Attacking PAOK faces flexible Anderlecht: prediction for PAOK vs Anderlecht
The third qualifying round clash of the Europa League between PAOK and Anderlecht will take place on August 6 at the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki. The Greek side comes into the fixture on the back of two victories over Dynamo Kyiv, while the Belgians advanced after overcoming Swedish side Hammarby.
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PAOK: new coach brings attacking flair
PAOK have made a confident start under Alessio Lisci, suffering just one defeat in their last ten matches, including friendlies. The team has won five of their previous six games, and in the Europa League qualifiers, they twice overcame Dynamo Kyiv - winning 3-2 away and 2-0 at home.
The Greeks’ biggest strength remains their attack: over the summer, they have never scored fewer than two goals in a match, boasting an average of three goals per game during this period. However, squad issues persist - Soualiho Meïté, Kiril Despodov, Taha Ali, and Fyodor Chalov are all unable to contribute fully, and questions remain over defensive reliability.
Anderlecht: flexible but struggling away from home
Anderlecht have also begun a new era unbeaten. Since the arrival of Vítor Bruno, the Belgian club has played six matches, claiming four wins and two draws, looking particularly impressive in the return leg against Hammarby, which they won 3-1.
Over the summer, the team lost Nathan De Cat, Jan Šimic, and Keisuke Goto, while the injury list remains extensive. Another major concern is their poor away form: Anderlecht have gone five matches without an away win and have failed to win any of their last four Europa League games on the road.
Match facts and head-to-head
- PAOK have won five of their last six matches.
- In seven of the last ten matches involving these sides, over 2.5 goals were scored.
- Both teams have scored in eight of the last ten matches involving PAOK and Anderlecht.
Will home pressure be decisive? Prediction for PAOK vs Anderlecht
At this stage, PAOK look the more cohesive and prepared side. The Greeks attack with confidence, score freely, and have already proven their European credentials by defeating Dynamo Kyiv twice.
Anderlecht are capable of adapting their style to suit the opposition, but significant personnel losses and long-standing away struggles reduce their chances of success in Thessaloniki. The visitors should create some chances, but the hosts’ intensity and home support make them favorites here.
