Last week, PAOK's unbeaten run of seven games came to an end, first with a disappointing away loss to Galatasaray (1:3) followed by a setback against Aris Thessaloniki (0:1). Conversely, FCSB enjoyed a successful Europa League debut, dismantling RFS with a 4:1 victory.
In Istanbul, PAOK performed admirably until Fedor Chalov's substitution, after which the Greeks faltered towards the end. Nevertheless, the team from Thessaloniki did not shy away from a more star-studded opponent, creating 0.92 xG while conceding 2.58 xGA. In the derby against Aris Thessaloniki in the league, PAOK simply lacked finishing precision, despite taking 12 shots with 3 on target, while their neighbours were far more accurate, hitting the woodwork eight times from nine attempts. Notably, since the start of August, the team has seen the total over 2.5 in seven out of their eleven matches.
Domestically, FCSB trail behind leaders Universitatea Cluj, but this has not deterred the Romanian capital side from playing an attacking style. Away from home, they average 2.8 goals per game. Against RFS, the Bucharest team found the net four times by the 69th minute, with Darius Olaru starring in the match with 2+1. FCSB are almost injury-free, meaning they are set to perform at full strength in Greece.
PAOK's more illustrious roster aims to redeem themselves in front of their fans after two defeats, while FCSB will look to extend their scoring streak on the road. Both teams favour an open style of play, so we're betting on the total over 2.5.
