These two sides combined have scored 24 goals in six Europa League rounds. I expect their offensive lines to be productive on Thursday, BTTS being the best bet.
Key Stats
- PAOK have scored 12 goals in their last 4 matches (Europa League).
- Real Betis have seen BTTS in 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Real Betis have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in their last 2 matches (Europa League).
No Previous Meetings
This is going to be the first head to head match between PAOK and Real Betis.
PAOK Leading the Title Race in Greece
PAOK have been a tough team to beat in the Europa League and are close to securing a spot in the playoffs, entering this round as 18th placed squad with nine points from six games, averaging almost 4.00 goals per clash.
Their most recent EL contest was in mid-December, salvaging a point in an entertaining 3-3 draw against Ludogorets in Bulgaria, Anestis Mythou saving the day with his 91st minute equalizer.
The Double-Headed Eagles are one of the hottest teams in Greece right now. They caused an upset in the national cup by eliminating Olympiakos 2-0 earlier this month, followed by a 3-0 home win over OFI Crete last weekend to maintain the Super League 1 leading position after 17 rounds.
Real Betis Look Great in the Europa League
Real Betis have taken their Europa League participation seriously, accumulating 14 points in six rounds (four wins, two draws) and sit in 4th place ahead of deciding matches.
The Green and Whites stunned Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia in their most recent contest, scoring three goals between 30th and 38th minute and ultimately got away with a 3-1 victory, limiting opposition to just two shots on target.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side also picked up good form in Spain recently, edging past Elche 2-1 in the Copa del Rey, while beating Villarreal 2-0 in La Liga last weekend to move up to 6th place.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
PAOK (4-5-1) Antonis Tsiftsis; Jonjoe Kenny, Tomasz Kedziora, Ioannis Michailidis, Abdul Rahman Baba; Soualiho Meite, Magomed Ozdoev, Giannis Konstantelias, Taison, Giorgos Giakoumakis; Fedor Chalov
Jiri Pavlenka and Soualiho Meite are injured for the home side, while Kiril Despodov and Luka Ivanusec are doubtful.
Real Betis (4-2-3-1) Alvaro Valles; Aitor Ruibal, Marc Bartra, Natan, Valentin Gomez; Sergi Altimira, Marc Roca; Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Giovani Lo Celso, Pablo Fornals; Chimy Avila
Hector Bellerin, Junior Firpo, Rodrigo Riquelme and Cucho Hernandez are sidelined with injuries for the Spanish side. Anthony has also been struggling with a muscle injury and might start on bench.