Spartak Moscow – PAOK, Champions League Prediction

Spartak Moscow and PAOK have made a spectacle in the first game and after the Russians led 0-2 in the game earlier, they allowed a comeback by the end of the first half. They had a lot of problems in defense, as well as the inaccurate interventions of the goalkeeper and one of the goals was penalty. Then in the second half they could score after several very good chances and even missed a penalty. PAOK were playing more defensive in the second half and tried to score on the counter, but failed. Spartak Moscow were pretty angry after the match, because of the strange comeback and their miss from the spot, they thought they deserved at least a draw. However, the important thing is Spartak is still in a very good position and their two goals away are very important. Now they will seek victory at all costs so they can go trough. If they win, they will most likely qualify. In their last 9 matches Spartak have only one loss, the one from PAOK. As hosts, however, they are in a series of 7 consecutive wins with only one goal conceded. Spartak Moscow, however, did not record a loss in either of their three home games in the groups last season, including the victory against Sevilla by 4-1.

PAOK is in a unique form. The Greeks play very aggressive football and are very motivated. Their championship, however, has not yet begun and they have not entered fully into the rhythm they want. Their only major matches are currently during the week in the champions league tournament. However, it is expected for them not to be so open this time and they probably won’t rush into attack so much like the last game. It is more likely for them to wait their time and try to take advantage of their counter attacks. PAOK has defeated 0-3 Basel in the rematch as a guest in the last round, but the Swiss are currently not the Basel we know.

Spartak finally strengthened themselves with a expensive defender and this season their ambition is to take part in the group stages and to fight for the title in Russia. The current PAOK match can be quite different from the one we watched in Greece a week ago. Now everything can be decided by one goal. The Reds played quite well the last week and their loss was not particularly logical at the end. That is why our prediction now is a victory for the Russians at 1.78, because we think they have more quality and the more experienced team and they are the hosts, which is very important. The winner of this match will have a very difficult task as they will meet one of Benfica and Fenerbahce teams.