Aberdeen vs PAOK predictions ahead of this Europa Conference League clash on Thursday night. Aberdeen welcome Greek giants PAOK to Pittodrie, targeting their inaugural victory in the Europa Conference League group rounds this Thursday. Read on for our free Europa Conference League predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Thursday, 26th October at 8:00 pm In:
Aberdeen vs PAOK Thessaloniki Predictions
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The Pittodrie Puzzle: Aberdeen Faces PAOK in a Decisive Duel
Key Stats
– PAOK dominates ball possession with an average of 60.8% in their league games.
– Both teams have averaged over 1 goal per match in their respective leagues this season.
Aberdeen welcomes the formidable Greek side, PAOK Thessaloniki, to Pittodrie as they seek their inaugural victory in the Europa Conference League group stages this coming Thursday. While Aberdeen gained admiration for their commendable performance in Germany, losing narrowly to Eintracht Frankfurt, they sadly missed a golden opportunity in their subsequent match against HJK Helsinki, eventually managing a draw.
The Dons, under Barry Robson’s tutelage, have enjoyed an extended break of 18 days due to the postponement of their match against Dundee after the international fixtures. Meanwhile, Razvan Lucescu’s PAOK had no interruptions, and their recent win over Atromitos secured their second place in the Greek Super League. With previous victories over Eintracht and HJK, another win could see PAOK seal their qualification.
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Aberdeen, though, can find a silver lining in PAOK’s narrow escape against Hearts in Tynecastle during the play-off round. Despite the initial setback, PAOK demonstrated their dominance in the return match in Greece.
The Betting Landscape
Bookmakers have placed PAOK as the favourites with odds at 21/20 with 10Bet. Aberdeen’s supporters, with unwavering optimism, might lean towards the 13/5 offered by bet365, with a draw tempting at 5/2 with William Hill.
Memorable Matchups
Interestingly, these clubs have never locked horns in any competition, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to this showdown.
Players in the Limelight
Bojan Miovski stands out as Aberdeen’s most influential player this season. This North Macedonian forward’s heroics earned a crucial point against HJK. On the other side, PAOK’s Serbian powerhouse, Andrija Zivkovic, has made his mark in Scotland, finding the net against Hearts and impressively tallying eight goals this season.
A Deep Dive into the Team’s Form
Aberdeen’s recent form has been puzzling. On the one hand, they’ve shown resilience against teams like Rangers, while on the other, they’ve struggled against sides such as Hibs and Hacken. PAOK, with their stellar record, might seem the more reliable side, but their vulnerabilities were exposed in Edinburgh. Given their six points, the Greeks might settle for a draw, while Aberdeen’s aspirations for qualification necessitate a win.
Expert Analysis
Aberdeen
- Strengths: Stellar defenders like Stefan Gartenmann, Richard Jensen, and Slobodan Rubežić have consistently performed, achieving average ratings above 7. Their tenacity in defense can be a game-changer.
- Weaknesses: Despite their sporadic brilliance, consistency has eluded them. The unpredictability in performance is a critical concern, especially against seasoned teams like PAOK.
PAOK
- Strengths: Dominant possession stats of 60.8% and an average rating of 7.06 in their league showcase their control in matches. Their firepower, especially with players like Taison and Živković, can be lethal.
- Weaknesses: Manager Razvan Lucescu, despite his tactical acumen, can be overly conservative in away games, which might backfire. Key Battles The central battleground will likely be the midfield, with both teams seeking to control possession. Aberdeen’s Connor Barron will face intense duels against PAOK’s Magomed Ozdoev, which could dictate the game’s tempo and flow.
Predictions
- Win-Draw-Win Market: Given both team’s performances and PAOK’s slight edge, a draw seems a realistic outcome.
- Correct Score: A scoreline of 1-1 might be on the cards, given the defensive strengths of both sides.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Bojan Miovski is a safe bet to score given his recent form and role as Aberdeen’s penalty taker.
- First Half Result: Given PAOK’s traditionally strong starts in matches, they may lead at half-time.
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