Goals look like the most likely scenario: Brann vs PAOK prediction
The second leg of the Conference League qualifying play-off between Brann and PAOK will take place on 27 August. The first meeting in Thessaloniki ended 1-1, meaning the tie is effectively starting from scratch ahead of the return leg, with the winner securing a place in the main stage of the competition.
Brann: the hosts' attack is operating almost flawlessly
The Norwegian side head into the decisive match in strong goalscoring form, having found the net in each of their last 10 matches. After the 1-1 draw with PAOK, Brann comfortably beat Fyllingen 4-0, while before travelling to Greece they defeated HamKam 3-0.
Their home numbers are also impressive, with 13 goals scored in six matches on their own ground this season. In addition, at least three goals have been scored in 16 of Brann's last 18 matches, so a cautious scenario is more of an exception for this team.
PAOK: goals continue to come away from home
The Greeks are also in strong attacking form and, after the first meeting with the Norwegians, thrashed Levadiakos 4-0 in the league. PAOK have scored 12 goals in their last six matches, while last season they were the highest-scoring team in the Greek league with 52 goals in 26 games.
Particularly important is PAOK's consistency in front of goal away from home, with the team scoring in each of their last four away matches. Moreover, the Greeks have netted at least twice in each of their previous three games on the road.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- The first meeting in this tie ended 1-1.
- Brann have scored in 10 consecutive matches.
- Both previous meetings between the teams ended with the same 1-1 scoreline.
Defences could struggle again: Brann vs PAOK prediction
Both teams head into the decisive match with their attacks in good working order, and an overly cautious approach is unlikely to help either side. Brann are particularly convincing going forward at home, but they also regularly give opponents chances at the other end.
PAOK also consistently create opportunities away from home and have already scored against the Norwegians in both previous head-to-head meetings. Given the attacking form of both sides, a high-scoring contest with goals at both ends looks the most logical outcome.
