Galatasaray vs PAOK in UEFA Europa League: Lineups, key stats, predictions

Galatasaray will face PAOK in their UEFA Europa League opener at RAMS Park in Istanbul.

Coach Okan Buruk’s team, coming off a 3-1 victory against Fenerbahce, aims to carry their excellent domestic form into European competition.

Buruk emphasized their focus on the Galatasaray vs PAOK match, saying, “We are determined to start our Europa League journey with a win.”

Galatasaray’s form, lineup expectations, key stats

Galatasaray has dominated the Super Lig, winning all six matches and scoring 16 goals.

• Record: 6 wins in their last 6 Super Lig matches.
• Goals scored: 16 goals in these matches, averaging 2.67 goals per game.
• Conceded goals: Only 3 goals, showing a solid defense.

The team is eager to maintain this momentum against PAOK, despite missing key players.

• Key absentees: Fernando Muslera will miss the match because of suspension. Hakim Ziyech is out with an injury, and Roland Sallai is not included in the squad.
• Expected lineup: Gunay Guvenc is set to replace Muslera in goal. Jakobs, Bardakci, Sanchez, and Ayhan will likely form the defense, with Gabriel Sara and Torreira anchoring the midfield. Mertens, Akgun, and Yilmaz are expected to support Osimhen in attack.

Buruk expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the Galatasaray vs PAOK match, stating, “Our players are focused on achieving our goals in this new format of the Europa League.”

PAOK’s form, tactical approach, key stats

PAOK remains unbeaten in the Greek Super League, winning four out of five matches.

• Unbeaten streak: PAOK remains unbeaten in their last 7 matches across all competitions.
• Goals scored: 11 goals in their last 5 matches, averaging 2.2 goals per game.
• Defense: Conceded only 4 goals, showcasing their defensive stability.

Coach Razvan Lucescu’s team has been consistent, securing a 6-0 aggregate win over Shamrock Rovers to qualify for the Europa League group stage.

• Recent performance: PAOK has scored 11 goals in their last five games. They will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Galatasaray.
• Key players: Schwab and Camara will be crucial in midfield, while Despodov and Tissoudall lead the attack.

Lucescu acknowledged the challenge of the Galatasaray vs PAOK match, saying: “We know the quality of our opponents, but we are ready to compete and give our best.”

What to expect from Galatasaray vs PAOK match on Sept. 25

The match promises to be a high-intensity encounter with both teams eager to secure a positive start. Galatasaray, backed by their recent success, will aim to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, while PAOK will focus on solid defense and quick counter-attacks.

• Galatasaray’s strategy: They will likely press high and use their attacking depth to break down PAOK’s defense. Buruk has emphasized the importance of starting strong in the group stage.
• PAOK’s approach: Expect a balanced game plan, with a focus on defensive organization and quick transitions to catch Galatasaray off guard.

Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. at RAMS Park, with live coverage available on TRT 1.