PAOK vs Real Betis: Europa League Clash

PAOK vs Real Betis: A Crucial Europa League Encounter

In the world of European football, anticipation is high as PAOK prepares to host Real Betis in a pivotal Europa League match. This encounter is not just another game; it's a battle for pride, progression, and the glory that comes with advancing in the competition.

Match Preview

PAOK, despite sitting comfortably in the top 24, still has its work cut out to progress from the Europa League league phase for a second consecutive season. The Greek side has shown remarkable resilience, winning two, drawing three, and losing just one of their six League Phase games. Their recent form is nothing to scoff at, either, with five wins in their last six competitive matches in regulation time.

Real Betis, on the other hand, is one of six teams that have already secured a place in the Europa League knockout rounds. With 14 points from their six League Phase matches, Los Verdiblancos are in a strong position to skip the knockout playoffs and advance straight to the last 16. Their away record in Europe this season is impressive, having not lost a single game on their travels.

Team News

PAOK

PAOK will be without injured goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka, and there are doubts surrounding the availability of Luka Ivanusec, Kiril Despodov, and Giannis Konstantelias. Midfielder Soualiho Meite is unlikely to feature after being forced off in the first half of Sunday's win over OFI Crete. However, Magomed Ozdoev is available after serving a one-match ban in the Greek Super League.

Real Betis

Real Betis is dealing with several injury concerns, including Hector Bellerin, Junior Firpo, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Cucho Hernandez. Antony has been struggling with a groin problem and will sit out Thursday's fixture. Sofyan Amrabat and Abde Ezzalzouli have returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, but the former remains unavailable due to an injury issue. Forward Cedric Bakambu will serve a one-match ban after picking up three yellow cards across the League Phase.

Potential Lineups

PAOK Possible Starting Lineup

Tsiftsis; Kenny, Kedziora, Michailidis, Baba; Ozdoev, Camara; Zivkovic, Pelkas, Taison; Giakoumakis

Real Betis Possible Starting Lineup

Valles; Ortiz, Bartra, Natan, Rodriguez; Altimira, Deossa; Ruibal, Fornals, Ezzalzouli; Avila

Form and Statistics

PAOK's form in all competitions is impressive, with six consecutive wins. Their home form is particularly strong, having gone 22 consecutive home matches without defeat. They have also recorded 11 clean sheets in their 17 competitive home games this term.

Real Betis, despite some disappointing domestic results, has sparked an upturn in fortunes with home wins over Elche and Villarreal in the Copa del Rey and La Liga respectively. Their away record in the League Phase is the joint second-best, having taken seven points from their three trips outside of Spain.

Prediction

PAOK usually saves their best football for their own stadium, but facing a Betis side that are yet to lose on their travels in Europe this season is no easy task. With that in mind, we predict a score draw, with both teams battling to return home with a useful point.

Conclusion

As the teams prepare to take the field, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thrilling encounter. Whether you're a die-hard football enthusiast or just looking for an exciting match to watch, PAOK vs Real Betis promises to deliver. Stay tuned for live updates and highlights from this crucial Europa League clash.