Does PAOK underpin the clear role of favorites?
In the style of the old Champions Cup, two national champions meet in the Champions League qualifiers. However, anyone looking for a sensible bet for PAOK Thessaloniki against Banja Luka can hardly avoid a success for the Greeks. Things seem clear on paper, but paper is often patient
If both teams stick to the script, it will be a game of some length, regardless of the overall outcome. Both coaches prefer the same system and favor a more reactive match plan. The Thessalians will definitely have more of the ball, but it remains to be seen how quickly the rust of preparation will fall off
If you only look at the most recent results, most of which have taken place in preparation, then the Bosnian representative is easily favored.
However, appearances may be a little deceptive when looking at the opponents, so it is hardly surprising that PAOK Saloniki is the odds-on favorite against Banja Luka
PAOK Thessaloniki – Statistics & current form
After the championship is before the Champions League. Proven success increases the chances.
This simple formula was followed in the north of Greece. No wonder, given that the squad became champions last season. In a shark tank like the Greek Super League, which also includes former double winners AEK and reigning Conference League winners Olympiakos, this is certainly a statement.
Initially underestimated by many, Aspromavri became a household name outside the Peloponnese over the course of the season with their triumphs over Frankfurt Eintracht. So now we can expect “more of the same”.
Anyone browsing through the forecasts for PAOK Thessaloniki and Banja Luka will quickly realize that the Greeks don’t attack at the drop of a hat. They can wait and then switch quickly and ice-coldly down the wings. This is how many goals are scored on the counter-attack. Betting on quick goals therefore only makes limited sense
Strong running, combative and tight in the center
This is a short excerpt from a scouting report on the Eagles from the north. The men from Toumba dominate the middle of the pitch in their 4-2-3-1. Their opponents may be more technically adept, but their running performance masks any shortcomings.
Last year, the Austrian duo of Stefan Schwab and Thomas Murg came to the fore. They played a huge part in the strong season and will once again tip the scales of success.
They are often the ones who initiate and ultimately finish the transition. The game down the flanks in particular thrives on speed. The question now is whether PAOK Saloniki will often find themselves in these situations against Banja Luka.
The Bosnians are unlikely to play with an open goal. But will the difference in quality make handicap tips worthwhile?
Foreseen line-up of PAOK Saloniki:
Kotarski – Koulierakis, Michailidis, Kedziora, Sastre – Schwab, Taison – Murg, Konstantelias, Despodov – Samatta
Banja Luka – Statistics & current form
The champion is here, the coach is gone. Can the new one build on the successes?
Last season was a thoroughly successful one for Borac. After years behind the leaders, the Blue & Reds became champions once again. Then they lost the cup final and with it the coach.
Although this does not seem entirely understandable, Mladen Zizovic has been on the sidelines since June. His tenure is now two games old and has brought one win and one promotion after penalties. So it hasn’t been outstanding so far.
If his previous positions are any indication, the team will line up in a 4-2-3-1. This took them past Egnatia (1:0 / 2:2 n.E.) to the clash with PAOK. The question now is how he will line up his squad against the undoubtedly stronger opposition, both offensively and defensively.
How much courage does Banja Luka have?
In contrast to Thessaly, the assessment of potential is somewhat more complex. On the one hand, this has to do with the new coach, but much more with the total of 30 player changes in the summer. Many players who failed in their last attempt against Vienna Austria, partly due to the miserable exploitation of chances, are no longer in the squad
If the new boss’s previous coaching positions are anything to go by, we’ll have teams that are almost always trimmed for offense and easily exceed 1.0 goals scored per game. Sounds as if PAOK Saloniki and Banja Luka will be a hit with odds on goals.
In theory, yes, but it remains to be seen whether this will also be the case on the pitch. Looking back at the two matches against Egnatia, it must be said that the second leg in particular was weak.
Neither ball control nor any noteworthy accents going forward. That went well again, but we must show more courage against PAOK, otherwise we will only continue in the Europa League qualifiers.
Estimated line-up for Banja Luka:
Siskovski – Kvrzic, Meijers, Carolina, Herrera – Grahovac, Vranjes – Hrelja, Savic, Vukovic – Lukic
PAOK Saloniki – Banja Luka head-to-head comparison / H2H result
As is often the case in the early rounds of qualifying, two unknowns meet here. Both were champions, but the Greek Super League looks stronger in terms of quality, at least in the top flight. This is also one of the main reasons why the betting odds for PAOK Thessaloniki v Banja Luka assume a clear-cut result in the first leg
PAOK Thessaloniki – Banja Luka betting tip
The reactive style of play combined with the start of the season could well slow the game down a little, especially at the beginning. There are several unknowns in the equation, which is why it is difficult to make accurate predictions
According to the bookmakers, PAOK Saloniki vs. Banja Luka ends with bet 1 and a home win for the Black Eagles. There have been no real changes to the squad, and the championship-winning coach is still on board. This could make the familiarization phase easier for the few newcomers and perhaps allow for more automatisms than in many other opening games.
Ultimately, we’ll go with the -2.5 handicap, as the difference in quality is likely to be too great and PAOK will be playing at home in front of their own frenzied fans.
