Sport

Man Utd vs PAOK Preview, Team News, Line-ups & Prediction

Published

5 months ago

November 7, 2024

Manchester United side take on 4-time Greek champions PAOK Salonika at Old Trafford in their fourth Europa League group stage match on Thursday.

A revitalized Manchester United face 4-time Greek champions PAOK Salonika at Old Trafford in their fourth Europa League group stage match on Thursday.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will oversee his first and only Europa League match as Manchester United’s interim manager against PAOK.

It’s been over a year since United last won a competitive European fixture, with their most recent victory coming in a 1-0 win over Danish side Copenhagen in October 2023.

Since then, Manchester United have endured a six-match winless run in European competitions, with two losses and four draws—their worst streak in Europe since 1983.

The Premier League giants have drawn all three of their Europa League games this season, letting leads slip in the 1-1 draw with Twente and the 3-3 stalemate with Porto. In the latter, a late Harry Maguire header rescued a point for Erik ten Hag’s side, securing a last-minute equalizer.

United also squandered another lead in their 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in Istanbul, with Christian Eriksen’s 15th-minute opener being cancelled out by a powerful header from Youssef En-Nesyri.

The draw against José Mourinho’s side saw Manchester United drop to 21st place in the Europa League, just two points above their next opponents, PAOK, who sit in 30th.

Domestically, United have endured another slow start to the season, with three wins, three draws, and four losses in their first 13 Premier League matches.

With just 12 points from 10 matches, Manchester United have made their worst start to a league season in 40 years, since the 1986-87 campaign.

Following Ten Hag’s dismissal, Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim manager, leading Manchester United to a 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the EFL Cup and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League. Van Nistelrooy is set to manage two more matches this week before Ruben Amorim officially takes over on November 11.

The Dutch manager will be aiming to secure United’s third win in 10 games on Thursday night in their first-ever competitive clash against PAOK.

PAOK will make their Europa League return after a four-year absence, following a quarter-final finish in the Conference League last season. Along with United, they are one of eleven teams still seeking their first win in this year’s competition after failing to secure a victory in their opening Europa League matches.

PAOK’s start to the Europa League has been just as disappointing as United’s. The Greek champions were beaten 3-1 by Galatasaray in Istanbul, followed by a 1-0 loss at home to Steaua Bucharest. However, they earned their first point of the campaign with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Viktoria Plzen, coming from two goals down in the final six minutes at home two weeks ago.

Despite their struggles in Europe, Razvan Lucescu’s PAOK have made a strong start to their Greek Super League title defense, collecting 20 points from their first 10 matches. Their latest result was a 2-1 away win over Lamia last weekend, leaving them just one point behind league leaders Aris Thessaloniki.

With a heavyweight clash against perennial rivals Olympiacos on Sunday, Lucescu will be hoping to finish Thursday’s game on a high to boost his team’s morale, while also managing their fitness to avoid fatigue ahead of the big match.

PAOK will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat against English opponents when they face United, having already lost back-to-back matches to 2018-19 Europa League champions Chelsea.

Table of Contents

Man Utd Vs PAOK match details

Date: Thursday, 7 November, 2024
Location: Manchester, England
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick-off time: 9:00 PM GMT, 20;00 UTC
Referee: Radu Petrescu
Assistant referees: Radu Ghinguleac, Mircea Mihail Grigoriu
Fourth official: Marcel Birsan
VAR: Daniele Chiffi
Assistant VAR: Aleandro Di Paolo

Match stats and head-to-head

United have won all six of their home matches against Greek opponents, scoring 20 goals and conceding just one.**

Overall, United have faced Greek teams 12 times across all competitions, winning eight, losing one, and recording three draws.

The Red Devils are winless in their last five Europa League matches, with four of those ending in draws.**

United and PAOK are among 11 teams this season in the Europa League yet to secure a win after their opening three games.

United captain Bruno Fernandes averages three shots per game in this season’s Europa League, the highest of any United player.

PAOK have lost five of their last six away matches in the Europa League.

