Preview: Wolfsberger vs PAOK - prediction, team news, lineups

Wolfsberger and PAOK will renew acquaintances at the Worthesee Stadion in the Europa League Third Qualifying Round on Thursday after a first leg where they could not be separated last week.

The tie remains deadlocked at 0-0 following the first 90 minutes of the tie, with the Austrians now hoping to capitalise on a fine result away from home to cause something of an upset.

Match preview

Despite playing an hour away from their home in nearby Klagenfurt, Wolfsberger will hope they can ensure league phase football in some variety by advancing here against the Greek giants.

After losing 2-0 at home to Altach on the opening day of the Bundesliga season, it has been an excellent week for Dietmar Kuhbauer’s men.

A 0-0 draw in Thessaloniki last midweek has set them up nicely for the return leg, and they prepared for this encounter with an eye-catching 2-0 win away to Austria Vienna in the league on Sunday.

They are still the slight outsiders, despite earning a draw on the road, but whoever progresses from this tie will be fancied in the playoff, facing either Rijeka or Shelbourne in the playoff, with the Irish club leading from the away leg in Croatia.

Wolfsberger have not qualified for a UEFA competition proper since 2020, and this is just their fifth season in Europe altogether, so experience is not on their side, but PAOK appeared rusty in the first leg, with their league season not starting for another two weeks.

Razvan Lucescu’s men were uninspiring last week and must improve, otherwise they will face a potentially tricky Conference League playoff against neighbouring Cypriot outfit Omonia.

It was a surprise not to see PAOK find the net in the first leg, considering they were the top scorers in the Greek top flight last season, and the fact they scored 10 goals in four pre-season friendlies, all against high-level opponents.

PAOK reached the league phase of the Europa League last season, and advanced to the knockouts, finishing in 22nd, but they went no further, losing to FCSB in the knockout playoff round.

This is their first tie against an Austrian opponent since 2012, and the visitors will hope there is no such repeat of the scoreline on their last trip, as they lost 3-0 to Rapid Vienna.

Wolfsberger Europa League form:

Wolfsberger form (all competitions):

L D W

PAOK Europa League form:

Team News

The hosts are set to be without new signing Adama Drame, who is yet to make his debut for the club since joining from Zilina due to injury, joining stricken duo Chibuike Nwaiwu and Erik Kojzek on the sidelines.

Fabian Wohlmuth made his first start for the club in the impressive win over Austria Vienna at the weekend, so he should keep his place, but Donis Avdijaj may remain on the bench after he was dropped from the side that drew in Greece last week.

PAOK could hand a full debut to Croatian midfielder Luka Ivanusec, who has joined the club on a season-long loan from Feyenoord this summer, after he came on as a late sub in the first leg.

Jonjoe Kenny made his full debut in the draw last week, but there was no appearance for fellow former Celtic full-back Greg Taylor, who was an unused substitute.

Goalkeeper Dominic Kotarski has left for Copenhagen, so Luka Gugeshashvili has arrived from Panserraikos, but at present, it looks as though former Werder Bremen keeper Jiri Pavlenka will don the gloves for PAOK this season.

Wolfsberger possible starting lineup:

Polster; Baumgartner, Diabate, Wimmer; Wohlmuth, Piesinger, Schopf, Zukic, Renner; Atanga, Ballo

PAOK possible starting lineup:

Pavlenka; Kenny, Kedziora, Michailidis, Baba Rahman; Camara, Meite; Zivkovic, Konstantelias, Taison; Chalov

We say: Wolfsberger (1) 1-2 (2) PAOK

Despite failing to take advantage of their home leg last week, PAOK are still the favourites to progress, and it is no surprise when you see the attacking talent they have at their disposal.

Wolfsburger will not benefit truly from home advantage, as this is being played at a neutral venue over an hour away, and PAOK may grow into the tie here, as the first leg was their first competitive outing of the season.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.