Anderlecht vs PAOK Thessaloniki Predictions

• PAOK won 3-2 at Dynamo Kyiv in the previous round
• PAOK had the better of the first leg and missed a penalty to equalise before half-time
• Giannis Konstantelias has scored three goals and assisted another in PAOK’s last three games

Penalty miss knocked PAOK off course

PAOK are playable in the Draw no Bet market to potentially turn their Europa League qualifying tie against Anderlecht around in Brussels on Thursday. Alessio Lisci’s side were the better of the two teams at Toumba Stadium last week, but paid the penalty for missed chances  – one of which was from the spot.

Anderlecht had already stunned the home fans with a strike inside the first 20 seconds of the game before the penalty was awarded for a foul on the dangerous Giannis Konstantelias. Giorgios Michailidis saw his subsequent spot-kick saved and, although Anestis Mythou hammered home the rebound, it was disallowed for encroachment.

Despite that body blow, PAOK continued to dominate and had no threat to deal with on their own goal from the compact visitors. This match could follow a similar pattern if the Belgian side feel that they can protect a 1-0 lead for 90 minutes, but the Greek outfit are more experienced in these two-legged affairs.

Free weekend could boost Greeks’ chances

PAOK reached the knockout phase playoffs in this competition last season and have already won away in qualifying this year, albeit their 3-2 success against Dynamo Kyiv took place in Poland.

They should be bolstered by the return of Greek international Dimitris Giannoulis at left-back with Greg Taylor also tipped to start in midfield after impressing off the bench last week. Lisci’s side had a free weekend to rest and prepare for this game while Anderlecht were in domestic action against La Louviere, kicking off the campaign with a 2-1 win.

That home win was secured by a very late goal, which suggests they were pushed all the way and they could be vulnerable to a let-down performance here if they are still feeling the after-effects of Thursday. A positive PAOK play would be to back them in the Draw no Bet market as Anderlecht do not need to win and may settle for a draw if they come under pressure.