PAOKvs.Slavia Prague

After failing to win any of their opening four matches in the competition, managing just one draw and three defeats, Aspromavri have now turned the tide with back-to-back victories.

Match preview

Despite securing a 2-0 triumph away to Rigas Futbola Skola on matchday five, PAOK remained in the drop zone, but a dominant 5-0 demolition of Ferencvaros at the Toumbas propelled them into the playoff places.

With seven points to their name, Aspromavri sit 22nd in the standings, edging 25th-placed Braga on goal difference, while trailing the automatic qualification spots by four points.

Determined to strengthen their bid for a knockout phase berth, PAOK know that winning their remaining fixtures could secure a top-eight finish, and with three victories in their last four home games against Czech opponents, they head into Wednesday's clash with confidence.

Should they claim victory, the Greek giants would register three consecutive Europa League wins for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign, when they twice defeated Shamrock Rovers before overcoming Tottenham Hotspur.

Razvan Lucescu's side are coming off a goalless draw against Aris Thessaloniki on Sunday, a result that leaves them fourth in the Greek Super League standings.

While PAOK are finding their rhythm in Europa, Slavia Prague have endured a nightmare run, losing their last four matches.

The Czech outfit made a strong start, opening their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Ludogorets before holding Ajax to a 1-1 draw, which left them in a promising position with four points from two games.

However, that tally has remained unchanged since, with their next run of fixtures seeing them fall narrowly to Athletic Bilbao, Eintracht Frankfurt and Fenerbahce before suffering a disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Anderlecht.

That result sealed their worst-ever streak in major European competition, while leaving them 29th in the standings, three points adrift of the playoff places.

Slavia arrive for Wednesday's encounter off the back of a 1-0 friendly victory over Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union, though their last competitive outing ended in a 1-0 league defeat to Teplice in mid-December.

PAOK Europa League form:

L

L

D

L

W

W

PAOK form (all competitions):

W

W

W

L

L

D

Slavia Prague Europa League form:

W

D

L

L

L

L

Slavia Prague form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

L

L

Team News

Midfielder Mohamed Mady Camara is suspended for Wednesday after exceeding the yellow card threshold against Ferencvaros.

The hosts have several players dealing with fitness concerns, including Tiemoue Bakayoko (bruise), Andrija Zivkovic (knee), Jonathan Gomez (illness), Omar Colley (ribs), Thomas Murg (illness) and Dejan Loveren (ankle).

Aside from injuries, Gomez, Murg and Loveren are also ineligible for the group stage, alongside Vieirinha and Mbwana Samatta, as they were not registered.

For that same reason, Ondrej Kolar, Alexandr Buzek, Petr Sevcik and Lukas Masopust are also unavailable for Slavia.

Meanwhile, long-term absentees Jindrich Stanek (shoulder), Lukas Vorlicky (muscle) and Tomas Vlcek (knee) remain sidelined for Wednesday's clash.

PAOK possible starting lineup:

Kotarski; Jonny, Kedziora, Michailidis, Baba; Ozdoev, Schwab; Despodov, Konstantelias, Taison; Tissoudali

Slavia Prague possible starting lineup:

Kinsky; Boril, Ogbu, Holes; Diouf, Michez, Zafeiris, Doudera; Pech, Chytil, Chory

We say: PAOK 2-1 Slavia Prague

PAOK's recent resurgence in the Europa League, with back-to-back wins and seven goals scored without conceding, gives them the upper hand over visitors on a four-match losing streak.

Written by

Adeyeye Oluwapelumi

Previews by email