PAOK is expected to field several players from its starting lineup against Panetolikos, with Alessio Lisi bringing back players who were given a rest in the Cup match against Atromitos.
The “Double-Headed Eagle of the North” aims to build on its two consecutive wins and head into the upcoming break in the best possible frame of mind, while also boasting an excellent record in Agrinio with 13 consecutive away wins since 2014.
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Jiri Pavlenka has returned to his regular training routine and is highly likely to be back in goal, while Baba Rahman and Giannis Michailidis are returning to the defense. Diego Costa is expected to retain his starting spot, as Lisi seeks to create greater stability and cohesion at the back. In midfield, Kristian Jakic is very likely to start alongside Christos Zafeiris.
There are more decisions to be made in midfield and up front. Andrija Zivkovic is back among the first-choice options, while Tyson and Taha Ali are vying for a spot on the left flank, with the Brazilian holding the edge. There is also competition for the spot behind the striker, while Sheriff Ndiaye appears to be the frontrunner to start at the top of the attack.
At the same time, Simon Banza is trying to make up for lost ground and has even been training on the team’s days off. The Congolese forward wants to be available as soon as possible, but PAOK has no intention of rushing his return. It remains to be seen whether he will travel with the team to Agrinio, with the most likely scenario being that he’ll make his official debut after the break, by which time he’ll have had enough training sessions under his belt and will be better adapted to the demands of his new team.
*photo source: KYPE
