PAOK vs Panathinaikos Match Preview

PAOK comes from a big win over city rivals Aris in the previous round of the Greek Super League playoffs. Pablo Gracias' smart defensive tactic was efective and led his team to victory. Aris has always been struggling to control the opponent's pressure in such defensive approaches and that's where PAOK's manager took advantage hitting them on the break and secured rather easily all three points. Crespo is the only, but crucial, missing for the hosts. He will not be available for the next three weeks due to injury. 

Panathinaikos, on the other hand, has a different approach since the arrival of Lazlo Boszloni on their bench. His main tactic is to play rather defensively and if his team opens the scoreline he tries just to keep the lead till the final whistle. His attacking plan is very weak, based mostly on his players' individual talent, something that we've seen recently in the match against AEK who dominated the whole second half of the game and deservedly scored the equalizer in the dying minutes of the game. After this outcome, things will be very difficult for Panathinaikos to reach a European spot.

PAOK has a clear advantage in the table and will probably get the European ticket. On Thursday, they will face AEK for the 2nd leg of the Greek Cup semi finals. Manager Garcia may do a kind of rotation here, giving rest to some key players for the upcoming match. Actually, this is the last chance for Panathinaikos to reach the top-four spots. The away side will take my vote here, more specifically Panathinaikos to hold the +1,5 Asian Handicap.