PAOK vs Shamrock Rovers Prediction: Hosts to take the first leg

PAOK and Shamrock Rovers go head-to-head in the first leg of their Europa League play-off on Thursday (18:30, LOITV) with the hosts still reeling from missing out on the Champions League play-off round to Malmo last week.

They have started their league campaign strongly with a win over Panserraikos, and they will look to carry that momentum with them into Thursday's clash. Shamrock Rovers, however, are unbeaten in their last three league matches. Read on for my PAOK vs Shamrock Rovers prediction, including match odds and team news.

PAOK vs Shamrock Rovers Odds

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

PAOK are the 1/8 favourites to win this match, which gives them a theoretical chance of 88.9%. Shamrock Rovers are valued at 12/1, giving them an implied probability of 7.7%. The draw is available at 6/1 (14.3%).

Both teams to score is marketed at 11/10 and over 2.5 goals is on offer at 2/5.

Football Odds

Team News

PAOK's veteran Brazilian Taison scored twice in four Champions League qualifiers, including last week against Malmo, and he is likely to come back into the side having missed out on the weekend's squad in the Super League.

His tally in Europe so far is bettered by defender Konstantinos Koulierakis, who has three goals and one assist in four outings. The 20-year-old was also on the scoresheet at the weekend, so he carries a goal threat as well as providing a strong defensive presence.

Both will likely have key roles to play in this tie as PAOK aim to reach the group stage of the Europa League.

For Shamrock Rovers, their top scorer in the League of Ireland Premier Division, Johnny Kenny, has missed the last five matches and is unlikely to be included again on Thursday. Veteran midfielder Rory Gaffney is also unavailable for selection as a long-term absentee.

PAOK to win both halves @ 21/20

Given that PAOK went one round further than the visitors in Champions League qualifying, and will feel as though they should be battling in the play-offs of that competition instead, I think they will turn in a strong performance on home soil on Thursday.

They are much stronger than Shamrock Rovers and they have the potential to put the tie to bed in this first leg. They may have lost 4-3 to Malmo but they still managed to produce three goals, and they netted the same amount in their league opener at the weekend.

I think there are more goals in store for them here and I am backing them to win both halves as a result.

Taison anytime goalscorer @ 13/8

He may be 36, but Taison is still delivering the goods, even if he is not playing in every match. The Brazilian has already been impressing for PAOK on the European stage with two goals already.

After being omitted from the weekend's squad, I suspect he has been rested for this crunch play-off clash, and he will once again be expected to play a key role. Shamrock Rovers may be unbeaten in their last three domestic games, but they are up against much tougher opposition who can really hurt them, especially if Taison is involved.

I think he will get on the scoresheet in this one.

Offers

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.