PAOK: Fielding their starters in Crete to break their losing streak against OFI

They haven't managed to win in their last two meetings

ALPHANEWSLIVE

With the clear goal of getting back to winning ways, PAOK is traveling to Crete for tomorrow’s match against OFI, as part of Matchday 8 of the Stoiximan Super League. Alessio Lissi has focused his attention exclusively on this match, temporarily setting aside the midweek Cup match against AEK. The Italian coach does not intend to make extensive lineup changes, as he wants to field the best possible starting eleven and keep his team high in the standings.

The match also holds special significance for PAOK, as they have failed to beat OFI in their last two meetings. Last May, the Cretans prevailed 3-2 in the Cup final at Panthessaliko Stadium, followed by a 0-0 draw at Toumba. In the league, however, PAOK had won both of last year’s regular-season matches, 2-1 in Crete and 3-0 in Thessaloniki. Thus, the goal is to end the recent losing streak against OFI and come away with three points from Heraklion once again.

Tactically, Lisi is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation. The experiment with two forwards in the second half of the match against Heraklis showed some positive signs, but it doesn’t seem likely that it will be implemented from the start. Antonis Tsiftsis returns to goal after serving his suspension, with Kenny, Diego Costa, Giannis Michailidis, and Dimitris Giannoulis all strong contenders for the back four.

In midfield, Zafeiris and Jakić are vying for the two central midfield spots, while Ugrešić has the edge for the role behind the striker due to the absence of Dimitris Pelkas. Andrija Živković and Tyson are expected to occupy the two wings of the attack, with Endiaye the frontrunner for the center-forward position. Final decisions will be made after the last practice, but Lisi’s direction is clear: a strong starting lineup, limited substitutions, and a return to Thessaloniki with three points.

*photo source: KYPE