Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the UEFA Europa League match.
Galatasaray are on an impressive run in the Turkish Süper Lig, and in the previous round, they triumphed over Fenerbahçe in the Istanbul derby. Likewise, PAOK have been keeping pace by hardly dropping points in the Greek Super League.
Galatasaray
Last Saturday, Galatasaray completely outplayed Fenerbahçe at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium (3:1). The opponents scored their lone goal only when the score was already decisive. Former Napoli players Dries Mertens and Victor Osimhen, who hadn't played together before Turkey, combined brilliantly, with the latter providing a superb assist for the former's goal. This victory allowed Galatasaray to pull five points clear of their two main Istanbul rivals, having scored 20 goals in six matches. Only in European competition have they been halted: Young Boys from Switzerland defeated them twice (3:2, 1:0).
PAOK
In PAOK's Champions League qualifying matches, goals galore were the norm, with an average of 4.25 goals per two rounds. Only one of their four encounters did not hit the total over 3.5. However, in the Greek league and Europa League qualifiers, the Greek side has not delivered such performances, with some matches ending in goalless draws. PAOK have failed to score only once, in a crucial clash with Panathinaikos (0:0). Notably, the team has performed even better away than at home. In five away matches, they have won four and drawn one, scoring two goals or more in four of those matches, including their recent 4:1 win against Volos.
Galatasaray vs PAOK Prediction
Both teams are in excellent form and adept at converting their chances. Although the Greek side remains unbeaten on the road, we wouldn't bet on that continuing. However, we are confident in predicting a high-scoring match. The southern side doesn't do dull, defensive football.
