The upcoming Super League showdown between PAOK Thessaloniki FC and NFC Volos is set to captivate at the renowned Toumba Stadium on January 12, 2025. This thrilling match kicks off at 18:30. PAOK Thessaloniki FC currently holds 4th place in the standings with 33 points, showcasing a strong season. Meanwhile, NFC Volos stands at 12th with 17 points, struggling to find their rhythm in the league.
At the heart of PAOK’s attack is Andrija Zivkovic, their top scorer with four goals. His knack for seizing opportunities is often the key to their victories. On the other hand, NFC Volos leans on Mark Koszta, who has netted five goals, making him a crucial figure in their offense and a significant threat to PAOK’s defense.
PAOK enters this match with high spirits, following a solid 2-0 victory over PAS Giannina in their latest home game. NFC Volos recently tasted success too, with a 2-1 win over Atromitos at home, providing a much-needed confidence boost.
Historically, PAOK’s home form is formidable, creating significant obstacles for any visiting team at Toumba Stadium. In contrast, NFC Volos has struggled when playing away, which has hindered their progress up the league table. Injuries and suspensions could play a critical role in this encounter, perhaps influencing tactics and player selections for both teams.
PAOK Thessaloniki FC vs NFC Volos Prediction & Betting Tip
- Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
- Odds: 2.45
- Suggested Bet: Under 2.5 goals
This prediction points to a low-scoring game, given both teams’ strong defensive records. PAOK’s focus on maintaining a tight defense, mirrored in their past low-scoring matches against NFC Volos, suggests under three goals might be scored in this encounter.
| PAOK Thessaloniki FC vs NFC Volos Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Under 2.5 goals | 2.45 |
PAOK Thessaloniki FC vs NFC Volos Odds
In terms of betting odds, PAOK Thessaloniki FC is favored, likely due to their advantageous home ground position. NFC Volos approaches the game as the underdog, which is logical given their league standing and form. The odds of a draw remain plausible, primarily due to PAOK’s stable defense on home turf. The odds for under 2.5 goals further echo the anticipation of a disciplined and closely fought match.
| PAOK Thessaloniki FC vs NFC Volos Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| PAOK Win | 1.60 |
| Draw | 3.75 |
| NFC Volos Win | 5.25 |
| Under 2.5 goals | 2.45 |
PAOK Thessaloniki FC Team Analysis
PAOK Thessaloniki FC Recent Performance
PAOK’s recent matches reflect a team gaining momentum with three wins and two losses out of their last five games. Their latest win against PAS Giannina at home shows their dominance at Toumba Stadium. Remarkably, PAOK secured three clean sheets in these fixtures, underlining their defensive strength. They scored 10 goals during these games, highlighting a balanced attacking strategy. However, inconsistencies show when facing top teams like Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, where they faced narrow losses. PAOK’s tactical coach, Razvan Lucescu, emphasizes a disciplined defense and uses counter-attacks to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
| Recent Results | ||
|---|---|---|
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
| PAOK | PAS Giannina | 2-0 (Win) |
| Olympiacos | PAOK | 2-1 (Loss) |
| PAOK | AEK Athens | 1-0 (Win) |
| Panetolikos | PAOK | 3-2 (Loss) |
| PAOK | Aris Thessaloniki | 4-0 (Win) |
PAOK Thessaloniki FC Key Players
Key players for PAOK include Andrija Zivkovic, Brandon, and Thomas Murg. Zivkovic’s ability to find the net is vital against NFC Volos’ defenses. Tomasz Kedziora and Dejan Lovren are critical in defense, providing the team with leadership and stability. Midfielders Taison and Magomed Ozdoev play crucial roles in controlling game pace and aiding attacks. With the potential return of Thomas Murg from injury, PAOK could see an enhanced midfield dynamic. In goal, Dominik Kotarski is tasked with denying Volos’ scoring attempts, while winger Abdel Rahman Baba is set to challenge Volos’ defenses with his speed and precise crossing.
PAOK Thessaloniki FC Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries and suspensions form a backdrop to PAOK’s strategy. Notably, Tiemoué Bakayoko is out with a calf injury, while Konstantinos Thymianis is battling fitness issues. Players like Giannis Michailidis and Adelino Vieirinha face physical discomfort, and Giannis Konstantelias struggles with illness. Thomas Murg’s back injury may affect midfield play, while Abdul Rahman Baba’s suspension requires tactical adjustments, especially on the wing. Coach Razvan Lucescu aims to exploit squad depth to mitigate these challenges, banking on the return to fitness of key players for a competitive edge.
| Player | Status/Details |
|---|---|
| Tiemoué Bakayoko | Calf Injury |
| Konstantinos Thymianis | Lack of fitness |
| Giannis Michailidis | Physical discomfort |
| Adelino Vieirinha | Physical discomfort |
| Giannis Konstantelias | Illness |
| Thomas Murg | Back injury |
| Abdul-Rahman Baba | Suspended (Yellow/Red) |
PAOK Thessaloniki FC Tactics and Formation
Coach Razvan Lucescu will likely employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing strong defense and quick transitions. Tomasz Kedziora and Dejan Lovren will anchor the defense, aiming to thwart threats from Volos. Midfielders Taison and Magomed Ozdoev will orchestrate play and control the tempo, linking defense and attack. Zivkovic’s skill in creating chances will drive forward movements. Precision passing is key to breaking through Volos’ defenses, with a focus on exploiting width through wingers. Lucescu may tweak tactics to cover for suspensions and injuries, maintaining smooth transitions from defense to attack.
