Prediction: Shamrock Rovers vs PAOK

Verdict: PAOK win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Sat firmly in the driving seat to punch a Europa League group stage ticket on Thursday night, PAOK will travel over to Dublin when they meet Shamrock Rovers.

Shamrock Rovers

Starting with the hosts, putting in a nightmare display on foreign soil last week as they eventually left Greece on the wrong end of a 4-0 drumming, Shamrock have come under a huge amount of scrutiny this season. Seeking what would be an astonishing European miracle on Thursday night, the Irish heavyweights are in the midst of a real struggle. Despite claiming a fourth consecutive domestic crown last year, Stephen Bradley’s men have come crashing back down to earth this time around. Failing to pick up any kind of boost last weekend as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Galway, Shamrock have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Likewise, Shamrock have failed to record back-to-back victories since the middle of April.

Team News

Shown a red card over in Greece last week, former Cork City youngster Joshua Honohan will serve a one-match suspension on Thursday night. Likewise, suffering an injury blow at the Toumba Stadium and limping off with a first-half knock, 26-year-old Trevor Clarke will not feature here.

While one-time Aston Villa starlet Graham Burke might have notched just a single goal in any of his previous five appearances across all competitions, the Irish international will lead Bradley’s charge here. Arriving in Dublin this summer, ex-Sunderland star Marc McNulty will partner Burke in the final third.

PAOK

As for the visitors, laying down what was a major Europa League marker last week as they stormed their way to that 4-0 romp in Thessaloniki, PAOK will simply be looking for a repeat performance here. Making real history last season as they got their hands on just a fourth domestic crown, the Greek giants have continued to receive a string of plaudits. Picking up some perfect momentum last time out as they secured a routine 2-0 win against Panetolikos, Razvan Lucescu’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Winning all of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-2, PAOK have also gained a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Just 90 minutes away from officially punching their Europa League group stage ticket, Lucescu’s side will be relishing a trip to Dublin here.

Team News

Heading into their second-leg showdown on Thursday night, PAOK have reported a clean bill of health and have not fresh injury concerns to worry about here. Handed a full rest against Panetolikos last weekend, attacking talisman and former Chelsea youngster Abdul Rahman Baba should be handed a full recall in Dublin.

Arriving from Premier League outfit Wolves this summer, Jonny Otto will once against start at right-back. While ex-Manchester United starlet Shola Shoretire might have made his PAOK debut last weekend, Shola Shoretire will likely settle for another spot on the bench.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Shamrock Rovers and PAOK met for their first-leg showdown at the Toumba Stadium last week, the Greek giants collected a 4-0 romp on home soil.
• PAOK have won all of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-2.
• Shamrock have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their last nine showdowns.
• Likewise, the Rovers have failed to record back-to-back victories since the middle of April.
• PAOK have not lost any of their first seven competitive appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.

Conclusion

Storming their way to what was a thumping 4-0 romp at the Toumba Stadium last week, PAOK will simply be looking to make another statement here. In the midst of what has been a real purple patch and winning all of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-2, the Greek giants should be relishing a trip to Dublin on Thursday night.

Verdict: PAOK win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Olympusbet