PAOK vs Wolfsberger: Who Will Dominate the Europa League Qualifier?
The highly anticipated clash between PAOK Thessaloniki and Wolfsberger in the UEFA Europa League qualifying third round is just around the corner! Football fans across South Africa are eager to see which team will gain the upper hand in this crucial first-leg encounter.
PAOK's Home Advantage
PAOK, playing on their home turf in Thessaloniki, are considered strong favourites. Bookmakers have priced them as low as 2/5 to secure a victory. Their recent additions to the squad, including Croatian international Luka Ivanusec on loan from Feyenoord, add significant firepower. Ivanusec, eager to prove his worth, could be a key player to watch.
Wolfsberger's European Ambitions
Wolfsberger, representing Austria, are determined to reach the main stage of a continental competition for the first time since 2020-21. Despite lacking recent European experience, they come into the match with two competitive fixtures already under their belt this season, potentially giving them a slight edge in terms of match fitness.
Key Players to Watch
- Luka Ivanusec (PAOK): The Feyenoord loanee has a point to prove and could be a game-changer.
- Thierno Ballo (Wolfsberger): The former Chelsea prospect is a star player for the Austrian side, known for his goal-scoring ability and assists.
Head-to-Head Record
This match marks the first-ever competitive meeting between PAOK and Wolfsberger. While Wolfsberger haven't faced any Greek teams in Europe before, PAOK have a history of playing Austrian clubs, with mixed results. Their last encounter against an Austrian side was against Rapid Vienna in 2012-13, where they suffered a heavy aggregate defeat.
Will PAOK's home advantage and new signings be enough to overcome Wolfsberger's determination? Or will the Austrian side pull off an upset? Tune in to find out!