PAOK vs Benfica Predictions and Betting Tips

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PAOK and Benfica battle it out for a place in the playoffs round of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Both teams clash in Greece for this highly promising third qualifying round encounter. With a spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage up for grabs, which side will push themselves further to achieve that goal?

Abel Ferreira and his troops failed to defend their league title as they conceded the 2019/2020 Greek Super League to Olympiakos. However, they are keen on correcting that anomaly as they ran out 3-1 winners in their first competitive match since the conclusion of the 19/20 season. They bested Besiktas in the second round of the UCL qualification stage with a fine display on the day.

PAOK have appeared in the UEFA Europa League a few times but have failed to reach the Champions League group stage in their illustrious history. For them to achieve this, they have to get past Portuguese giants Benfica and one more team in a doubleheader playoff. Will the side be able to achieve this feat?

Benfica, just like their opponents, also failed to defend the league title as Porto ran out league winners. This means that the side would have to pass through the rigorous qualification stages if they're to book a spot among Europe's top clubs this upcoming season.

Following the club-friendly wins against Bournemouth, Braga, and Stade Rennes, the two-time Champions League winners will be heading into this game with a fully fit squad. Now it is left to see whether they would carry over that same momentum into Tuesday's game

Both teams have clashed in Europe four times with the Portuguese giants coming out atop on three occasions with the last game ending in a draw. Will they be able to stretch that record to four wins from five games?

PAOK possible starting XI:

Zivkovic; Rodrigo, Ingasson, Varela, Michailidis; Pelkas, EL Kaddouri, Schwab, Giannoulis; Akpom, Tzolis

Benfica possible starting XI:

Vlachomidis; Grimaldo, Dias, Vertonghen, Almeida; Weigl, Pizzi; Rafa, Everton, Pedrinho; Seferovic

PAOK vs Benfica prediction: 1-2

Both sides are heading into this game in impressive form given their recent exploits. However, PAOK, although are playing this game on home soil, don't have the quality to upset this well-rounded Benfica outfit. As a result, we expect the Portuguese giants to progress further to the playoffs round.