Anderlecht
PAOKBy Babatunde Sowole — Football Expert on European & South American Cups
The opening leg of this Europa League qualifying tie between Anderlecht and PAOK delivered a result that few anticipated. Playing in front of their own supporters, the Greek side somehow conceded within the very first minute and ended up losing 1-0 despite enjoying overwhelming territorial dominance. Yet a packed fixture list and persistent defensive frailties could still deny the Belgian outfit a spot in the playoff round.
Anderlecht’s victory in Thessaloniki owed more to fortune and their opponents’ wastefulness in front of goal than to any tactical masterplan. The visitors managed to score despite generating only 0.8 expected goals (xG). Remarkably, they kept a clean sheet, even though PAOK created chances worth 1.78 xG. The man of the match was goalkeeper Colin Coosemans, who not only launched the lightning-quick attacking move that led to the opening goal inside the first minute but also saved a penalty to preserve the lead.
Despite the positive result, Vitor Bruno’s side cannot afford to stand still. Under pressure from the Greek crowd, young right winger Onia Seke repeatedly gave away possession in simple situations, so the more seasoned Antman is expected to replace him. In defensive midfield, Enric Llansana struggled to cope with the tempo and conceded the penalty, meaning Saliba could take his place in the second leg. Central defenders Biancon and Petro, along with full-back Maamar, also looked shaky and error-prone, but Anderlecht lack equal replacements for them in the squad.
The first leg saw PAOK dominate from start to finish. They controlled 64% of possession, fired 16 shots (three on target), and racked up 1.78 xG. Forward Konstantelias stood out once again, delivering dangerous passes, creating chances, and winning the penalty. However, poor finishing meant they travel to Belgium needing to overturn a deficit.
Unlike Anderlecht, Alessio Lisi’s men had a full week to prepare for the return fixture, allowing them to correct tactical mistakes and recover completely. The key for the visitors will be to pressurise the weary Belgian midfield, especially the defensive pivot. Additionally, the towering Yeremeyev (192 cm) could start up front, using his physical presence to trouble Anderlecht’s error-prone centre-backs. Konstantelias’ ability to find pockets of space between the lines will be decisive as PAOK aim to flip the tie on its head.
Anderlecht (4-3-3): Coosemans – Maamar, Biancon, Petro, N’Diaye – Ambros, Saliba, Kana – Antman, Sikan, Cvetković Unavailable: Kamara, Sardella, Hej, Hatembur (all injured) Head coach: Vitor Bruno
PAOK (4-2-3-1): Pavlenka – Kenny, Khedirakos, Mikhailidis, Jo – Zafeiris, Santamaria – Živković, Konstantelias, Taison – Yeremeyev Unavailable: Despodov, Ali, Meïté (all injured) Head coach: Alessio Lisi
Sozza is considered a mid-tier official in European competition. In eight matches, he has averaged 3.6 yellow cards, showing leniency toward home sides on only one occasion. Players should be cautious inside the box, as this referee has awarded a penalty in every second game he has overseen.
Main pick: PAOK to win at 2.31
The Greek side simply did not deserve to lose the first leg. The underlying statistics – 1.78 xG for PAOK against 0.8 xG for Anderlecht – show that they were the better team. Physical fitness should also play a role: PAOK had a full week to prepare, while the hosts played a gruelling league match against La Louvière (2-1) on August 9, snatching all three points only in the 92nd minute. Vitor Bruno’s men commit too many errors in their own half, and they cannot rely indefinitely on luck, their opponents’ poor finishing, or goalkeeper Coosemans. Adding to the optimism for the visitors is their away win over Dynamo Kyiv (3-2) in the previous Europa League qualifying round. Therefore, backing PAOK to win at odds of 2.31 is the recommended call.
