Granada vs PAOK predictions and match preview for Thursday’s game in the UEFA Europa League. Read on for analysis as Diego Martinez’s side look to make it two wins from two in the competition.
- DATE: Thursday 29th October 2020
- KICK-OFF: 21:00 (local time)
- VENUE: Los Carmenes
- COMPETITION: UEFA Europa League (Group Stage)
Granada vs PAOK Preview
The latest challenge for a Granada side that has made a terrific start to this season, sees them play their first home game in the UEFA Europa League group stage on Thursday. The opposition comes from PAOK, a resurgent force in Greek football having won their domestic title for only the third time in 2018/19, followed by a 2nd place finish last term.
It’s a test that Granada will approach full of confidence. They’ve won their last three games, all of which were tough fixtures. They followed an Andalusian derby win over Sevilla with an outstanding 2-1 win in the Netherlands against PSV in this competition. That result really gives them a very strong base from which to build in this group and they’ll already feel like they’ll have one foot in the knockout stage if they can record another win here.
Another really encouraging sign for Diego Martinez’s team was their ability to go again three days on from that win in Eindhoven. They avoided a European hangover by winning 1-0 in another difficult away game at Getafe with Angel Montoro’s penalty settling the match in their favour.
PAOK will be out to burst Granada’s bubble here. They’ve a slight advantage in that they haven’t played since their first group game – a 1-1 draw at home to Cypriot club Omonia. That was a poor result for Abel Ferreira’s side who largely dominated the game but couldn’t find a winning goal.
The Greeks certainly should not be underestimated though. They’ve already shown their qualities this season in Europe by knocking both Besiktas and Benfica out of the Champions League in the qualifying rounds. They were ultimately edged out by Russian club Krasnodar in the Play-Off round, their only defeats so far this season with PAOK currently unbeaten in their domestic league.
Head to Head
- The sides have never previously met.
Granada vs PAOK Predictions
Score Prediction: Granada 1-0 PAOK
This is another genuine test for Granada in what isn’t an easy group. They are starting to look like a really good side though with their summer recruitment pushing them onto another level following a season in which even the most ardent Granada supporter would probably accept they overachieved. Both sides are pretty solid defensively so there’s not likely to be many goals in this but the Andalusians may just have the edge.
UEFA Europa League Betting Tips (18+)
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Read our latest Champions League & Europa League match previews.
