PAOK vs Ferencvaros Prediction: 12/12/2024

PAOK Salonika, a frequent participant in European competitions in recent years, had hoped to advance from the group stage of this season’s Europa League. However, the Greek side is currently in 27th place in the standings, leaving them almost eliminated from the competition.

Their poor start included three losses in the first four matches, including defeats to Galatasaray (3-1), FCSB (0-1), and Viktoria Plzen (2-2), along with a 2-0 loss to Manchester United. PAOK did manage to get back on track with a 0-2 win over Rigas FC in their most recent match. Domestically, PAOK is performing better, sitting in the top three of the Greek league and aiming to close the gap with the leaders when they face Panserraikos next weekend.

Ferencvaros, meanwhile, began their European campaign poorly, losing to Anderlecht (2-1) and Tottenham (1-2) in their opening games. However, they managed to bounce back with three consecutive wins against Nice (1-0), Dynamo Kyiv (0-4), and Malmo (4-1), which has helped them climb to 11th place in the standings, just one point behind 6th place. The Hungarian team is also second in their domestic league, trailing Puskas FC by a narrow margin. After two consecutive draws, Ferencvaros will look to return to winning ways against Debrecen.

For PAOK, there are a few key absences. Backup goalkeeper Pavlenka and central defender Lovren, who joined late from Lyon, were not included in the squad for this competition. Midfielder Schwab, striker Taison, and midfielder Murg are also sidelined due to injuries, while Bakayoko is another notable absentee.

On the attacking side, PAOK will rely on Bulgarian forward Despodov (2 goals in the league, 1 goal in the Europa League), Serbian winger Zivkovic (2 goals), Moroccan forward Tissoudali (2 goals in the league, 1 goal in C3), and the promising Greek international Konstantelias (21 years old).

Ferencvaros will still be without senior defender Raul Gustavo, who remains injured, but there are no other major absences. The Hungarian team has been boosted by the form of Hungarian international Varga, who has scored three goals in the league and six in the Europa League, including two doubles in the last two matches. Winger Kady Borges, with two goals in the league and three assists in the competition, will also play a key role. Forward Saldanha (5 league goals, 1 in C3) and Traoré (3 league goals, 1 in C3) will also travel for this fixture.

Prediction

PAOK has been involved in high-scoring matches in their last 14 Europa League games, so consistency in scoring has not been a major issue for them. Given that only one of Ferencvaros’ last 16 Europa League matches has ended in a draw, a goalless match here would be a surprise.

Prediction: PAOK 2 : 2 Ferencvaros