Goal-based pick: Both teams to score – Yes at 1.70
Given the strength of PAOK’s attack and Anderlecht’s fatigue, it is hard to imagine the Greeks failing to find the net for a second consecutive match. After all, PAOK have scored in six of their seven competitive games this season. Yet Anderlecht have also shown they can make the most of limited chances, and they have not left the field without a goal in seven straight matches. That points to both sides getting on the scoresheet, so a wager on “both teams to score – Yes” at 1.70 looks appealing.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Anderlecht4-3-3
PAOK4-2-3-1Anderlecht brought back exactly what they needed from Thessaloniki — a 1-0 win, settled in the first minute. Now they just have to manage that advantage at home. After a few rough seasons, Victor Bruno’s side looks solid: they dispatched Hammarby, won the first leg against PAOK, and opened their league campaign with a victory.
PAOK now have to push forward. A draw or a narrow loss eliminates them, so sitting back isn’t an option. They have quality in attack — Konstantelias has three goals in European qualifying, Živković is dangerous, and Taison adds creativity. But that need to chase the game could backfire. Anderlecht will get space on the break, and one goal at home would make it even harder for the Greeks. The Belgian side doesn’t have to storm forward; they can sit deep and hit quickly. The injury situation also leans toward the hosts — Taha Ali is questionable for PAOK, while Anderlecht have been using a settled lineup in this tournament. Cvetković has scored in both qualifiers and should be the main threat again. I expect a pragmatic but confident performance from Anderlecht, and with the first-leg lead, home support, and good form, backing the hosts with a handicap of 0 at 2.08 makes sense.
After losing the first leg at home 0-1, PAOK has no choice but to push forward aggressively in Brussels. That attacking urgency will naturally open up space for Anderlecht's counter-attacks. Even though the Greeks dominated the first match with 68% possession and 16 shots to 4, they couldn't convert. I expect them to be even more relentless in front of goal this time around.
Both teams play attacking football, with Anderlecht averaging 1.75 goals per match this season and PAOK close behind at 1.67. The visitors consistently create chances, posting an xG of 2.02 per game, while the hosts know how to deliver in key moments. Straight match outcomes feel too risky without a clear favorite, so I'm backing both teams to find the net.
Anderlecht looked sharp in the first leg and showed exactly why they can be trusted to handle this tie. With home advantage and that level of performance still fresh, I see them getting the job done again. The 2.81 price on a home win is solid value, so I’m backing the Belgians to beat PAOK once more.
PAOK will open the scoring against Anderlecht today — that much is clear. The match is set up to play out that way, so the away side takes it.
PAOK are the play here. I’m backing them to win at Anderlecht, and the 2.35 price makes it a strong value call. They have the quality to dictate the game and put this one away on the scoreboard.
Anderlecht and PAOK in the Europa League could be a tight affair, and I'm not convinced we'll see a flurry of goals. But when it comes to corners, there's no doubt in my mind — they'll rack up enough to clear the 8.5 mark. The match dynamics point to plenty of set-piece opportunities, even if the scoreline stays low. Over 8.5 corners at 1.56 is the call.
Anderlecht and PAOK meet in the Europa League, and I’m looking at the yellow cards market. Both sides are known for their physical approach, so I expect a fair number of fouls and bookings. The line of over 4.5 total cards looks well within reach here.
Given the intensity of European competition and the refereeing style in this tournament, I’m backing the total to go over 4.5 at 1.80. It’s a solid bet based on the teams’ tendencies.
PAOK are on a strong scoring run, and I don’t see that stopping against Anderlecht. The Greek side have netted at least twice in their last four matches, showing real consistency in attack. With that kind of form, backing them to score over 1.5 goals feels like the smart play. The odds of 2.19 offer solid value for a bet that aligns perfectly with their current momentum.
Both teams are evenly matched, so a draw is the most logical outcome for this one. I'm backing the X at 3.48.
PAOK have the tools to be sharp in attack and I see them scoring twice without reply against Anderlecht on the road. The visitors' quality in the final third should be enough to secure a clean win here.
Anderlecht are taking this one at home, and I like their chances to get the job done. The hosts have enough quality to edge out PAOK and grab the win here.
Anderlecht are at home and clearly the stronger side in this pairing. I’m backing them to get the win here.
Anderlecht and PAOK meet in the Europa League, and the draw at 3.40 is the play I'm locking in. This result has strong backing from the sharpest minds, and I'm right there with them.
