PAOK have won five of their last seven home European qualifiers with clean sheets
Anderlecht have failed to score in three of their last six away European games
Recommended Bet: PAOK to win to nil @ 7/4 with LiveScore Bet
Anderlecht will face a much sterner test than in the previous round when they head to Thessaloniki for Thursday's Europa League third qualifying round first leg against PAOK.
A second-half fightback saw the Belgians come from behind to beat Hammarby in the second leg last week, but the challenge awaiting them at Toumba Stadium is of a very different magnitude.
PAOK, seasoned European campaigners with a fierce home crowd behind them, represent a significant step up from the Swedish side who nearly knocked Anderlecht out.
Only after coach Vitor Bruno introduced Mihajlo Cvetkovic and Moussa N'Diaye did Anderlecht find any rhythm, intensity and purpose – qualities they must show from the opening whistle in Toumba.
The latest PAOK vs Anderlecht odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Midfielder Nathan-Dylan Saliba is available again after suspension, but Anderlecht's biggest boost comes from the inclusion of Oliver Adamman in their European squad.
The Finnish winger is available despite limited training time and his direct running could be a valuable weapon against PAOK’s aggressive full‑backs.
Four players – Kilian Sardegna, Elie Kamara, Lucas Haye and Cedric Hatebour – have been left out of the European list due to ongoing injuries.
Cvetkovic and N’Diaye are expected to start after transforming the Hammarby tie, while Danylo Sikan should lead the line following his composed equaliser last week.
Tristan Degreef, who sealed the comeback with the late 3‑1, is also pushing for a starting role.
As for PAOK, new signing Tom Louchet is available for selection after completing his medical and paperwork, joining fellow summer arrivals Aritz Elustondo, Baptiste Santamaria, Pantelis Hadjidiakos and Taha Ali.
Head coach Alessio Lisci oversees a squad with depth, mobility and tactical flexibility and he is expected to field a high‑energy XI designed to suffocate Anderlecht's build‑up play.
The stats
PAOK have lost only one of their last 12 European qualifiers at Toumba Stadium.
Both teams have not scored in 11 of PAOK’s last 14 knockout and qualifying tie matches.
Anderlecht have lost four of their last seven competitive away games.
PAOK have kept clean sheets in six of their last 10 home games.
Anderlecht have conceded first in three of their last five competitive matches, while they registered 18 shots against Hammarby but allowed 12 in return.
The latest PAOK vs Anderlecht odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
PAOK have a terrific home record in two-legged European ties, particularly at this time of year.
The Greek side have won five of their last seven Europa or Europa Conference League qualifying matches at Toumba and not conceded a goal in over 600 minutes of football across those contests.
Anderlecht showed they can score a few goals when the chips are down when their half-time substitutes changed the tie against Hammarby, but they will face a hostile crowd and a much more streetwise set of players in Thessaloniki.
PAOK's pressing structure is far more advanced than Hammarby's and their midfield trio should dominate second balls and transitions.
Anderlecht's attackers are unlikely to see as much of the ball as they did last Thursday and it seems likely that they may be starved of opportunities to impress.
PAOK beat Lille, Real Betis and Young Boys in last season's league phase and look capable to winning this first leg without conceding.
Score prediction: PAOK 2-0 Anderlecht
Back PAOK to win to nil, available at 7/4 with LiveScore Bet
