PAOK vs Anderlecht prediction 06.08.2026 | Europa League

PAOK come into Thursday’s clash after an impressive second qualifying round victory against Dynamo Kyiv.

Goals from Giannis Konstantelias, Christos Zafeiris and Ivan Santamaria secured a 3:2 first-leg victory in neutral Poland. PAOK finished the job with a 2:0 home win at Toumba Stadium, securing a 5:2 aggregate success. 

Giannis Konstantelias was again instrumental, bagging a brace with goals in the 45th and 48th minutes.

The Greek side endured a tough end to last season’s campaign, with only one win recorded in their final eight fixtures. However, Alessio Lishi’s have picked up some form in pre-season with three wins from four games before their back-to-back wins against Dynamo. 

PAOK did perform well in Europe last season, reaching the knockout phase of the Europa League before a 3:1 aggregate defeat against Celta Vigo.

Head coach Lishi has several injury concerns ahead of Thursday’s first leg in Thessaloniki.

Kiril Despodov remains sidelined with a toe injury, while Taha Ali is unavailable because of a shoulder problem. Soualiho Meite is also ruled out with a hip issue, and Fedor Chalov remains absent with a meniscus injury.

Anderlecht make the trip to Greece after coming through a tough tie against Hammarby.

The Belgian side were held to a 1:1 draw in Sweden in the first leg before claiming a 3:1 victory in Brussels to secure a 4:2 aggregate victory. 

Late goals from Mihajlo Cvetkovic in the 81st minute and Tristan Degreef in the 89th minute settled the tie for Vitor Bruno’s side.

Last week’s victory should lift confidence before Thursday’s trip to Toumba Stadium, but this looks like a tougher assignment against a PAOK side that impressed against Dynamo Kyiv.

A poor recent road record in European competitions is a cause for concern, though. Anderlecht lost four while failing to win any of their last six continental fixtures, including a 2:0 defeat against AEK Athens on their last trip to Greece earlier this year.

Anderlecht also have several injury issues ahead of the trip to Thessaloniki.Ilay Camara is ruled out with a broken foot, while fellow right-back Killian Sardella is unavailable with a torn muscle injury. 

Lucas Hey is also sidelined with a fracture, and Cedric Hatenboer remains absent after breaking his nose.