PAOK and Malmo will go head-to-head on Tuesday, 13 August in the second leg of their Champions League third-round qualifying tie.
The first leg ended 2-2 in Sweden which leaves the tie on a knife edge coming into the second instalment. PAOK will perhaps fancy their chances more given they get to play in front of their home fans on Tuesday.
As part of our latest round of Champions League betting tips, here is our PAOK vs Malmo prediction.
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PAOK vs Malmo prediction: More goals in store on Tuesday night
Key stats
- PAOK are unbeaten in competitive matches so far this season (two wins and one draw).
- Malmo have lost two of their last four matches.
- Both teams got on the scoresheet twice in the first leg with the match finishing 2-2.
Correct score prediction: PAOK 2-1 Malmo
This is set to be another closely fought contest between two teams who are closely matched on paper. Malmo will feel like they missed an opportunity to take a lead with them into the second leg while the result should provide confidence to PAOK. The hosts have scored 2+ goals in two of their three matches so far this season and we expect them to do the same again on Tuesday.
Pre-game odds and win probability: PAOK go in as favourites
- Home: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.6%
- Draw: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
- Away: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
While Malmo were given the edge by the bookies for the first leg, PAOK enter the second leg as the favourites to get the win that will take them to the playoff round. With Ladbrokes, PAOK are odds-on at a price of 4/5 while Malmo are considered outsiders at 16/5. The draw, which would see the match go to extra time, is priced at 16/5.
Check out our free betting tips for today page for more football predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: The second meeting
Last week represented the first time that Malmo and PAOK had ever played each other before and if that game is anything to go by, then we should be in for a cracker on Tuesday night.
In terms of European history, Malmo's best-ever performance came back in 1979 when they reached the European Cup final. PAOK's best performance came last season when they reached the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League.
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 06/08/24
Malmo FF
PAOK Salonika
PAOK preview: Can they reach the playoffs?
PAOK's pre-season was rough with four losses in five matches but they have fared better in their three competitive outings. Their league season is yet to begin so their only action so far has been in the Champions League qualifiers. A win at home would see them guarantee themselves a place in the Europa League as a minimum.
Predicted lineup: Kotarski (GK), Sastre, Kedziora, Kouilierakis, Baba, Ozdoev, Schwab, Zivkovic, Konstantelias, Taison & Thomas
Greece Super League 1 01/09/24
W
Atromitos Athinon
1
PAOK Salonika
2
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 29/08/24
W
Shamrock Rovers
0
PAOK Salonika
2
Greece Super League 1 25/08/24
W
Panetolikos
0
PAOK Salonika
2
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 22/08/24
W
Shamrock Rovers
0
PAOK Salonika
4
Greece Super League 1 17/08/24
W
Panserraikos
2
PAOK Salonika
3
Malmo preview: An opportunity missed last week
Malmo would have gone into last week's first leg thinking that they needed to bring a win with them to Greece but they failed in their quest for victory. They now have it all to do in Greece and when you consider they lost their most recent away tie in the Champions League to a team far inferior to PAOK, it's a big ask.
Predicted lineup: Dahlin (GK), Larsen, Jansson, Zattstrom, Busanello, Nanasi, Pena, Johnsen, Bolin, Botheim & Thelin
Sweden Allsvenskan 01/09/24
W
Djurgarden
0
Malmo FF
4
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 27/08/24
L
Sparta Prague
2
Malmo FF
0
Sweden Allsvenskan 24/08/24
D
Kalmar FF
2
Malmo FF
2
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 21/08/24
L
Sparta Prague
2
Malmo FF
0
Sweden Allsvenskan 17/08/24
W
IFK Norrkoping
1
Malmo FF
2
Player to watch: Taison
Experience could be key on Tuesday night and while Isaac Thelin might have a part to play for Malmo, Taison could be the man to lead PAOK to victory. The 36-year-old looks set to finish his career in Greece but he isn't showing any imminent signs of retirement.
The winger got himself on the scoresheet in Sweden and was a constant threat throughout, proving that age is nothing more than a number. If he can put in a similar display this time around then PAOK will be heading to the Champions League playoffs.
