- Head-to-head: PAOK have won four of the last five head-to-head encounters, including both Greek Cup clashes this winter.
- Recent form: PAOK have won three and drawn one of their last five games, keeping clean sheets in both of their home league and cup matches.
- Standings: PAOK are third with 57 points, eight points more than fourth-placed Panathinaikos in the Championship Group.
A battle of differing styles
Tactical contrast
The Championship Group of the Greek Super League begins in earnest on Sunday when third-placed PAOK Thessaloniki host fourth-placed Panathinaikos in a pivotal game for both clubs’ title ambitions and European ambitions. The difference in styles between the two clubs promises a tactical chess match on Sunday with direct PAOK looking to catch their visitors out on the break while Rafa Benítez’s possession-based Panathinaikos will try to patiently pick apart their hosts.
Form and head-to-head
Răzvan Lucescu’s PAOK side are the most impressive of the two recently and his direct, fast-paced approach to the game seems to have got under the skin of Benítez’s more structured, possession-based system. The visitors are certainly capable of winning this match and the all-time head-to-head record is in Panathinaikos’ favour by 41 wins to 35 after more than 90 clashes, but recent history and the home advantage certainly has us leaning towards PAOK taking all three points here.
Recent head-to-head results tell the tale with PAOK winning four of the last five meetings across all competitions, including back-to-back Greek Cup victories this winter. Lucescu’s men are compact and high-energy, with the 4-2-3-1 system allowing them to transition from defense to attack with speed and surprise many opponents. When the experienced Romanian coach gets his tactics right, which he often does, his team can be a formidable force.
Giakoumakis gives PAOK an edge
Panathinaikos are a little less exciting, but no less effective when it comes to their league form as Benítez has quickly got the players to play with discipline and shape, while maintaining possession and control. They have won their last two league games, scoring multiple goals in both of them, but lost 4-0 away to Real Betis in Europe a couple of weeks ago.
When fit, he is simply a class act and a constant threat to opposition defenders and goalkeepers.
Players to watch
- Giorgos Giakoumakis provides PAOK with an out-and-out striker who is among the club's top scorers this season and has the quality to make the difference on his day.
- PAOK also possess plenty of quality in other areas of the pitch with Giannis Konstantelias providing the creativity and direct goal involvement in the number ten position while Tomasz Kędziora and Taison are a great defensive duo with plenty of set-piece quality.
- Anass Zaroury is Panathinaikos’ main outlet as the Moroccan winger was either on the scoresheet or the assist for both of his side’s recent multi-goal road wins in the league, while Filip Mladenović has the ability to hurt sides on set-pieces from the back while Tassos Bakasetas offers leadership and drive from the centre of the park.
Pivotal play-off clash
With three points here setting the tone for the title run-in, this match could be a nervous occasion and it is likely that set-piece play and the defensive transitions will be crucial areas of the game.
The rain forecast for Thessaloniki will slow the ball and favour the more physical contest that can ensue, but we will back the home side to win to nil as PAOK’s attacking edge and defensive discipline could well see them through in a low-scoring affair.
