PAOK – Aberdeen : Preview & Prediction
With a perfect start to all three matches in this season’s UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) Group G, PAOK have a fantastic opportunity to confirm their place in the top two with two matches remaining, provided they get the win in this clash and a favorable result in the other group match. The Greek side has been exposed defensively of late, conceding two goals in three consecutive official matches, including against fierce opponents like Olympiakos (G 4-2), AEK Athens (P 2-0), and in their previous UECL clash against Aberdeen (G 3 -2).
The Thessaloniki side could use some extra stability in defense, as they had to come from behind or regain the lead after conceding the equalizer in all three of their UECL group stage wins this season. But at least they have managed to remain defensively solid at home, racking up seven clean sheets as part of an unbeaten home record in all competitions (G7, E2).
This is virtually a do-or-die game for Aberdeen, as anything less than a win here, coupled with a Frankfurt victory away to HJK Helsinki, would see them eliminated from their first European group stage appearance since the 2007/08 season. The ‘Dons at least travel to Greece buoyed by a pair of domestic wins since their demoralizing loss in the previous clash against PAOK, most recently reaching the Scottish League Cup final for the first time since the 2018/19 campaign with a 1-0 win over Hibernian the previous Sunday.
However, pulling off the upset in this clash where they start as “underdogs” seems unlikely at best considering Aberdeen lost both of their games against Greek opponents, as well as losing five of their last six away games in European competitions. There is reason for some tepid optimism, however, as Aberdeen have won three of their last four official away games, a run that includes a 3-1 win over Rangers, a team that were Europa League finalists in the 2021/22 season.
Players to watch: PAOK’s Stefan Schwab has enjoyed playing against Scottish sides this season, scoring two goals and assisting on another in three games against Aberdeen and Hearts. For Aberdeen, Bojan Miovski gave his side a chance to win their first Scottish League Cup in a decade with his goal last weekend, while he also had a hand in both goals in the previous encounter against PAOK (Goals 1, Assists 1).
Key stat: Aberdeen has conceded just one first-half goal in its last nine games (MT: G4, E4, P1).
PAOK – Aberdeen : Betting Tips
PAOK – Win Odds: 1.35