This Europa League clash between Anderlecht and PAOK is shaping up to be a real scrap, and the direction is genuinely unpredictable. That's why I'm backing over 2.5 goals — the match has all the ingredients for an open, high-scoring affair.
Anderlecht hosting PAOK in the Europa League – a spot where the home side can avoid defeat. I'm backing the double chance 1X at 1.61, as they should be good enough to grab at least a point.
Anderlecht at home in Brussels is a completely different animal. They press from the opening whistle, and this season their attacking output at the Lotto Park has been relentless—averaging well over two goals per game across domestic and European fixtures. The wide play and set-piece execution are their primary weapons, and with a full stadium behind them, they turn every home match into a constant chance-creation machine.
PAOK has no choice but to go for goals here, which means they’ll have to push forward and leave gaps behind. For Anderlecht’s fast, well-drilled counterattack, that’s an open invitation. I’m confident the hosts will exploit every turnover and find the net. PAOK simply can’t keep a clean sheet away from home in their current form. That’s why I’m backing Anderlecht to score over 1 goal at 1.71—a smart play with a guaranteed push at worst and a strong chance of a full win.
Anderlecht and PAOK should produce plenty of attacking intent in this Europa League clash, and that almost always means a busy afternoon for the corner flag. I'm backing the total to clear 9.5 corners at 1.94 — the numbers line up with the type of open, back-and-forth match I expect.
Anderlecht won the first leg 1-0, so they have a comfortable cushion heading into this home match. I don't expect them to take any unnecessary risks, which makes me confident they'll secure the result and protect their lead. A home win at 3.00 is the play here.
A draw is the most likely outcome here. Anderlecht and PAOK meet in the Europa League on August 13, and I see both sides cancelling each other out. The odds of 3.46 offer solid value for a stalemate.
Anderlecht to qualify at 1.36 is a solid pick here. I see this as one of the most straightforward outcomes on the board.
Anderlecht’s team total over 1 goal is the play here. Based on their rating and home form, they’re no weaker than PAOK, and I expect them to get the job done at 1.71.
I'm backing both teams to score in this Europa League match—that's the play here. I also expect a victory.
The Europa League meeting between Anderlecht and PAOK is set to be a goal-filled affair. I'm taking the Over 3.5 at 3.00 — four or more goals are on the cards.
Anderlecht are the stronger team here and should be able to dictate the game against PAOK. Even on home soil, I back them to get the job done, and at 3.00, the price offers solid value for a win I see as the most likely outcome.
PAOK to advance past Anderlecht in the Europa League qualifiers is the clear pick here. The Greek side is simply the better team in this tie, and I expect them to prove it on the pitch. With the odds sitting at 2.89, there's serious value on the visitors to get the job done.
Anderlecht might have home advantage, but PAOK have the quality and experience to handle the pressure. I'm backing them to win this matchup and move on to the next round.
Anderlecht at home have to win this and advance. They have every chance to get the job done.
Anderlecht and PAOK meet in a Europa League clash, and I’m backing the visitors to snatch a crucial win that forces extra time. The Greek side has the quality to edge this one on the road, and at odds of 2.31, the value is firmly on a PAOK victory.
PAOK lost the first leg 0-1, but they were the far superior side. I expect them to make that dominance count in the return leg and overturn the deficit.
Anderlecht will manage this match based on the result from the first leg. That approach typically leads to a tight, low-scoring affair, so I'm backing under 2.5 goals here.
PAOK are coming off a loss, and I don't see them dropping two in a row. They have the quality to get a result here, and at these odds, backing the away win makes sense.
Anderlecht host PAOK in the Europa League on August 13, and I expect a high-scoring affair. Both sides have the firepower to find the net multiple times, and the odds of 3.00 on Over 3.5 goals look too good to pass up. This one’s going to deliver goals.
The first half of this Europa League clash between Anderlecht and PAOK is set to be an open, high-scoring affair. I'm backing the over 1.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes at a strong 2.63 price. The match should kick off with plenty of intensity, leading to early goals.
