PAOK vs Aberdeen predictions: Dons capable of making their mark

Ian Wilkerson
Spotlight
Barry Robson's Aberdeen face another tough European test against PAOK
Barry Robson's Aberdeen face another tough European test against PAOK

- Both teams have scored in all five of Aberdeen’s Euro games this season 
- PAOK have won seven and drawn one of their last eight at home
- Recommended bet: PAOK to win and both teams to score

Aberdeen suffered heartbreak in their last Europa Conference League game against PAOK and they head to Greece desperate to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

Barry Robson’s Dons were 2-0 up against the team from Salonika and in great shape to win their first match in the group a fortnight ago, but it was taken from them as the visitors bounced back to win with a penalty six minutes into injury-time.

It will not be easy in the return clash, however, as PAOK have a strong home record, but Aberdeen have won four of their last five domestic matches so will not be without hope.

Team news

PAOK will be assessing midfielder Marcos Antonio, striker Ally Samatta and skipper Vieirinha before Thursday’s game.

The Dons will be without midfielder Shayden Morris and defender James McGarry, both of whom have hamstring injuries.

The stats

PAOK have won seven and drawn one of their last eight home matches.

The Greek side have scored at least twice in seven of their last eight games at home.

Both teams have scored in all five of Aberdeen’s European matches this season.

Aberdeen have scored 10 goals in their last five away games.

The Dons' 1-0 win at Hibs ended a run of nine away matches without a clean sheet.

Prediction

The nature of their defeat to PAOK in their last Europa Conference League game will stick in the craw for Aberdeen as they missed a great opportunity to put themselves in the frame to reach the knockout stages of the continent's third-tier competition.

One point from their three games leaves the Dons with a mountain to climb to extend their European campaign, but they will approach their trip to Greece in a positive manner, even if they end up coming just short again against the same opponents.

Robson’s side have won four of their last five domestic games, which has helped them steady the ship in the Scottish Premiership.

This is a difficult assignment as PAOK have failed to win just one of their last eight games on their own patch, but the nature of the tie and Aberdeen’s recent form suggests we could see an entertaining game.

Both sides could score, but it is the home team who seem more likely come out on top.

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Tags

AberdeenPAOK Thessaloniki FCEuropa Conference League