PAOK BENFICA PREVIEW

PAOK BENFICA PREVIEW

By Alain, 



Following the success against Besiktas, PAOK is facing Benfica again in the Champions League qualifiers third round. Probably the thoughest challenge the Dikefalo will have to face this season.

 

This game is also an opportunity to point out the Champions League drawing system, allowing only 3 possibilities. 


If we wanted to speak ill, we could legitimately think it's another way for UEFA to get rid of the "small clubs" they despise for not bringing enough sponsors. 


But let's get back to football.

 

THE TACTICS :

 

Even more than PAOK-Benfica, it will be an challenge between Abel Ferreira and Jorge Jesus. Even if Black & Whites coach denies it, that will be the key of the game. 


Abel said once that he considered Jesus as "his model" and even "his master" about management methods and style of play. Regarding Benfica's game plan, a big change would be necessary but it seems that Abel will stick on his 3-4-3. 


Abel also said he was satisfied with the offensive animation against Larisa, but the lack of accuracy won't be forgiven against the Portuguese team.

 

If Akpom's failures are still an issue, we will put big hopes on Tzolis, Pelkas and the Schwab-El Kaddouri pair in the midfield to create opportunities. The defensive trio will also have to keep their great form to stop Benfica's offensives. 


Surprisingly, Abel didn't call up Lyratzis for this game, leaving Biseswar as the only option. Abel could try something different, but it seems that the team which faced Larisa will likely be the same for the Big Night. 


There is also a possibility we will see Esiti in the midfield to try and break down Benfica's creativity.

 

The probable lineup :

Zivkovic

Ingason-Varela-Michailidis

Biseswar- El-Kaddouri- Schwab (or Esiti)- Giannoulis

Pelkas-Akpom-Tzolis

 

THE OPPONENT :

 

Following a very frustrating season under Bruno Lage's rule, facing problems in the locker room with key players and upset fans, Benfica hired Jorge Jesus who can be considered as one of the greatest technicians in the world. 


The Encarnados had a very good pre-season and seem to be back on path with the hand of "Mister Jorge".

 

The probable lineup :

Vlachodimos

André Almeida -Ruben días -Vertonghen Grimaldo (or Nuno Tavares)

Weigl-Taarabt

Rafa Silva - Everton santos

Pizzi

Vinicius

 

We expect a very open game as the two managers intend to set an offensively-minded plan for tonight. 


A unbridled game is expected, and PAOK will need a very strong defensive mindset to stop the Lisboans guns such as Vinicius, Rafa Silva and, of course, their playmaker Pizzi. Not to be all cliché here but we can reasonably think that the first team who scores will take a big advantage here. 


Benfica will be the favourite, but PAOK showed last season they were able to compete with a Champions League semi-Finalist. 


Today, Abel Ferreira shared strong words saying that "We are PAOK. We play for the win in every game and we will fight for our dream". By this sentences, it is clear that Thessaloniki's club has another appointment with its history. And it's up to the Dikefalo to make the dream come true. And for Ferreira, to show that the Student has surpassed the Master.


Hellas Football 


Follow @alainb_

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Football players who could’ve played for the Greek national team but didn’t

Image
Football players who could’ve played for the Greek national team but didn’t By Stephen Kountourou As Ethniki fans, we appreciate those who choose to represent Greece over another nation. It may come from tribalism, national pride, and a close connection with Greek culture. If a football player decides to play for Greece, they also represent us.  It's why supporters were thrilled at the news that Odysseus Vlachodimos, who was born in Germany, was convinced to be the starting goalkeeper for the last decade.  Why the late George Baldock’s passing wrenched at the hearts of every Greek who saw him line up in blue and white. Or most recently, after months of anticipation, Konstantinos Karetsas chose Greece over Belgium, despite being one of the highest-rated young talents in Europe right now, and lit up Hampden Park in our 0-3 victory over Scotland. However, some players do the opposite, for one reason or another, choose to play for a different national team despite having the optio...
Read more

Top 10 Chants in Greek Football

Image
Top 10 Chants in Greek Football By Nick Tsambouniaris, Greek ultras are known around the world for their passionate support. Atmospheres at games are electric to say the least as fans act as the 12 th man for their team. Here are my top 10 chants in Greek football with a hyperlink to the YouTube video of them being belted out in full glory. 10. AEK – RE BIN LADEN This cheeky party starter aimed at Olympiakos from AEK’s Original 21 makes it as number 10. As you can see in the below link, every single fan is jumping and singing along with purpose, making for a great atmosphere. 10. AEK – RE BIN LADEN 9. PAOK – IRTHAME SKASTOI APO TIN KLINIKI Gate 4 of PAOK are notoriously known for creating an intimidating atmosphere wherever they go. This particular chant gets extra points for its climax ending when the fans rise from the ground as one jumping all over the place. The chant itself is also funny and sums up the passion of Greek football fans in general as it says they...
Read more

The biggest Greek football clubs outside of the Super League from every region

Image
 The biggest Greek football clubs outside of the Super League from every region By Stephen Kountourou                           Credit: Riccardo D'Agnese (Check out his maps that you can purchase online) How does one estimate how big a football club really is? Some estimate it by accolades, others by the age of a club, how long they have competed at the top level, how well supported they are worldwide, or how wealthy they are, with enough pulling power to attract the best players.  Ultimately, it remains a topic that has been and will continue to be heavily debated among football fans. Then there is me, a fence-sitter, who says it is a bit of everything mentioned above. There is little debate, however, about who the big boys of Greek football are. The traditional big four of Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, AEK, and PAOK have dominated Greek football, more or less, since its inception.  Among the teams currently c...
Read more