- Brann form: SK Brann Bergen have won 3 of their last 5 matches, lost 1 and drawn 1, with a 3-0 home victory against Ham-Kam and a 2-4 away victory after extra time against Apollon Limassol in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026.
- PAOK form: FC PAOK Thessaloniki have been more mixed, with 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats in their last 5, including a home loss and an away defeat to Anderlecht in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026.
- Head-to-head: Both of the last 2 meetings have been level, with the most recent ending 1-1 in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026.
An even match-up is expected
It will be an interesting match-up at Brann Stadion on Thursday when SK Brann Bergen host FC PAOK Thessaloniki in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 with neither side looking particularly convincing ahead of kick off. Brann have been more solid across the field recently, with 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats in their last 10 in all competitions, compared to PAOK's 3-4-3 over the same period. However, Brann are still being offered at a shade of odds-on to win this match-up at 2.59, with PAOK available at 2.74 and the draw at 3.44.
Brann are the home team and will therefore have to come at PAOK, but they have been doing well across the pitch in all games recently, so I expect them to keep that pattern going on Thursday. Eirik Horneland has got Brann playing an aggressive 4-3-3, with a sharp press, quick transitions and lots of energy.
A balanced 4-2-3-1
Tactical approach
PAOK have been more balanced under Alessio Lisci, but they will still play a controlled 4-2-3-1 and try to slow the pace, using the width of their full backs and pressing selectively.
Away form
They have been less effective on the road in all comps, with 2 draws and a loss in their last 3 away games.
Match outlook
I think Brann's home advantage and slightly better form will see them edge this first leg, but it is still likely to be a tight game with the pair looking evenly matched at the moment. The best alternative play would seem to be both teams to score at 1.55.
Brann have been lively at home in all contests, with 4 wins and 2 losses in their 6 games, conceding 8 goals in the process.
- Their sharp end is led by Niklas Castro, who has scored 3 goals in 4 matches in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026.
- Giannis Konstantelias is the in form player for PAOK, having scored 3 goals in 5 games for the club, while they have found the net 8 times in the same spell.
- FC PAOK can also call on Abdul Rahman Baba, who has 1 goal in 1 match in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 for the Greek club.
