Prediction: Galatasaray vs PAOK

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 11/19

Bookmaker: BetUS

Both Galatasaray and PAOK will look to start their Europa League group stage with a victory when they meet at Adams Park on Wednesday for the first matchday of the 2024/25 campaign.

Galatasaray enter the competition after being knocked out in the Champions League play-off qualifying round, while PAOK secured their place in the Europa League with a dominant 6-0 aggregate win in the play-off round.

Galatasaray

After a dominant run in the Turkish Super Lig last season, where Galatasaray secured back-to-back titles and became the first Turkish team to surpass the 100-point mark with a final tally of 102, Okan Buruk’s side is determined to extend their success into European competition this season.

Despite a rocky start to the 2024/25 campaign with a heavy 5-0 loss to Besiktas in the Turkish Super Cup, Galatasaray quickly regained their form, winning their opening six league fixtures to establish a commanding five-point lead at the top of the table. Their domestic dominance, however, was not mirrored in Europe, as the team was eliminated from the Champions League play-off round by Young Boys, losing 4-2 on aggregate and dropping into the Europa League.

That setback could be seen as a silver lining for the Lions, who possess a star-studded squad, highlighted by the marquee loan signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. Their recent form, which includes a 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Fenerbahce, positions them as strong contenders for a deep Europa League run.

With four consecutive wins under their belt, Galatasaray will head into their group stage opener against PAOK brimming with confidence, eager to replicate their domestic success on the European stage.

Team News

Galatasaray will have to manage the absence of their first-choice goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera, after he was shown a straight red card in the 87th minute of their 1-0 second-leg loss to Young Boys in the Champions League play-off round. This means veteran keeper Gunay Guvenc, who replaced Muslera for the closing moments of that match, is set to start in goal for Wednesday’s clash against PAOK.

Up front, all eyes will be on Osimhen, who is still searching for his first goal in a Galatasaray shirt. Despite not scoring yet, the Nigerian striker has contributed with assists in each of his two appearances and is expected to lead the line once again.

Buruk is likely to stick with a similar lineup to the one that delivered the win over Fenerbahce in the league, with Gabriel Sara and Lucas Torreira anchoring the midfield. Dries Mertens is also anticipated to play in a more advanced role, supporting the attacking efforts as Galatasaray aim to start their Europa League campaign the right way.

PAOK

PAOK come into this Europa League clash with strong form, having suffered just one defeat in their last 16 competitive matches across all competitions. Their lone defeat, however, was a dramatic one, as Razvan Lucescu’s side were eliminated from Champions League contention after a heart-wrenching 4-3 extra-time loss to Malmo in the third round of qualifying.

Leading 3-2 late in the match, PAOK conceded a stoppage-time equalizer, which sent the game into extra time. A 99th-minute winner from Malmo brought a 6-5 aggregate defeat, relegating the Greek side to the Europa League qualifying rounds. Despite that crushing loss, PAOK responded impressively by winning six of their next seven matches, including a dominant 6-0 aggregate win over Shamrock Rovers to secure their place in this competition.

Now, with a point to prove, PAOK will be determined to make a strong start in the group stage and aim for a deep run in the tournament. They haven’t reached the knockout stages of the Europa League since the 2016/17 season, when they were knocked out by Schalke 04 in the round of 32.

Team News

PAOK are expected to be missing key players for their Europa League opener against Galatasaray, as Andrija Zivkovic (hip), Antonis Tsiftsis (stomach), and Brandon (ankle) are all likely to be sidelined due to injuries.

Despite these absences, Lucescu’s lineup should be a strong one, likely similar to the one that secured a comfortable 4-1 win over Volos in their last league outing. Stefan Schwab, the team’s top scorer, is set to anchor the midfield alongside Mady Camara, providing PAOK with stability and creativity as they look to make an impact against their formidable Turkish opponents.

Conclusion

Both Galatasaray and PAOK enter this contest in strong form, but Galatasaray’s home advantage could prove decisive. With their passionate fanbase and a squad full of talent, including Osimhen and Mertens, the Turkish champions are well-positioned to secure all three points.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 11/19

Bookmaker: BetUS