Anderlecht looked sharp in the first leg and showed exactly why they can be trusted to handle this tie. With home advantage and that level of performance still fresh, I see them getting the job done again. The 2.81 price on a home win is solid value, so I’m backing the Belgians to beat PAOK once more.
PAOK will open the scoring against Anderlecht today — that much is clear. The match is set up to play out that way, so the away side takes it.
PAOK are the play here. I’m backing them to win at Anderlecht, and the 2.35 price makes it a strong value call. They have the quality to dictate the game and put this one away on the scoreboard.
Both teams are evenly matched, so a draw is the most logical outcome for this one. I'm backing the X at 3.48.
PAOK have the tools to be sharp in attack and I see them scoring twice without reply against Anderlecht on the road. The visitors' quality in the final third should be enough to secure a clean win here.
Anderlecht are taking this one at home, and I like their chances to get the job done. The hosts have enough quality to edge out PAOK and grab the win here.
Anderlecht are at home and clearly the stronger side in this pairing. I’m backing them to get the win here.
Anderlecht and PAOK meet in the Europa League, and the draw at 3.40 is the play I'm locking in. This result has strong backing from the sharpest minds, and I'm right there with them.
Anderlecht won the first leg 1-0, so they have a comfortable cushion heading into this home match. I don't expect them to take any unnecessary risks, which makes me confident they'll secure the result and protect their lead. A home win at 3.00 is the play here.
A draw is the most likely outcome here. Anderlecht and PAOK meet in the Europa League on August 13, and I see both sides cancelling each other out. The odds of 3.46 offer solid value for a stalemate.
Anderlecht are the stronger team here and should be able to dictate the game against PAOK. Even on home soil, I back them to get the job done, and at 3.00, the price offers solid value for a win I see as the most likely outcome.
Anderlecht at home have to win this and advance. They have every chance to get the job done.
Anderlecht and PAOK meet in a Europa League clash, and I’m backing the visitors to snatch a crucial win that forces extra time. The Greek side has the quality to edge this one on the road, and at odds of 2.31, the value is firmly on a PAOK victory.
PAOK lost the first leg 0-1, but they were the far superior side. I expect them to make that dominance count in the return leg and overturn the deficit.
PAOK are coming off a loss, and I don't see them dropping two in a row. They have the quality to get a result here, and at these odds, backing the away win makes sense.
Anderlecht hosting PAOK in the Europa League – a spot where the home side can avoid defeat. I'm backing the double chance 1X at 1.61, as they should be good enough to grab at least a point.
Anderlecht and PAOK in the Europa League could be a tight affair, and I'm not convinced we'll see a flurry of goals. But when it comes to corners, there's no doubt in my mind — they'll rack up enough to clear the 8.5 mark. The match dynamics point to plenty of set-piece opportunities, even if the scoreline stays low. Over 8.5 corners at 1.56 is the call.
PAOK are on a strong scoring run, and I don’t see that stopping against Anderlecht. The Greek side have netted at least twice in their last four matches, showing real consistency in attack. With that kind of form, backing them to score over 1.5 goals feels like the smart play. The odds of 2.19 offer solid value for a bet that aligns perfectly with their current momentum.
This Europa League clash between Anderlecht and PAOK is shaping up to be a real scrap, and the direction is genuinely unpredictable. That's why I'm backing over 2.5 goals — the match has all the ingredients for an open, high-scoring affair.
Anderlecht at home in Brussels is a completely different animal. They press from the opening whistle, and this season their attacking output at the Lotto Park has been relentless—averaging well over two goals per game across domestic and European fixtures. The wide play and set-piece execution are their primary weapons, and with a full stadium behind them, they turn every home match into a constant chance-creation machine.
PAOK has no choice but to go for goals here, which means they’ll have to push forward and leave gaps behind. For Anderlecht’s fast, well-drilled counterattack, that’s an open invitation. I’m confident the hosts will exploit every turnover and find the net. PAOK simply can’t keep a clean sheet away from home in their current form. That’s why I’m backing Anderlecht to score over 1 goal at 1.71—a smart play with a guaranteed push at worst and a strong chance of a full win.
