FCSB take on PAOK at the Arena Naţională in Bucharest in the Europa League playoffs on Thursday, 20 February. Read our Europa League predictions for the contest below.
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FCSB vs PAOK prediction: Hosts to complete the job?
Key Stats
- FCSB dug out a 2-1 win over PAOK in Greece in last week’s first leg.
- Each of FCSB’s last three home matches in the Europa League featured under 2.5 goals.
- PAOK have lost three of their last four away assignments in the Europa League.
- A mammoth ten cards were brandished in last week’s first leg between the clubs.
Correct score prediction: FCSB 1-1 PAOK
FCSB made the most of a one-man advantage to record a 2-1 comeback win over PAOK in the first leg, however, margins should be even slimmer on an 11 vs 11 even playing field, and a score draw could be the outcome to back.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Markets favour the visitors
- HOME: 17/10 (2.70) – 37%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 6/4 (2.50) – 40%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Despite eking out a 2-1 win over PAOK last week, Romanian outfit FCSB have been installed as 17/10 underdogs ahead of Thursday’s playoff second leg.
PAOK rebounded from last week’s loss with a resounding 7-0 win over Lamia in the Greek Super League at the weekend, so the 6/4 favourites won’t be short on confidence in Romania. Check out our free football tips page for more Europa League predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: FCSB chasing third win
FCSB and PAOK have already met twice in the Europa League this season and the Romanians came out on top on each occasion (1-0, 2-1).
UEFA Europa League 13/02/25
PAOK Salonika
FCSB
UEFA Europa League 03/10/24
PAOK Salonika
FCSB
Europe Friendlies 05/07/23
FCSB
PAOK Salonika
Europe Friendlies 09/07/18
PAOK Salonika
FCSB
Europe Friendlies 13/07/16
FCSB
PAOK Salonika
FCSB preview: Hosts are in impressive form
FCSB's only defeat in their last nine games in all competitions came against Manchester United on January 30th. The hosts like to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, so expect a similar set-up from the Romanians on Thursday evening.
Predicted lineup: Tarnovanu (GK), Cretu, Ngezana, Popescu, Radunovic, Chiriches, Sut, Miculescu, Cisotti, Tanase, Birligea
Romania Liga I 11/05/25
W
Universitatea Cluj
0
FCSB
2
Romania Liga I 05/05/25
W
Dinamo Bucharest
1
FCSB
3
Romania Liga I 27/04/25
W
Rapid Bucuresti
1
FCSB
2
Romania Liga I 20/04/25
W
CFR Cluj
2
FCSB
3
Romania Liga I 13/04/25
D
CS U Craiova
0
FCSB
0
PAOK preview: Suspended Taison a big miss
PAOK thumped Greek counterparts Lamia 7-0 at the weekend, though their recent form has been patchy overall and three of their last five assignments ended in defeat. Brazilian attacker Taison was sent off in the first leg and is suspended for Thursday.
Predicted lineup: Kotarski (GK), Jonny, Kedziora, Michailidis, Baba, Meite, Schwab, Pelkas, Konstantelias, Despodov, Samatta
Greece Super League 1 11/05/25
W
AEK Athens
0
PAOK Salonika
1
Greece Super League 1 04/05/25
L
Olympiakos
4
PAOK Salonika
2
Greece Super League 1 27/04/25
W
Panathinaikos
1
PAOK Salonika
2
Greece Super League 1 13/04/25
L
Panathinaikos
3
PAOK Salonika
1
Greece Super League 1 06/04/25
W
Olympiakos
1
PAOK Salonika
2
Player to watch – Vlad Chiriches
Battle-hardened campaigner Vlad Chiriches is one of the most experienced players in the FCSB squad and his knowhow should come handy again in this week’s crucial second leg.
Chiriches has a wealth of experience
Chiriches, who played for Tottenham and Napoli earlier in his career, anchored the midfield and was booked in last week’s first leg between FCSB and PAOK and his steely qualities could be on show again in Thursday’s rematch.