PAOK welcome Shamrock Rovers to Stadio Toumbas for their UEFA Europa League playoff first leg. The Greek side will be counting on their home record and should have the upper hand over their visitors, who have not been convincing on their travels.
PAOK dropped to the Europa League after falling 6-5 on aggregate to Malmo in the previous round of the Champions League. They had played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg before losing 4-3 after extra-time at home in the return fixture.
Despite the defeat to Malmo, PAOK’s home record is still decent as they have won two of their last three matches at Stadio Toumbas. Razvan Lucescu’s men claimed a 3-2 win over Panserraikos in a domestic fixture last weekend, although that result highlights a defence that has conceded in the last four home matches.
Shamrock Rovers claimed a 3-2 aggregate victory over Slovenian side Celje to book their place in the playoffs. They fought back from a 1-0 defeat in the first leg to win 3-1 at home in the return fixture.
While Shamrock Rovers will be pleased to have progressed, they have been a bit erratic lately with just two wins from their last seven matches across all competitions. Stephen Bradley’s men have also been poor on their travels, winning just one of their last seven away matches and suffering five defeats in that run.
How the bookies view it: Easy picking for PAOK
PAOK have even installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/7 by Betfred to claim the win. An unlikely victory for Shamrock Rovers is valued at 13/1 while Betfred is also offering odds of 11/2 for a draw.
Head to head: PAOK on top
There have been only two previous meetings between both teams, with PAOK doing the double during the 2011-2012 Europa League group stage. The Greeks claimed a 2-1 victory at home before running out 3-1 winners in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Taison to continue scoring
Taison carries a major attacking threat for PAOK and scored in both legs last time out against Malmo. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on and is priced at 13/8 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Given PAOK’s defensive struggles, Shamrock Rovers will fancy their chances of getting on the score sheet on Thursday. Forward Aaron Greene has 10 goals across all competitions this season and is priced at 6/1 by Betfred to find the net.
Probable line-ups
Taison and Kiril Despodov were not involved for PAOK last weekend and are expected to return to the starting line-up on Thursday. Stefan Schwab should continue in midfield following his brace against Panserraikos.
Greene is a major attacking threat for Shamrock Rovers and should continue in attack on Thursday. He is likely to be supported by Darragh Nugent while Roberto Lopes should feature in defence.
PAOK: Kotarski, Baba, Koulierakis, Kedziora, Sastre, Ozdoev, Schwab, Despodov, Konstantelias, Taison, Chalov
Shamrock Rovers: Pohls, Grace, Lopes, Hoare, Clarke, O’Neill, Watts, Farrugia, Honohan, Nugent, Greene
Anything else catch the eye?
PAOK are expected to be dominant on Thursday and could be backed to win both halves at 11/10 by Betfred. A -2 handicap for the Greeks could also be considered at odds of 5/4 by Betfred.
Having seen over 3.5 goals in their last three matches, a similar outcome could be considered at evens with Betfred.
This UEFA Europa League match between PAOK and Shamrock Rovers will be played on Aug 22, 2024 and kick off at 18:30. Check below for our tipsters best PAOK vs Shamrock Rovers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
