PAOK Thessaloniki vs Gent Predictions & Tips

17:45
Expired
Toumba Stadium

PAOK Thessaloniki

Gent

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PAOK Thessaloniki 2-1

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Gent’s group stage games averaged 1.33 goals per game
PAOK are unbeaten at home since November
Gent have scored the 4^th fewest away goals in the Belgian league this season

PAOK buoyed by Midtjylland win

PAOK will be full of confidence heading into Thursday nights game as Gent arrive in Greece for this last 16 clash in the Europa Conference League. PAOK impressively dispatched Midtjylland in the last round and that is a stronger piece of form than any of Gent’s victories in Europe this season – the Danish giants Midtjylland had dropped into this competition having finished 3rd in their Europa League group.

PAOK can take further encouragement from their strong home form this season. PAOK currently sit 2^nd in the Greek topflight and they haven’t lost on home soil since 28^th of November – they are fancied to go well on Thursday against a Gent side who don’t score many on their travels.

Lack of incentive for goal shy Gent

Gent avoided having to play in the first knockout round of this competition as they had finished top of their group. Gent were in arguably the weakest group in the competition. In addition to Gent, Group B was made up of teams from Estonia, Serbia and Cyprus. Despite being in such a weak group, Gent were unable to blow away any of their opponents. Gent mustered six goals in the group stage and those six group matches averaged 1.33 goals per game. Gent have struggled for goals on the road all season – they are the 4^th lowest scorers on the road in the Belgian league this season.

The scrapping of the away goals rule in European competitions provides even less incentive for goal shy Gent to play on the front foot in Greece on Thursday. I can see the Belgian side shutting up shop and backing themselves to do the business on home soil. PAOK will be full of confidence and will relish a last 16 tie in front of their home fans. PAOK in the outright market will be the main selection for this game. The correct score prediction for this match will be a 2-1 home win.