United midfielder Manu Ugarte has made 10 tackles in this season’s Europa League, the joint-fourth most in the competition.

Noussair Mazraoui has made 28 ball recoveries in the Europa League, the most by any United player and the fifth-most in the competition.

Team news

United’s midfield duo of Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen have returned to training and will be assessed for their availability ahead of this clash.**

Club captain Bruno Fernandes, who was suspended for United’s trip to Turkey to face Fenerbahçe, will be available for Thursday night’s match against the Greek champions.

As of now, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire are still sidelined with hamstring and calf injuries, respectively. Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro are progressing in their recoveries from knee and ankle injuries, while Brazilian winger Antony is ruled out due to an ankle injury.

For PAOK, former Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko will miss the clash due to injury.**

38-year-old veteran defender Vieirinha, who scored against United during his time at Wolfsburg, is also unavailable as he was not included in PAOK’s squad for this competition.

Former Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren and ex-Aston Villa striker Mbwana Samatta are also ineligible for the game, having been omitted from Razvan Lucescu’s squad.

Former United forward Shola Shoretire, who spent 10 years at the club before joining PAOK on a free transfer, is in contention to face his former team. He will hope to replicate the feat of his former teammate, Facundo Pellistri, by scoring against a former Premier League club in Europe.

Predicted starting lineup

Man United predicted starting lineup:

Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Diallo, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.

PAOK predicted starting lineup:

Kotarski; Jonny, Kedziora, Colley, Rahman; Camara, Ozdoyev; Despodov, Konstantelias, Taison; Chalov.

Prediction

Confidence has been high in United’s camp since Ruud van Nistelrooy took over, but goals remain a concern, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee still struggling to find their scoring form.

On the other hand, PAOK come into the game on the back of two consecutive wins, scoring at least once in each. They will be hoping to secure their first win of the season in the competition.**

While United have scored first in their last two matches, their defensive vulnerabilities could once again prove to be their Achilles’ heel against a potent PAOK attack.

However, United boast superior quality and are tipped to secure their first European win in over a year.

We’re predicting a 2-1 win for United.

Last Updated on November 7, 2024 by News Time

Post Views: 171

Sport

Liverpool could beat Chelsea to Marc Guehi with Anfield his ‘preferred destination

Published

1 week ago

March 19, 2025

News Time

Chelsea and Liverpool are set to target central defenders this summer, with both clubs competing for Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old may leave Crystal Palace as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, with a move to one of England’s top clubs likely.

According to the Sunday Mirror (h/t Sky Sports), Liverpool are in pole position to sign Marc Guehi ahead of Chelsea, with Anfield described as his ‘preferred destination’. The Reds are concerned about Virgil van Dijk’s future beyond this season, while Ibrahima Konate has also been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Guehi won’t come cheap despite his contract expiring soon, mainly due to the intense competition for his signature this summer. In addition to Chelsea and Liverpool, Newcastle United are also considered a potential destination, just months after Crystal Palace set a £75 million price tag on their top central defender.

Liverpool could break the bank for Guehi

Liverpool have been linked with several forwards in recent months, and while rebuilding in attack remains a priority this summer, their defense also deserves equal attention. There is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk, making defensive reinforcements crucial.

If three of their key players are set to leave in the coming months, the Reds will need a world-class option in defense, and few are better than Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old has been praised as an “unbelievable” player by compatriot Kyle Walker, who commended his leadership and professionalism during last summer’s Euro 2024.

With Premier League experience and a regular spot in the England national team, Marc Guehi has a strong profile that could convince Liverpool to meet his £75 million valuation this summer. However, it remains to be seen how much truth there is to Anfield being his preferred destination, especially considering recent reports suggesting he may favor staying in London, giving Chelsea an advantage.

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by News Time

Post Views: 67

Sport

Arsenal and Liverpool keen on Isak – Romano

Published

1 week ago

March 19, 2025

News Time

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are interested in signing Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with Liverpool also in the mix.

