PAOK Thessaloniki vs Hearts predictions ahead of this affair in Europa Conference League qualifying on Thursday night. Can Hearts turn this tie around after suffering a narrow defeat at Tynecastle last week? Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
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Match Live Thursday, 31st August at 6:30 pm In:
PAOK Thessaloniki vs Hearts Predictions
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Thessaloniki Showdown: Hearts’ Redemption Quest Against PAOK
Key Stats
– Hearts have only one win in their last ten away fixtures.
– Four of PAOK’s previous six home matches have witnessed a minimum of three goals.
The stage is set as Hearts get ready for a pivotal showdown against PAOK at the Stadio Toumba in the return leg of their Europa Conference League playoff tie. With both teams vying for a spot in the group stage, Hearts’ one-goal deficit means they’re under pressure to make a statement after their 2-1 setback at Tynecastle.
Backstory: The First Encounter
The home advantage didn’t quite go in Hearts’ favour in the initial clash. Lawrence Shankland’s penalty in the ninth minute set a positive tone for the Scottish team. But PAOK’s resilience was evident as they quickly levelled the score, with Stefan Schwab converting a penalty three minutes after. Andrija Živković’s decisive goal in the 75th minute shifted the momentum entirely towards the Greek side.
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Since that encounter, PAOK, under Razvan Lucescu’s guidance, have maintained their undefeated streak, taking their tally to seven games across all tournaments. Their latest victory, a 2-1 triumph against Kifisla in the Greek Super League, is a testament to their current form. For Lucescu and his men, the European spotlight beckons again after missing out last season.
On the other side, Hearts’ Frankie McAvoy is still optimistic. Despite the setback at Tynecastle and a subsequent loss to Dundee in the Scottish Premiership, McAvoy believes the tie is still open. But stats speak volumes – Hearts’ recent away form doesn’t bode well, with just one victory in their last ten road trips.
Lineups and Injuries
Lucescu, after some significant rotations in their previous fixture, is likely to recall players like Stefan Schwab, Giannis Konstantelias, and William Troost-Ekong. While ex-Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta remains sidelined, the spotlight may fall on young Stefanos Tzimas or Brandon to lead PAOK’s frontline.
For Hearts, the injury woes continue. With key players like Craig Gordon and Craig Halkett ruled out, McAvoy’s tactical acumen will be put to the test. Eyes will be on the likes of Yutaro Oda and Kenneth Vargas to make an impact, with Lawrence Shankland leading the line.
Crunching the Numbers
PAOK’s Momentum
- Season’s unbeaten streak: 7 matches
- Average BettingTips4You Expert Rating in the Stoiximan Super League: 7.06
- Top performer: Andrija Živković, with a rating of 7.90 and two goals this season.
Hearts’ Challenge
- BettingTips4You Expert Rating in the Premiership: 6.96
- Lawrence Shankland, with a rating of 7.13, emerges as a key player, having scored a crucial goal in the European journey.
Predictions
- Match Outcome: Considering the form and statistics, a draw seems likely, balancing both the prowess of PAOK and the desperation of Hearts. However, expect both teams to score.
- Correct Score Prediction: Taking into account recent performances and PAOK’s home advantage, a 2-2 scoreline seems plausible.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Andrija Živković stands out as the likely candidate to find the back of the net for PAOK, given his stellar form and recent ratings. For Hearts, Lawrence Shankland is the obvious choice, having already made his mark in the previous encounter.
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