The Stoiximan Super League, as part of Matchday 7, has in store for us a derby that we had almost forgotten in recent years. PAOK will host newly promoted Heraklis at Toumba Stadium in a matchup we haven’t seen in nine whole years.
The “Demigod” has returned to the top tier of Greek soccer following its relegation in 2017 and is ready to look the “Double-Headed Eagle of the North” in the eye, with the aim of dealing it… damage.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
On the other hand, the “Black-and-Whites,” following their 2-0 victory over Aris, want to show who’s boss in the city.
Alessio Lisi and his team, however, beyond the prestige, need the win for points, but mainly for psychological reasons. PAOK’s return to action was rocky, as the Thessaloniki side hosted Kalamata and suffered a heavy 3-1 defeat, against a “Black Storm” that dominated every area of the field, earning a well-deserved victory.
Introspection has returned in full force to the PAOK squad, and, combined with the lack of European competition, the need for a positive result is greater than ever.
On the field, a last-minute concern is the possible absence of Pelka due to knee discomfort, making his participation in the match doubtful. The most significant problem PAOK will have to face, however, lies between the posts. Pavlenka remains sidelined, while Tsiftsis received a direct red card in the previous match and is therefore ineligible to play. As a result, young Monastirlis will don the starting goalkeeper’s gloves.
On the other side, Heraklis, after a difficult start to the season and a 4-0 loss to AEK in Nea Filadelfia (4-0), remains undefeated, with three draws and two wins. In the most recent matchday, they hosted Levadiakos, whom they defeated 2-0, climbing to 6th place in the standings.
Walter Mazzarri will not be able to count on Joel Barquenas, who has not yet managed to overcome the injury that has been plaguing him.
Probable starting lineups:
PAOK (A. Lisi): Monastirlis, Baba, Diego Costa, Elustondo, Kenny, Zafeiris, Jakić, Ugrešić, Ziğović, Tyson, Endiaye
Heraklis (V. Matsari): Athanasiadis, Nanou, Roque, Pina, Vouros, Soria, Mer, Radonia, Sourlis, Nizet, Kogic
Referee: Fotiadis
; Assistant Referees: Meidanis, Papadakis
; Fourth Official: Katikos
; VAR: Koukoulás, Papapetrou
*photo source: PAOK FC / PAOK FC