NFC Volos Team Analysis
NFC Volos Recent Performance
NFC Volos arrives with a mixed track record of two wins and three losses in their last five matches. A recent victory over Atromitos showed potential, yet their subsequent away loss to Panetolikos highlighted ongoing struggles on foreign grounds. They’ve conceded 12 goals over these outings, exposing defensive weaknesses to be addressed against tougher opposition. Sporadic success marks their journey towards stability, with players like Mark Koszta delivering important performances amid fluctuations.
| Recent Results | ||
|---|---|---|
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
| NFC Volos | Atromitos | 2-1 (Win) |
| Panetolikos | NFC Volos | 3-0 (Loss) |
| NFC Volos | Asteras Tripolis | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Lamia | NFC Volos | 2-2 (Draw) |
| NFC Volos | OFI Crete | 3-2 (Win) |
NFC Volos Key Players
Facing a tough PAOK team, NFC Volos leans on players like Mark Koszta, Franco Ferrari, and Maximiliano Comba. Koszta’s penalty area skills are key to breaking through PAOK’s defense. Franco Ferrari is crucial in defense, countering PAOK attacks. Midfielder Maximiliano Comba is vital for creativity and linking plays. Goalkeeper Daniel Kovacs’ quick reflexes are essential in resisting PAOK’s pressures. Simon Skrabb might exploit defensive gaps with wide attacks, while Lucas Bernadou offers consistency in midfield resilience.
NFC Volos Suspensions & Injuries
NFC Volos faces injuries and suspensions that could impact their strategy. Joeri de Kamps’ muscle injury and Omri Altman’s physical issues pose midfield challenges. Nemanja Miletic’s physical setback might strain defensive plans, and questions surround the readiness of Georgios Mygas and Júnior Mendieta. Anastasios Tsokanis also deals with discomfort, prompting tactical shifts. The recovery of affected players will dictate their depth, requiring rotational strategies to tackle possible quality gaps.
| Player | Status/Details |
|---|---|
| Joeri de Kamps | Muscle injury |
| Nemanja Miletic | Physical discomfort |
| Omri Altman | Physical discomfort |
| Georgios Mygas | Unknown issue |
| Júnior Mendieta | Unknown issue |
| Anastasios Tsokanis | Physical discomfort |
NFC Volos Tactics and Formation
NFC Volos is expected to use a 4-4-2 formation focusing on defensive strength and counter-attacks. They aim to stay compact, with a strong central defense to repel PAOK advances. Midfielders provide cover, supporting defensive roles. Fast transitions will fuel their attacks, using wingers for crosses and chances. Precision in halting PAOK’s creative movements, coupled with adaptations to injuries, will be crucial in facing the hosts’ offensive power.
PAOK Thessaloniki FC vs NFC Volos Head-to-Head Statistics
In their past encounters, PAOK Thessaloniki FC has mostly dominated NFC Volos, securing multiple decisive wins. Notable is a 4-1 victory in their latest meeting. Over the past five fixtures, PAOK continuously triumphed, highlighting their sustained upper hand. NFC Volos’ challenges are clear when playing away, as their stats suggest frequent heavy conceding. For Volos to change this pattern, countering PAOK’s tactics and offensive tactics will be key.
| Head-to-Head Statistics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
| PAOK | NFC Volos | 4-1 (Win) |
| NFC Volos | PAOK | 0-2 (Loss) |
| PAOK | NFC Volos | 3-1 (Win) |
| NFC Volos | PAOK | 0-1 (Loss) |
| PAOK | NFC Volos | 2-0 (Win) |
Venue and Weather
Toumba Stadium is set for this Super League match, offering a historic and passionate setting. With a 28,703 fan capacity, PAOK’s fortress promises an intense atmosphere favoring the home side. The weather in Thessaloniki on game day suggests light rain and a cool yet pleasant 12.2°C temperature. These conditions will enhance the match feel and tactical pacing. The nearly 10 m/s winds introduce some complications in aerial duels and long passes. Despite these, such weather likely won’t alter team strategies significantly, emphasizing skill and ball control. Ultimately, the mix of stadium atmosphere and weather boosts PAOK’s home advantage against NFC Volos.
