MX23RW : Tuesday, November 5 23:49:35| >> :60:2438:2438:
[monks data]
PAOK
Europa League | Group Stage
Sep 20, 2018 at 5.55pm UK
 
Chelsea logo

0-1

FT(HT: 0-1)
Willian (7')

How PAOK could line up against Chelsea

Ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash between PAOK and Chelsea, Sports Mole looks at how the home side could line up.

PAOK will face Chelsea for the first time in European competition on Thursday night when the Greek giants welcome Maurizio Sarri's side to to the Toumba Stadium.

PAOK, who finished second in the Greek top flight last season, last faced English opposition during the 2011-12 Europa League, and actually beat Tottenham Hotspur in London during that particular campaign.

The team also held Spurs to a goalless draw in the home match and have previously beaten Premier League opposition in the shape of Arsenal during the 1997-98 UEFA Cup.

Razvan Lucescu's side will enter the match having won three of their last four matches in all competitions, but the defeat during that run - at home to Benfica - saw them fail to make the group stage of the Champions League.

PAOK will now be firmly focused on making an impression in the Europa League, however, as they prepare to welcome Chelsea on Thursday night.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the home side could line up in front of their own fans.



Possible PAOK XI vs. ARS
Out: None
Doubtful: Aleksandar Prijovic (hamstring)

PAOK's main selection dilemma entering the clash with Chelsea comes in the final third, with head coach Lucescu debating whether to select Aleksandar Prijovic.

The Serbian, who has five goals in eight matches this season, picked up a hamstring problem during a training session last week, and missed his team's 3-1 win over OFI Crete in the Greek Super League on Saturday.

The 28-year-old was expected to miss the clash with the Blues but took part in a training session on Monday, and he could now be handed a spot in the final third of the field.

PAOK also have former Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom as an option in the final third, but the Englishman is unlikely to start as Omar El Kaddouri, Leo Jaba and Diego Biseswar prepare to feature.

Jose Crespo, Fernando Varela and Vierinha, meanwhile, are all expected to start in defence.

> Click here to see how Chelsea could line up for this fixture

ID:335816: cacheID:335816:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4237:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Maurizio Sarri watches on during the pre-season friendly between Chelsea and Arsenal on August 1, 2018
Read Next:
Chelsea handed favourable Europa League draw
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS

League Phase

TeamPWDLPTS
1Lazio33009
2Spurs33009
3Anderlecht33009
4Ajax32107
5Frankfurt32107
6Midtjylland32107
7Galatasaray32107
8Bodo/Glimt32107
9Lyon32016
10Rangers32016
11Olympiacos32016
12FCSB32016
13Fenerbahce31205
14Porto31114
15Slavia Prague31114
16Real Sociedad31114
17Roma31114
18Hoffenheim31114
19AZ31023
20Man Utd30303
21Plzen30303
22Ferencvaros31023
23Elfsborg31023
24Malmo31023
25Braga31023
26Besiktas31023
27FC Twente30212
28Union SG30121
29PAOK30121
30Ludogorets30121
31Nice30121
32RFS30121
33Athletic Club00000
34M. Tel Aviv30030
35Dynamo Kiev30030
36Qarabag30030


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!