Fiorentina vs PAOK Salonika Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Home and away defeats to Qarabag have left PAOK in serious trouble in this group. The Greek side are now three points off second, while they trail Fiorentina by six. Those two results strengthened the Italian side’s hold on this group, they’re now three clear at the top thanks to three straight wins in Europe. Can they add to that streak with victory here?

However, Fiorentina could be about to come under a little pressure. Qarabag have won back to back games, and now they take on group minnows Slovan Liberec. If la Viola can’t grab a win on Thursday, their hold on top spot becomes a lot less certain. Even though they’ve managed to pick up 10 points, they can’t afford to lose focus, they still need a victory this week.

If they claim three points against the Greeks this week, then PAOK are out of the competition. To claim that vital win, they’ll have to build on their impressive defensive record in Serie A. If they can recreate that kind of form, then they should be able to claim the points. They’ve conceded just 0.92 goals per game domestically, and that figure drops even lower at their own ground.

La Viola have conceded just 18% of their league goals here, they concede 0.33 per match on average. They’ve kept a clean sheet in 67% of their Serie A games at the Artemio Franchi, which bodes well for a game at home to lesser opposition. They’re even more likely to record another shut out when you look at the record the Greek side have in front of goal.

PAOK are incredibly goal shy in their domestic league, they’ve failed to score in 50% of their away matches. They’ve averaged 0.75 goals per game on the road, while they concede a goal per match. That record is even worse in Europe, they’ve scored 0.5 per game, roughly a goal every other match. So far, they’ve actually failed to score in three of their four group games.

The visitors have drawn a blank in their last two in Europe, which is the main reason behind their struggle to qualify for the next round. Fiorentina basically just need a goal to claim three points this week, and they could turn to Josep Ilicic. He scored twice at the weekend when top scorer Nikola Kalinic drew a blank. Ilicic also scored in the last Europa League game here, and we’re backing him to find the net on Thursday. He’s 13/8 to score any time with bet365.

However, our main tip is a home win to nil. With PAOK finding things too tough against domestic opposition, we can’t see them finding a way past one of Serie A’s best defences. Fiorentina to win and keep a clean sheet is priced at 7/4 with bet365.