Galatasaray vs PAOK Prediction 25 Sep 2024

⚽ Europa League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 25 Sep 2024

⏰ 20:00 GMT +1

🏟 Rams Park (Istanbul)

Galatasaray will aim to carry their impressive domestic form into the UEFA Europa League, having just triumphed 3-1 in the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahçe. This victory kept their perfect Süper Lig record intact with six straight wins. Coach Okan Buruk believes this result highlights his team's ability to perform on the big stage. However, their recent European form is less promising, with only one win from their last eight outings (D1, L6). Their focus will be on avoiding disciplinary issues after receiving red cards in both legs of their UEFA Champions League play-off elimination by Young Boys.

PAOK come into this game with a strong unbeaten record against Turkish opposition (W2, D1), providing them with a confidence boost. They’re also in great domestic form, sitting atop the Greek Super League after an unbeaten five-game start (W4, D1). Their latest result, a 4-1 win over Volos, was praised by manager Răzvan Lucescu for its style. PAOK's European journey began with a setback in the UCL against Malmö but they recovered strongly by thrashing Shamrock Rovers 6-0 on aggregate to book their place in the Europa League group stage.

Where to watch Galatasaray vs PAOK?

📺 Link to watch Galatasaray vs PAOK Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

• Dries Mertens (Galatasaray): The Belgian forward has netted in three games this season, contributing to 19 consecutive club victories when he scores.
• Dominik Kotarski (PAOK): Described by his coach as “the best goalkeeper in Greece,” Kotarski has kept four clean sheets in his last six matches, conceding just two goals.

⚡️Match Facts:

• Galatasaray have won just one of their last eight European matches.
• PAOK are unbeaten in three matches against Turkish opposition (W2, D1).
• Six of PAOK's last nine games have seen 3+ goals scored.

💡 Galatasaray vs PAOK Prediction

Galatasaray's home advantage and attacking firepower, combined with PAOK's solid defensive form, make this a balanced encounter. Expect a competitive clash, but Galatasaray’s experience and firepower could lead them to a narrow 2-1 victory.

Galatasaray vs PAOK Betting Tips

• Over 2.5 goals
• Both teams to score
• Galatasaray to win