Galatasaray vs PAOK Prediction: 25/9/2024

Galatasaray missed out on qualifying for the Champions League after losing to Young Boys Berne, a team that hadn’t yet secured a Champions League spot. The Turkish side suffered two defeats: 3-2 in Switzerland and 1-0 at home. Frustrated by their exit, Galatasaray responded by thrashing Adana Demirspor 5-1 before the international break, securing their third consecutive league win. Since returning from the break, Galatasaray has played at home twice, against Rizespor and Gaziantep, and also faced their long-standing rival Fenerbahce.

On the other side, PAOK Salonika, last season’s Conference League quarter-finalist and Greek champions, have been a formidable force. Despite being eliminated in a close battle against Malmö in the Champions League qualifiers—drawing 2-2 in the first leg and losing 4-3 after extra time in the return leg—PAOK has been unbeaten in five consecutive matches across all competitions. Following the international break, they aimed to continue their winning streak with matches against Panathinaikos and Volos.

For Galatasaray, starting goalkeeper Muslera, who was sent off in the second leg against Young Boys, will likely miss this match. Additionally, former Tottenham defender Sanchez is injured and expected to be sidelined. The departure of Kerem Akturkoglu, who recently joined Benfica, is another major loss for the club. However, they still have star players like Mauro Icardi, last season’s top scorer in the SuperLig with 25 goals, and Dries Mertens, who scored 9 goals and provided 16 assists last season. The midfield pairing of Lucas Torreira and Kerem Demirbay also remains a key asset.

For PAOK, Brandon Thomas (7 goals, 4 assists last season) and Taison (5 goals, 10 assists) are both out due to injury. Tiemoué Bakayoko’s availability remains uncertain. On a positive note, Tarek Tissoudali, despite a slow start in Greece after his successful season in the Jupiler League, and Stefan Schwab, who scored twice in the league this season, will be part of PAOK’s lineup.

Prediction

Galatasaray has struggled recently at home, going winless in their last 10 top-tier home games, with eight losses and three draws. In contrast, PAOK has been strong on the road, winning 10 of their last 14 away games. Given Galatasaray’s difficulties and PAOK’s form, PAOK is expected to come out on top.

Prediction: Galatasaray 1-3 PAOK