Prediction: PAOK vs Besiktas

Prediction: Besiktas win

Best Odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Betfair

While last season’s UEFA Champions League competition may have only just finished, there’s no time to waste as we look ahead to the brand new campaign. Many domestic leagues around the world are already starting to get things going in regards to the 2020/21 season, and the same is true in Europe. The UCL is back with the second qualifying round getting underway this week, and one of the featured games will see PAOK attempt to take down Besiktas in what could be a very tactical encounter.

PAOK

Back at the start of July, PAOK had the chance to make a real statement when going head to head with AEK Athens – but they couldn’t quite pull a win out of the bag as they instead fell to a 2-0 defeat. They did pick up a point against OFI and Panathinaikos before narrowly beating Olympiacos, but two goalless draws against AEK Athens again and Aris Salonika didn’t do a whole lot to inspire the masses.

Team News

Augusto is set to miss out through a ruptured cruciate ligament with Misic also being absent for this vital clash due to an injury of his own. PAOK still have some decent strength in depth, but they would’ve obviously preferred to be at full strength.

Besiktas

A 3-0 battering of Konyaspor was quickly followed up by a 3-1 loss to Kayserispor for Besiktas, as fans questioned the complacency rooted within the squad. Alas, for the remainder of July, they went on an absolute tear as they strung four consecutive wins together against Kasimpasaspor, Yeni Malatyaspor, Fenerbahce and Genclerbirligi. It didn’t win them the title, but they did manage to give a good account of themselves.

Team News

With almost a month off to regroup and prepare for this clash, Besiktas seem to have a clean bill of health. There are critics that will suggest the time off can only be a bad thing for them with a lack of match fitness, but they’re strong enough to overcome any kind of deficit put in their way.

Factors to Consider

• Instead of the usual format, this tie will be determined over just one leg.
• PAOK have won one, drawn four and lost one of their last six games.
• Besiktas have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• PAOK have scored three goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Besiktas have scored 13 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

While PAOK are often able to keep it pretty tight at the back, we’ve got a feeling that they’re going to underestimate the potential that Besiktas have going forward. The Turkish side have struggled to really get a grip of things in Europe over the course of the last few years, but we don’t think they’re going to falter this time around. We predict that they will defeat PAOK in this one-legged affair, booking their ticket to the next round in the process.

Prediction: Besiktas win

Best Odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Betfair