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Anderlecht are in control of their Europa League third qualifying round tie as they take a one-goal lead into the second leg against PAOK at Lotto Park on Thursday night.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Anderlecht vs. PAOK key stats
- Anderlecht are on a three-game winning run in all competitions.
- PAOK have lost two of their last four matches across all competitions (W2).
- The previous three H2Hs have produced mixed results with one win each and a draw.
Anderlecht vs. PAOK preview: Belgians to scrape through?
Anderlecht vs PAOK — Tale of the Tape
| Anderlecht | vs | PAOK |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (Jupiter Pro League) | Position | 3rd (Greek Super League) |
| 3 | Points | 64 |
| 2 | Goals For | 59 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 25 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 16 |
| 5th | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
Anderlecht raced into the lead inside the opening minute in the first leg, and managed to hold on for what could be a crucial win in Greece.
After missing out in Conference League qualifying last season, the Belgians are determined to get back into European football.
It was a disappointing campaign in the Jupiter Pro League, finishing sixth, and Vitor Bruno will be aiming for a higher finish this time around having won his first league game in charge.
Anderlecht are expected to go strong here, although Killian Sardella and Mario Stroeykens are fitness doubts, while Ilay Camara and Lucas Hey got injured in pre-season.
Taha Ali is also a fitness concern for PAOK, although they still have a relatively strong squad to choose from.
It was not the result they wanted in the first leg on home soil, but Alessio Lisci will still feel he can turn the tie around.
Unlike their opponents, PAOK's domestic league season is yet to start, having finished third in the Greek Super League last term.
That ensured Europa League qualification, and they will be hoping they can reach the league phase for a second successive term.
Anderlecht vs. PAOK form guide & betting tips
| Anderlecht | vs | PAOK |
|---|---|---|
WDWWW |
Form | WLWWL |
| 8 | Goals For | 10 |
| 3 | Goals Against | 8 |
DWW |
Europa League | WWL |
Whispers predicts: Anderlecht 1-1 PAOK
PAOK are 7/5 (2.40) favourites with bookies to win, but given Anderlecht are at home and have a lead to hold, we are willing to back against them.
As such, a Draw at 5/2 (3.50) could be worth a punt, while Under 2.5 goals at 20/21 (1.95) has come through in two of both teams' three Europa League games this season.
Mihajlo Cvetkovic scored the winner in the first leg, netting his second goal in the competition.
He could be the hero again for Anderlecht, so Cvetkovic to score anytime at 9/4 (3.25) is our final punt.
Overall, we are predicting a 1-1 draw, which is available at 6/1 (7.00).
> Under 2.5 goals at 20/21 (1.95) | Likelihood: Probable
> Cvetkovic to score anytime at 9/4 (3.25) | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw at 5/2 (3.50) | Likelihood: Outsider