high as both teams aim for a coveted spot in the playoff round.
With PAOK enjoying the advantage of home turf, the upcoming clash promises to be a captivating encounter.
Match Preview
The first leg in Sweden was a back-and-forth affair, where both teams displayed resilience and attacking intent.
Malmo’s Pontus Jansson opened the scoring, only for PAOK’s Taison to equalize shortly before halftime.
Malmo regained the lead through Sebastian Nanasi in the second half, but PAOK responded once more, leveling the score with a goal from Baba Rahman.
Both teams demonstrated their ability to fight back, setting the stage for an exciting second leg in Greece.
PAOK, the reigning Greek champions, are eager to capitalize on their home advantage, having previously dispatched Borac Banja Luka 4-2 in the second qualifying round.
Meanwhile, Malmo has been in fine form in the Allsvenskan, leading the league with a record of 13 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses.
Their recent 1-0 victory over Halmstad showcases their competitive edge as they look to carry this momentum into the Champions League.
Head to Head
In their historical encounters, PAOK and Malmo have faced off in a few competitive matches, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.
The first leg ended in a stalemate, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the two squads.
As they prepare for the return leg, the previous results underscore the potential for an unpredictable and thrilling contest.
Team News
PAOK manager Razvan Lucescu has established himself as a steady presence at the club since joining in 2021, steering the team with clear ambitions for European success.
The summer transfer market saw the addition of key players, including Fedor Chalov from CSKA and forward Tarik Tissoudali from Gent, enhancing their attacking options.
In the first leg, PAOK utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Brandon Thomas leading the line and Tissoudali making a late appearance.
Malmo, under the guidance of coach Henrik Rydstrom, has also favored a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The Sky Blues will look to their top scorer, Isaac Kiese Thelin, who has netted 12 goals this season, to provide the firepower needed to challenge PAOK.
Jansson, a recent acquisition from Brentford, is expected to anchor the defense against a potent PAOK attack.
Prediction
Given PAOK’s home advantage and their impressive record in European competitions, we predict that they will narrowly defeat Malmo in this crucial second leg.
The hostile atmosphere at their home ground is likely to be a significant factor, and we anticipate that PAOK will capitalize on their chances to secure a victory.
- Score Prediction: PAOK 2-1 Malmo
Betting Tips
PAOK to Win: With the home advantage and their strong European pedigree, betting on PAOK to win is a solid choice.
Both Teams to Score: Given the attacking capabilities of both sides, betting on both teams to find the back of the net could be a worthwhile option.
Over 2.5 Goals: With both teams showing a willingness to attack, a bet on over 2.5 goals in the match is likely to yield good returns.
First Half Draw: Considering the high stakes and potential caution from both sides early on, betting on a draw at halftime might be a sensible wager.