Match: Europa League
Fixture: PAOK Thessaloniki vs Rijeka
Local Kick-off Time: August 28th at 20:30
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Handicap Prediction:
Asian Handicap: PAOK Thessaloniki -1
European Handicap: Home Win
Predicted Scores: 2-0, 2-1, 3-1
Predicted Total Goals: 2, 3, 4
Comprehensive Analysis:
PAOK Thessaloniki secured a 1-0 home win over Larissa in their opening Super League Greece match last round, claiming all three points and starting the league with a victory. Last season, the team finished 4th in the regular league—an average performance. This season, they have made targeted signings to strengthen their squad, and their overall paper strength is solid. In the first leg of the Europa League play-off, they lost 0-1 away to Rijeka, but with only a one-goal deficit, they have a good chance of turning the tie around at home.
Rijeka lost 1-2 at home to Varazdin in their last league match, failing to pick up points. Undoubtedly, the team was distracted by preparations for this Europa League play-off. In terms of recent form, they have recorded 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses in the first 4 league games, and only 3 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses in their last 10 official matches—showing mediocre form and results. Although they hold a one-goal advantage heading into this away game, facing a Greek side on their home turf will make it much harder for Rijeka to leave with a positive result.
Summary:
Looking at the changes in the Asian Handicap, the home team has a significant advantage. The initial line offered PAOK Thessaloniki -1 with medium to high odds, and the odds have now dropped to a low level. Compared to the first leg, PAOK Thessaloniki is highly favored in this match. Considering the home team’s stronger overall strength, their one-goal deficit in the first leg, and their excellent home form (7 wins and 1 draw in their last 8 home games across all competitions), while Rijeka has mediocre recent form (only 1 win in the first 4 league games and a 30% win rate in their last 10 official matches), it will be no easy task for Rijeka to earn points away. Therefore, this match is expected to see PAOK Thessaloniki win and reverse the tie.
