Following a 3-1 loss to Galatasaray in their opener, PAOK will be hoping to score some points against Steaua Bucharest in this fixture. The Greeks are favoured to snap up all three points, too. But is this the best bet to make, and which way could this game swing? Let’s take a look.
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PAOK vs Steaua Bucharest prediction: Greeks to gorge on Romanian visitors
Key stats
- Both teams have scored in all three friendly encounters between these two
- PAOK have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three games (all competitions)
- FCSB unbeaten in their last six games (all competitions)
- FCSB are 2nd in the Europa League right now with the joint most goals scored (4)
Correct score prediction: PAOK 2-1 Steaua Bucharest
PAOK has a ropey track record as far as conceding goals is concerned this season. Luckily, the same goes for Steaua Bucharest, which is why we believe both teams will score in this game. As for the overall result, we think PAOk will edge the Romanian visitors with a 2-1 result.
Pre-game odds and win probability: PAOK expected to come up trumps
- HOME: 13/20 (1.65) – 60.60%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.00%
- AWAY: 4/1 (5.00) – 20.00%
As you can see, the bookies favour PAOK rather heavily here, with a 60.60% probability of victory. This may seem surprising given that FCSB are in 2nd place in the standings following their opening win over RFS. But it’s important to note that PAOK is generally a much superior team to RFS, hence we think they will get the job done.
Want more predictions for the top European games this week? Take a look at our football betting tips page for further details!
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Most recent H2Hs: A friendly rivalry so far
When we say a ‘friendly rivalry,’ we really mean it. These two teams have played each other three times in the past. But on every single occasion, it has been a friendly game. Therefore, the results don’t necessarily have much bearing on their professional head-to-head results, as there aren’t any.
However, for those who wish to know the results, these guys have one win each over the other, while the most recent game ended in a draw.
Europe Friendlies 05/07/23
FCSB
PAOK Salonika
Europe Friendlies 09/07/18
PAOK Salonika
FCSB
Europe Friendlies 13/07/16
FCSB
PAOK Salonika
PAOK preview: Greek warriors hoping to reverse early setback
Of course, PAOK would have preferred a different start to their Europa League campaign. They were convincingly beaten by Galatasaray away from home, yet they face an ‘easier’ challenge against Steaua Bucharest here.
Predicted Lineup: Kotarski (GK); Vieirinha, Koulierakis, Troost-Ekong, Rafa Soares; Schwab, Ozdoev; Zivkovic, Konstantelias, Despodov; Brandon
UEFA Europa League 03/10/24
L
FCSB
1
PAOK Salonika
0
Greece Super League 1 29/09/24
L
Aris Salonika
1
PAOK Salonika
0
UEFA Europa League 25/09/24
L
Galatasaray
3
PAOK Salonika
1
Greece Super League 1 21/09/24
W
Volos NFC
1
PAOK Salonika
4
Greece Super League 1 15/09/24
D
Panathinaikos
0
PAOK Salonika
0
Steaua Bucharest preview: FCSB riding high in 2nd place
FCSB has real bragging rights right now since they are sitting in 2nd place in the Europa League standings. They may be all the more confident, given that they haven’t lost in six games now, too.
Predicted Lineup: Tarnovanu (GK); Pantea, Dawa, Ngezana, Radunovic; Olaru, Sut, Popescu; Cordea, Compagno, Coman
UEFA Europa League 03/10/24
W
PAOK Salonika
0
FCSB
1
Romania Liga I 29/09/24
W
ACS Sepsi
0
FCSB
1
UEFA Europa League 26/09/24
W
Rigas FS
1
FCSB
4
Romania Liga I 21/09/24
D
Petrolul Ploiesti
1
FCSB
1
Romania Liga I 15/09/24
D
CFR Cluj
2
FCSB
2
Player to watch – Darius Olaru (Steaua Bucharest)
While Steaua Bucharest is definitely the weaker side here, we’ve chosen their star man as the one to watch. Why? Because Darius Olaru found the back of the net twice in their opener against RFS.
If he finds that kind of form again, we could see a bit of magic at the Toumba Stadium on Thursday.
