PAOK Thessaloniki will welcome Celta Vigo to Toumba Stadium for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff tie on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
View our free PAOK vs Celta Vigo predictions below.
Contents
PAOK vs Celta Vigo predictions: Cards expected
Key stats
- At least five cards were awarded in seven of PAOK’s last nine matches.
- PAOK are unbeaten in their last five games.
- Celta Vigo are currently on a five-match winless run.
Correct score prediction: PAOK 1-1 Celta Vigo
To be fair, these teams already met in this competition this season, and Celta Vigo ran out 3-1 winners. However, the La Liga side have struggled to find their best form of late, with no wins in five consecutive matches.
PAOK, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last five games. They have, however, drawn two of their last three matches. Keeping in mind that Celta Vigo's last three away games ended in stalemates, we believe that these teams will be on level terms at the end of this clash.
Pre-game odds and win probability: PAOK slightly favoured
- HOME: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 15/8 (2.88) – 34.8%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
PAOK played out a goalless draw with AEK Athens in the Greek top flight last weekend. They will now set their sights on securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League round of 16.
Razvan Lucescu's troops earned 12 points from a possible 24 in the league phase, finishing just below Celta Vigo in 17th place.
On the other hand, Celta Vigo's woes continued with a 2-2 draw at Espanyol last weekend. They are now without a win in five games, although three of their last four ended in stalemates.
Ahead of this skirmish, PAOK are the expected winners at 6/4 (2.50). Teams with these odds generally have a 40% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our PAOK vs Celta Vigo predictions.
It is also worth mentioning that PAOK’s last four matches went below the 2.5-goal threshold. On that note, under 2.5 total goals has an appealing look at 9/10 (1.90). That one has a 52.6% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Can PAOK hold their own?
Celta Vigo and PAOK clashed in this competition four months ago, and although the Greek Super League giants opened the scoring, they were unable to hold on for the win, ultimately succumbing to a disappointing 3-1 defeat.
UEFA Europa League 02/10/25
Celta Vigo
PAOK Salonika
PAOK preview: Long list of absentees
The hosts will enter this game with injuries and suspension worries to deal with. On the injury front, Soualiho Meite, Luka Ivanusec, Dimitrios Pelkas, and Kiril Despodov are ruled out of this game.
On the suspension list, Giannis Konstantelias (red card), Giorgos Giakoumakis (accumulated yellow cards), and head coach Lucescu (red card) are all suspended.
Additionally, Magomed Ozdoev and Andrija Zivkovic will both enter this contest at risk of being suspended for the second leg should they receive a booking on Thursday.
Predicted lineup: Tsiftsis (GK), Kenny, Kedziora, Michailidis, Baba, Ozdoev, Zafeiris, Zivkovic, Chatsidis, Taison & Jeremejeff
Last five matches
- 15/02/26: PAOK 0-0 AEK (Greece Super League)
- 11/02/26: PAOK 2-0 Panathinaikos (Greece Cup)
- 08/02/26: Aris 0-0 PAOK (Greece Super League)
- 04/02/26: Panathinaikos 0-1 PAOK (Greece Cup)
- 01/02/26: PAOK 4-1 Panserraikos (Greece Super League)
Celta Vigo preview: Looking to halt their unwanted streak
Alvaro Nunez remains sidelined because of an injury, while Carlos Dominguez, Yoel Lago, and Franco Cervi all have their availability in doubt for the midweek.
While the visitors have no player suspended for this first leg, three players run the risk of missing out in Spain as they are one yellow card away, including Oscar Mingueza, Ionut Radu, and Miguel Roman.
Predicted lineup: Radu (GK), Alonso, Starfelt, Rodriguez, Carreira, Roman, Moriba, Rueda, Jutgla, Iglesias & Aspas
Last five matches
- 14/02/26: Espanyol 2-2 Celta Vigo (La Liga)
- 06/02/26: Celta Vigo 1-2 Osasuna (La Liga)
- 01/02/26: Celta Vigo 0-0 Getafe (La Liga)
- 29/01/26: Red Star 1-1 Celta Vigo (UEFA Europa League)
- 25/01/26: Real Sociedad 3-1 Celta Vigo (La Liga)
Player to watch: Andrija Zivkovic
With the suspension of top scorer Giorgos Giakoumakis, PAOK will rely on Andrija Zivkovic to provide goals on Thursday. The former Benfica midfielder has six goal contributions in eight UEFA Europa League appearances this season.