Shamrock Rovers vs PAOK Prediction: Hosts have just pride to play for

Shamrock Rovers have only pride to play for in their Europa League play-off tie with PAOK, having lost 4-0 in the first leg last week. It would take an almighty performance to pull off a comeback, but they might just be clinging on to a tiny bit of hope as they head to the Tallaght Stadium on Thursday (20:00, LOITV).

Read on for my Shamrock Rovers vs PAOK prediction, accompanied by match odds and team news.

Shamrock Rovers vs PAOK Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Shamrock Rovers vs PAOK page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

Shamrock Rovers are 18/5 to win this match in 90 minutes, which gives them a 21.7% chance of victory. PAOK are 4/7 for the away win, giving them an implied probability of 63.6%. The draw is valued at 3/1 (25%).

Both teams to score is on offer at 4/5 and over 2.5 goals is marketed at 8/11.

Football Odds

Team News

Josh Honohan is suspended following the red card he picked up in the first leg, while Rory Gaffney and Johnny Kenny remain sidelined through injury. Darragh Burns could be given an opportunity at right wing-back in Honohan's absence.

PAOK have just one injury concern ahead of their trip to Dublin and that is their striker Brandon, who has not travelled with the squad because of an ankle problem. This means that Fyodor Chalov should start up front for the visitors and he could be assisted in attack by Andrija Zivkovic, Giannis Konstantelias and Taison.

Former Premier League defenders Jonny Castro and Baba Rahman are likely to be recalled to the starting lineup in place of Joan Sastre and Rafa Soares, while Stefan Schwab could be joined in the middle of the park by Magomed Ozdoyev.

Under 2.5 goals @ 1/1

Shamrock Rovers will be looking for a response at home, despite knowing that their Europa League dream is all but over, but I still think they can be bested by PAOK, who may not need to get out of second gear.

The Greek side are four goals to the good and will look to manage this away trip to see the job through and secure their qualification to the league phase of the Europa League.

With that in mind, I think we will see much less goals here. PAOK's task was largely completed last week, and I think they will want to take care in Dublin so that they do not suffer any injuries which could be disastrous for both their campaigns domestically and in Europe.

The hosts will try and start strongly to give themselves a glimmer hope of defying the odds, but the longer the match goes on, their enthusiasm should wane, allowing PAOK to see out the tie without any drama.

Taison anytime goalscorer @ 5/2

I correctly tipped this man to score in the first leg, so I think it is only right I tip him to do so again. The Brazilian veteran is showing that age is just a number as he continues to dazzle on the European stage at the age of 36.

He has not been so fortunate for minutes in Super League Greece but he is being given his chance in European qualification, and boy is he taking it. With the tie all but decided, he should get another run out here, and he will be relishing another chance to express himself out on the pitch.

Taison caused Shamrock Rovers plenty of problems last week, scoring and assisting, and I think we can see him deliver another strong performance like that again.

Offers

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