Anderlecht and PAOK should produce plenty of attacking intent in this Europa League clash, and that almost always means a busy afternoon for the corner flag. I'm backing the total to clear 9.5 corners at 1.94 — the numbers line up with the type of open, back-and-forth match I expect.
Anderlecht’s team total over 1 goal is the play here. Based on their rating and home form, they’re no weaker than PAOK, and I expect them to get the job done at 1.71.
The Europa League meeting between Anderlecht and PAOK is set to be a goal-filled affair. I'm taking the Over 3.5 at 3.00 — four or more goals are on the cards.
Anderlecht host PAOK in the Europa League on August 13, and I expect a high-scoring affair. Both sides have the firepower to find the net multiple times, and the odds of 3.00 on Over 3.5 goals look too good to pass up. This one’s going to deliver goals.
The first half of this Europa League clash between Anderlecht and PAOK is set to be an open, high-scoring affair. I'm backing the over 1.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes at a strong 2.63 price. The match should kick off with plenty of intensity, leading to early goals.
Anderlecht will manage this match based on the result from the first leg. That approach typically leads to a tight, low-scoring affair, so I'm backing under 2.5 goals here.
Anderlecht brought back exactly what they needed from Thessaloniki — a 1-0 win, settled in the first minute. Now they just have to manage that advantage at home. After a few rough seasons, Victor Bruno’s side looks solid: they dispatched Hammarby, won the first leg against PAOK, and opened their league campaign with a victory.
PAOK now have to push forward. A draw or a narrow loss eliminates them, so sitting back isn’t an option. They have quality in attack — Konstantelias has three goals in European qualifying, Živković is dangerous, and Taison adds creativity. But that need to chase the game could backfire. Anderlecht will get space on the break, and one goal at home would make it even harder for the Greeks. The Belgian side doesn’t have to storm forward; they can sit deep and hit quickly. The injury situation also leans toward the hosts — Taha Ali is questionable for PAOK, while Anderlecht have been using a settled lineup in this tournament. Cvetković has scored in both qualifiers and should be the main threat again. I expect a pragmatic but confident performance from Anderlecht, and with the first-leg lead, home support, and good form, backing the hosts with a handicap of 0 at 2.08 makes sense.
After losing the first leg at home 0-1, PAOK has no choice but to push forward aggressively in Brussels. That attacking urgency will naturally open up space for Anderlecht's counter-attacks. Even though the Greeks dominated the first match with 68% possession and 16 shots to 4, they couldn't convert. I expect them to be even more relentless in front of goal this time around.
Both teams play attacking football, with Anderlecht averaging 1.75 goals per match this season and PAOK close behind at 1.67. The visitors consistently create chances, posting an xG of 2.02 per game, while the hosts know how to deliver in key moments. Straight match outcomes feel too risky without a clear favorite, so I'm backing both teams to find the net.
I'm backing both teams to score in this Europa League match—that's the play here. I also expect a victory.
Anderlecht and PAOK meet in the Europa League, and I’m looking at the yellow cards market. Both sides are known for their physical approach, so I expect a fair number of fouls and bookings. The line of over 4.5 total cards looks well within reach here.
Given the intensity of European competition and the refereeing style in this tournament, I’m backing the total to go over 4.5 at 1.80. It’s a solid bet based on the teams’ tendencies.
The match is scheduled for 13 August 2026 at 19:30 CET, with Anderlecht as the home team in the Europa League second leg.
The recommended pick is PAOK to win at odds of 2.31, based on their dominance in the first leg and Anderlecht's defensive vulnerabilities.
PAOK are seen as the likely winners despite trailing 1-0, as they generated 1.78 xG to Anderlecht's 0.8 xG and had a full week to prepare.
Yes, Anderlecht are without Kamara, Sardella, Hej, and Hatembur due to injury, while PAOK miss Despodov, Ali, and Meïté.
Both teams to score – Yes at 1.70 is advised, as PAOK have scored in six of seven competitive games this season and Anderlecht have scored in seven straight matches.
Italian referee Simone Sozza will officiate. He averages 3.6 yellow cards per match and has awarded a penalty in every second game, so players must be cautious in the box.