With four points difference to second placed Krasnodar, PAOK is in a must win situation here in order to keep the chances of progressing to the knockout stage, however even so, they will need second placed Kranodar not to win in Russia against Dortmund, but also to win the final round game in Kranodar against them. So, the team actually needs two victories, being in quite a dead end at the moment.
Their domestic league didn’t start much better either, as the team didn’t look good till now, being only at sixth position for now, quite away from first two places that will be leading to Champions League and qualifying stage. Moreover, the team didn’t record a win in last four official matches, with the most recent Europa League game being away to Krasnodar when the team suffered 2:1 defeat. This match comes as one of the wake up calls for whole team and the coach, since they desperately need to get a convincing three pointer – not only in order to keep their chances of playing in Europe, but also to improve the atmosphere before important Super League matches. Greeks continue to miss central defenders Miguel Vitor (9/2) and Ricardo Costa (9/0), as well as midfielders Charisis (2/0).
Gabala, on the other side, has earned only one point so far after four rounds played and virtually have no chances to obtain the ticket for the knockout stage. Their only point came in a home match against PAOK in the first round back early in September and there is no doubt that the limited and modest squad from Azerbaijan, in comparison to European stands, will try to surprise the Greek side once again.
However in all other matches, it was obvious that Gabala was somehow short for now for such a tough competition, since they conceded nine goals in other three matches and surely that the club has used these matches in order to gain some more experience for further years. As for the domestic league, team is really in a bad period as they have no victory in last five matches, coming from a 2:2 draw away to SumQayit. However, despite run of five winless matches, they are second at the table having already nine points in comparison to leading Qarabag. Having that in mind, there is no doubt that the visiting side is slowly turning their attention to the domestic league only. Goalkeeper Dmytro Bezotosny (5/0) is injured and won’t be playing here. Offensive midfielder Javid Huseynov remains suspended.
As said, this game comes as a must win situation for PAOK and truth to be told, they couldn’t wish for much better opponent at this moment in order to boost their morale. Greeks should be able to obtain an easy victory here, leaving the visitors without much hopes in last quarter of the game or so.
Bet: PAOK -1.5 Asian handicap @ 2.15
