Greek Super League Play-offs Preview: PAOK

It was a renaissance season for PAOK, but success in the play-offs is still desired as Thessaloniki’s only representatives aim to bring the UEFA Champions League back to Northern Greece next season.

A busy summer transfer period paid off for PAOK; the Thessaloniki giants shocked many en route to a second place finish behind league winners Olympiacos. Despite the achievement, much is still expected of Fernando Santos’ men – especially with the club’s most loyal supporters calling for a long-awaited return to European competition, and speculatively the Champions League.

Challenging for top spot in the Super League, PAOK remained a consistent threat to the Greek crown for most of the season. With an aggressive attack, and stingy defence, PAOK challenged the grip of the traditional trio of top sides – Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, and AEK.

Now comes PAOK’s biggest test, a six-round play-off against their closest rivals for a shot at qualifying for Europe’s most prestigious club competition. Although there is no silverware up for grabs, the Dikefale will feel top spot at the end of the play-offs will be a reward in itself.

No matter their placing in the play-offs, PAOK are guaranteed a return to at least the UEFA Europa League next season. With that token, one of the sides now pushing Greece’s ‘Big Three’ to the limit will return to European competition for the first time since being banned during the 2006/07 season – a punishment inflicted by UEFA after many debts were left unsettled by the club’s former ownership.

Form

Mar 14.  Larissa 0-0 PAOK  (Greek Super League)
Mar 22.  PAOK 2-1 Thrasyoulos (Greek Super League)
Apr 5.  Asteras Tripolis 0-2 PAOK  (Greek Super League)
Apr 12.  Skoda Xanthi 1-2 PAOK  (Greek Super League)
Apr 26.  PAOK 4-1 Panserraikos  (Greek Super League)

Team News

The PAOK camp might be a bit short on strikers after Ilias Anastasakos and Lambros Choutos both missed practice on Friday. Anastasakos is slated to resume training with the club this coming Monday, while Choutos’ fitness is indefinite.

Key Player

Zlatan Muslimovic scored seven goals in his first season in the Greek Super League to lead the team – along with two joint leaders – in scoring. His strength on and off the ball will be a key attribute if PAOK are to stay competitive; meaning the Bosnian will likely play a crucial role in PAOK’s play-off plans. 

Prediction

The season will be a success for PAOK, no matter their result in the play-offs. But with a competitive climate in Thessaloniki, PAOK will be keen to seek first place. Nonetheless, the side might not have enough experience to outlast their rivals in a bid for the top prize.

2nd Place.

Peter Katsiris, Goal.com