The Gunners are set to strengthen their centre-forward position this summer. While Kai Havertz has impressed with key goals, manager Mikel Arteta may seek an upgrade upfront.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that the Gunners are closely pursuing Isak, who has scored 23 goals for Newcastle this season, with only 3 coming from the penalty spot.

The renowned journalist highlighted that Isak is the top target for the London club, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko also a key name on their summer wishlist.

However, Arsenal are not alone in the pursuit of the player. Premier League rivals Liverpool are also interested in the Swede and have made contact with his camp ahead of a potential move.

Romano said: “Big, big, massive proposals will come for Alexander Isak. Arsenal will be there, Liverpool are also interested. For Arsenal, he’s the absolute top target, with Isak and Sesko as the main names. For Liverpool, he’s one of the options they’re considering, and they’ve made contact with those close to Isak.”

World-class striker

The Gunners have finished 2nd in the last two Premier League seasons and are expected to finish as runners-up again. With 9 games left, they are 12 points behind leaders Liverpool. Unless there’s a surprise collapse from the Reds, Liverpool are set to claim their 2nd Premier League title.

Arsenal’s failure to sign an elite striker has cost them, and they may look to correct this by purchasing Isak from the Magpies. The ‘world-class‘ star has been in sensational form this season, recently outclassing Virgil van Dijk to score Newcastle’s winning goal against the Reds in the Carabao Cup final.

The Magpies will be keen to keep hold of Isak this summer, but could consider cashing in for a significant fee if they miss out on the Champions League. Arsenal will be ready to capitalize on the situation to sign the 25-year-old striker, though they’ll need to be cautious of Liverpool’s interest, as they may also look to upgrade their no.9 for next season.

Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz have all taken turns leading the line this season, but none have been consistent enough. Isak would elevate their attack and significantly boost their Premier League and Champions League title hopes for next season. With Isak leading the charge, they could become favorites.

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by News Time

Post Views: 38

Sport

Liverpool and Arsenal vying to sign Joao Pedro

Published

1 week ago

March 19, 2025

News Time

Liverpool reportedly in battle with Arsenal to sign Brighton’s Joao Pedro, says Graeme Bailey.

After appointing Arne Slot as manager last summer, the Reds enjoyed a fantastic first half of the season, even dreaming of winning the quadruple at one point.

However, Liverpool’s form has dipped in recent weeks, with their FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle followed by a failure to secure a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Last weekend, they lost the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United. As a result, Slot’s side can only end the season with the Premier League title, where they currently sit at the top with a 12-point lead.

Now, according to TBR Football, Bailey reports that Slot is eager to strengthen the frontline by signing a new striker, with Pedro on his wishlist. As a result, the Reds could make a serious move to bring him to Anfield in the upcoming transfer window.

Battle

The 23-year-old, valued at around £42m by Transfermarkt, has a contract with the Seagulls until 2028. With no release clause in his deal, Fabian Hurzele’s side is in a strong position to demand a high fee if they are forced to sell him this summer.

The journalist claims that Liverpool aren’t the only club interested in the Brazilian, as Arsenal and Chelsea are also eager to lure him away from the AMEX Stadium.

The Gunners are reportedly planning to sign a new striker this summer to help them finally win the Premier League. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are the current centre-forward options, but neither has proven capable of leading the North London club to their ambitious goals. Now, both have picked up season-ending injuries.

Pedro is a versatile forward, comfortable playing as a centre-forward or on the left wing. Additionally, he can provide cover in the attacking midfield position if needed.

The former Watford man has impressed in the Premier League this season, earning a spot in Brazil’s squad for the current international break.

Pedro is a versatile forward, comfortable playing as a centre-forward or on the left wing. Additionally, he can step in as an attacking midfielder if needed.

The former Watford player has delivered impressive performances in the Premier League this season, earning him a call-up to Brazil’s squad for the current international break.

Pedro is a Premier League proven player so he might be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Liverpool if either club purchase him this summer.

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by News Time

Post Views: 29