Aberdeen host Greek side, PAOK, on Thursday at the Pittodrie Stadium. The visitors are the favorites to win the tie, but for the Scottish side, this game is a must win.
Aberdeen
The Dons started the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season in quite poor form, yet they have turned that around in recent weeks and the 3-1 away win versus Rangers will give the side a huge boost in confidence. Aberdeen's strong point is their defending, as they have only conceded ten goals in eight matches, however their approach may be a little too safe as their attacking output is limited.
Aberdeen picked up their first point in Group G last time out, drawing 1-1 at home to HJK. The hosts dominated the tie but they were unable to convert the chances created, yet they did show great character to bounce back from going a goal behind. The Scottish side sit bottom of the group.
PAOK
Razvan Lucescu's team are second in the Greek top flight after eight games. PAOK have won five games and they have lost once, seven matches ago. Much like Aberdeen, they have been extremely solid at the back this season, conceding just five goals, but they also have plenty of attacking intent, scoring 15 times. The side doesn't seem to have a clear source of goals in the form of an individual, but they can score from all over the field.
We have witnessed this in Group G and PAOK sit at the top of the table with a 100% win record. The first match was a 3-2 victory on the road to HJK and they most recently beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 at home, with Konstantinos Koulierakis scoring a last minute winner.
Verdict?
PAOK will look to continue their winning streak and as long as they do not become complacent, they should just edge Aberdeen. The hosts must win however and that will serve as additional motivation.
The final prediction is Aberdeen 0-1 PAOK.
