Sparks will fly as Rijeka and PAOK Thessaloniki battle for a place in the UEFA Europa League at Stadion Rujevica on Thursday, 21 August 2025.
View our free Rijeka vs PAOK predictions below.
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Rijeka vs PAOK predictions: A low-scoring affair
Key stats
- Fewer than three goals were scored in seven of Rijeka’s last nine matches.
- Two previous meetings between these teams went below the 2.5-goal line.
- Rijeka have never beaten a Greek side.
Correct score prediction: Rijeka 0-1 PAOK
PAOK are currently on a five-match unbeaten run and have kept clean sheets in their last three competitive fixtures.
On the other hand, Rijeka have not been very consistent lately, having won only one of their last four games (D1, L2).
Interestingly, PAOK won their only other trip to this stadium by two unanswered goals, and considering Rijeka's recent struggles, we are leaning toward the visitors for the win.
Pre-game odds and win probability: PAOK are clear favourites
- HOME: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.2%
- AWAY: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.5%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Ahead of this UEFA Europa League playoff round encounter, PAOK are the expected winners at 6/5 (2.20). Teams with these odds generally have a 45.5% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Rijeka vs PAOK predictions.
We have also established that seven of Rijeka's last nine games went south of the 2.5-goal marker. For this reason, under 2.5 total goals has an appealing look at 3/4 (1.75). That one has a 57.1% chance of landing.
Most recent H2Hs: Can Rijeka earn their first win against Greek opponents?
Rijeka and PAOK clashed in the fourth qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League four years ago, and PAOK triumphed over two legs after drawing at home and winning on the road.
Interestingly, Rijeka have a 0-2-4 win-draw-loss record in six previous meetings with Greek sides, while PAOK have a 6-2-2 record in 10 previous encounters with Croatian opposition.
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 26/08/21
HNK Rijeka
PAOK Salonika
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 19/08/21
PAOK Salonika
HNK Rijeka
Rijeka preview: No new absentees
Rijeka started in the Champions League qualifiers, where they fell to the more experienced Ludogorets: a goalless draw away and a 3-1 home defeat, which relegated them to the Europa League qualifiers.
In the first leg of the previous qualifying round of this competition, they lost 2-1 at home to Shelbourne before snatching the aggregate lead with a late 3-1 win in Ireland.
Ahead of this crucial clash with PAOK, the hosts have no injury concerns. There were a few changes to the side that lost to Zagreb over the weekend, which means coach Radomir Dalovic is expected to return to a full-strength lineup, likely resembling the side that secured victory in the decisive leg at Shelbourne.
Predicted lineup: Zlomislic (GK), Devetak, Radeljic, Majstorovic, Orec, Dantas, Petrovic, Fruk, Jankovic, Juric & Ndockyt.
Croatia HNL 10/05/25
W
HNK Sibenik
0
HNK Rijeka
1
Croatia HNL 04/05/25
W
HNK Gorica
1
HNK Rijeka
2
Croatia HNL 27/04/25
L
Dinamo Zagreb
1
HNK Rijeka
0
Croatia HNL 23/04/25
L
NK Osijek
2
HNK Rijeka
0
Croatia HNL 19/04/25
L
Istra 1961
2
HNK Rijeka
0
PAOK preview: Looking to extend their unbeaten run
The Greek giants began their qualifying campaign in the previous qualifying round of the Europa League in a clash against Austrian outfit Wolfsberger. After both legs ended goalless, the contest was decided in extra time by substitute Mady Camara, who netted the only goal of the tie in the 115th minute to send the Thessaloniki side to the playoff round.
PAOK head into this game with only two competitive encounters this season and could again find it difficult to score goals as the players are yet to get into the groove. That said, the visitors have nothing to worry about on the injury front, which means coach Razvan Lucescu should put out his strongest XI, with scorer Camara likely favoured to start ahead of Magomed Ozdoev in midfield.
Predicted lineup: Pavlenka (GK), Baba, Michailidis, Kedziora, Kenny, Meite, Camara, Konstantelias, Ivanusec, Zivkovic & Chalov.
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: Giannis Konstantelias
Giannis Konstantelias has put in some impressive performances in recent months, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists in his last 20 appearances for club and country. The 22-year-old midfielder will be called upon to provide goals on Thursday night.