PAOK Salonika have never graced the group stage of the Champions League and they face a tough hurdle in their latest attempt to make history, with a trip to Swedish champions Malmo.
The Greeks have fallen in the play-off round three times, most recently four years ago as they were edged out by Russian side Krasnodar. But they're back for another shot at glory after winning the Greek Super League for the first time in five years.
Bosnian side Borac Banja Luka were seen off in the second qualifying round but Malmo represent a big step up in class, with the Swedes gracing the group stage as recently as three years ago.
Their last crack at Europe's top table ended in a shock defeat to Lithuanian side Zalgiris Vilnius so Malmo will be out to make amends this time.
They have an advantage with the Swedish league already underway and Henrik Rydstrom's men sit top of the table after at the halfway stage.
The Greek campaign has yet to get underway to PAOK will need to get up to speed quickly if they want to reach the play-off round.
How the bookies view it: Swedes look decent value
Malmo are only slight favourites at 7/5 with Betfred and that price looks good with home advantage and more games under their belt. PAOK Salonika are 7/4 shots and the draw pays 9/4.
Head to head: Both sides out for first blood
These sides have never faced off in European football before and Malmo have only faced Greek opposition once. That came in the Champions League group stage a decade ago, with a 2-0 win in Sweden and a 4-2 defeat on the road against Olympiacos.
PAOK Salonika's only previous clash with Swedish opposition saw them edged out on away goals by Ostersunds in a 2017 Europa League play-off.
Players to watch: Malmo hitman is Thelin confident
Isaac Kiese Thelin has been in fine form for Malmo so far this season, netting 12 times in 18 games. He looks the best bet for a home goal once the bookies price up that market.
Serbian winger Andrija Zivkovic had to settle for two cameos off the bench in the last round but could start here for PAOK. He was a key man last term, netting 16 times, and may be worth a punt for a goal if he gets the nod.
Probable line-ups
Both teams should be along similar lines to last week's European ties but Zivkovic could return to the starting line-up for PAOK.
Malmo: Dahlin, Stryger Larsen, Jansson, Busanello, Zatterstrom, Pena, Nanasi, Johnsen, Bolin, Kiese Thelin, Botheim.
PAOK: Kotarski, Koulierakis, Troost-Ekong, Baba, Sastre, Murg, Taison, Schwab, Ozdoev, Zivkovic, Thomas.
Anything else catch the eye?
With PAOK Salonika still not up to speed there could be some value in backing Malmo to score first at 9/10 while backing the Swedes to win the first half increases the odds to 15/8.
BTTS landed in both legs of Malmo's second-round qualifier with Klaksvik of the Faroe Islands so that bet appeals here but the odds are poor at 4/7. Combining that bet with over 2.5 goals boosts the odds to 21/20 at Bet365.
This UEFA Champions League match between Malmo and PAOK Salonika will be played on Aug 6, 2024 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best Malmo vs PAOK Salonika prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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