With several practice sessions and a number of open questions, PAOK’s preparations continue for Sunday’s big away derby against Olympiacos, for Matchday 10 of the Stoiximan Super League.
Alessio Lissi isn’t just considering different players for the starting lineup, but he also appears to be seriously considering a change in formation, having worked on a 3-5-2 as an alternative to the 4-4-2.
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The Italian coach has shown so far that he doesn’t hesitate to make bold choices. He was the one who paired Banza and Ndiaye up front, a move that provided solutions and significantly transformed PAOK’s attacking play in recent matches.
His intention is to keep this duo together at Faliro, while also seeking the formation that will best “click” against Olympiacos.
One of the ideas being tested is the inclusion of Rahman Baba as a third center back, alongside Diego Costa and Hatzidiakos. Baba has also been used in different roles, with Lissi evaluating whether he can provide the necessary balance in a three-man central defense.
In such a 3-5-2 formation, both flanks take on particular importance. On the right is the option of Andrija Živković, who has played extensively across the entire wing, even for the Serbian national team, while on the left are Baba and Dimitris Giannoulis.
The big challenge for Lisi is to find the necessary balance so that the wing players can contribute both defensively and offensively. After all, Kenny’s absence creates an additional problem on the right flank and forces PAOK’s coach to seek alternative solutions.
There are still quite a few players out. Kenny is ruled out following his red card, while Tyson is also out of the first-team lineup. Pelkas continues his rehabilitation, Michailidis is following an individualized training program, and Despodov is gradually increasing his workload each day, though he is not yet expected to play in the derby.
On the other hand, the news is better for Tom Loué, who participated in part of the last training session and is in the final stages of his return. His condition will be reevaluated in the coming days, with Lissi expressing hope that he might make the roster, though there is no intention of taking any risks before the league break.
*photo source: KYPE
