PAOK vs Anderlecht prediction
PAOK
The Greek side is entering the new season with a change at the helm. Rizvan Lucescu has moved on, and in his place, Alessio Lishi has stepped up, following a tumultuous time at Pamplona, nearly relegating with Osasuna (17th place finish). Over the summer, the team overhauled its defense, bidding farewell to the seasoned Kendzera and Dejan Lovren. In their stead, highly experienced Elustondo (Sociedad) and Hatzidiakos (Copenhagen) have been brought in, ensuring no doubts about the strength of their backline. Under their Italian coach, the team confidently overcame Kiev's Dynamo in the first round of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers (3-2, 2-0). The driving force behind this success was Giannis Konstantelias, who netted an impressive 3+1 in two matches against the Ukrainian outfit. Hosting Anderlecht on the roaring Tumba home turf, the Greeks are expected to take the initiative. With the attacking prowess and speed of their frontline, and the fervent support of their fans, they have what it takes to break down Anderlecht's defense, weakened by the loss of key defenders.
Anderlecht
This season, the Brussels squad is also under new management with young Portuguese Vítor Bruno at the helm. He's got a challenging task on his hands, as the team hasn't seen significant reinforcements in the transfer market, primarily offloading to ease the wage bill. Departures include De Cat, Simic, Goto, and Thorgan Hazard. Compounding their situation, before facing PAOK, they've been hit by defensive woes: both right flanks, Ilay Kamara and Killian Sardella, are sidelined due to injuries, with center-back Hey and holding midfielder Hatenbour still in the recovery room. The weakened and exposed flanks of Anderlecht's defense could become the perfect target for Konstantelias and his companions. In the previous round of UEFA Europa League qualifiers, they edged past Hammarby through experience and fervent home performances (3-1, 1-1), but facing a far more seasoned European contender like PAOK, amidst Anderlecht's lineup changes, is bound to be a tougher test. Notably, their defense conceded against Swedish opponents, and now they're up against even stiffer competition.
Prediction
There's a strong likelihood that the Tumba could witness not only a victory but also two goals from the home side. Anderlecht's defensive frailties, compounded by crucial player absences, can't be ignored, hinting such an outcome. The summer's lack of decisive reinforcements and the sale of pivotal players have left Vítor Bruno's squad all the more vulnerable on the European stage. Meanwhile, PAOK's experience and fervent home supporters could see them replicate the firepower they demonstrated against Kiev. The Belgians conceded in two consecutive games to the relatively modest Hammarby, not to mention that Tyson, Konstantelias, and co. pose an even greater threat. I foresee that the dark-and-whites will find the net at least twice in their third successive home game.
Anderlecht's challenges could be laid bare, with their reshuffled lineup, defensive gaps, and the pressure of playing in PAOK's fervent arena. PAOK has been prolific in pre-season, carrying that momentum into their matches against Dynamo Kiev. Anderlecht in their current state is unlikely to offer more resistance than the Ukrainians did.
