Buoyed by its victory over AEK in the Cup, PAOK is looking to build on that momentum as it hosts Asteras Tripolis at Toumba for the Stoiximan Super League, this time looking to get back on track with positive results in the league.
The 3-1 win over AEK gave the “black-and-whites” a breather and a boost of confidence, but Alessio Lisi has made it clear to his players that one big win alone is not enough. The goal is to build on this momentum and create a streak of results that will put PAOK back on a steady course.
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The Italian coach was satisfied with several aspects of the performance against AEK, and all signs point to him sticking with the 4-4-2 formation. This formation has provided the team with better balance, improved the flow between the lines, and allowed the Thessaloniki side to capitalize on having two forwards in the box.
Although the system is expected to remain the same, there will be changes in the lineup. Lissi is planning to bring back into the starting lineup players who did not play or had limited playing time in the match against AEK.
Tsiftsis is expected to return in goal, while Baba—who did not play in the Cup match—is set to start again at left back. Kenny is expected to remain on the right, while the most likely pairing in the center of the defense is Hatzidiakos and Diego Costa.
Changes are also expected in midfield, with Tyson and Zafeiris likely to return to the starting lineup. Lissi wants more intensity, speed, and creativity, without changing the structure that worked effectively against AEK.
Up front, all signs point to the duo of Entiaye and Banza remaining in the starting lineup, as the Italian coach aims to capitalize on having two forwards in Asteras AKTOR’s penalty area.
Dimitris Pelkas and Giannis Michailidis remain sidelined as they continue their rehabilitation programs, while Lousé is following an individualized training program and is also unavailable.
*photo source: PAOK FC / PAOK FC
