FC Krasnodar vs PAOK Predictions and Betting Tips
It's already getting heated in the UCL qualification stage with the first leg of the playoffs round set to go underway on Tuesday. Our focus for this one is the Krasnodar Stadium as FC Krasnodar host PAOK in a highly-promising affair. Which side will move a step closer to the UCL group stage with a positive result on Tuesday night?
The last meeting between these two sides was in the UEFA Europa League 2015 group stage in which Krasnodar emerged 2-1 winners against the Greek outfit.
Feisty encounter on the cards
FC Krasnodar head into this game bidding to make it through to the group stage of the UCL for the first time in their history. They haven't really impressed domestically with the team currently occupying 7th place after seven round of fixtures. However, the Krasnodar faithful can take solace from the fact that they're unbeaten at home this season. Will they be able to carry-forward that same energy?
PAOK did well to best SL Benfica in the previous round in a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Abel Fereira and his troops took very advantage of home advantage as they commanded the game right from the first minute. With their dominance, they were awarded a goal in the 63rd minute as Vertonghen put the ball in his own net. With 15 minutes of play left, Zivkovic doubled his side's lead at the expense of his former employers. Rafa Silva pulled one back for the Portuguese outfit but it wasn't to be as the Greek outfit progressed.
Krasnodar vs PAOK Team News
Krasnodar possible starting XI
Safonov; Ramirez, Petrov, Pantalean, Martynovich; Vilhena, Wanderson; Cabella, Olsson, Claesson; Berg
POAK possible starting XI
Zivkovic; Ingason, Varela, Michailidis; Giannoulis, El Kaddouri, Schwaab, Angel; Pelkas; Akpom, Tzolis
Krasnodar vs PAOK Prediction: 1-1
Home advantage is expected to give Krasnodar a slight edge for this game. They would also be heading into this game off the back of a 3-0 win in their previous game. However, PAOK will be a lot more confident they can nick it given their performance against Benfica. As a result, we expect them to take a draw back to Grecce in what we anticipate to be a tight game
