RFS vs PAOK Prediction, Preview, Team News, and Lineups | UEFA Europa League.
- Tournament: UEFA Europa League 2024/25
- Matchday: 5
- Fixture: RFS vs PAOK
- Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Kick-off Time: 5:45 pm GMT
- Venue: Jāņa Skredeļa Sporta Kompleksa Dabīgais Segums, Latvia
RFS vs PAOK Match Preview
Latvian club RFS will host Greek side PAOK in a crucial UEFA Europa League encounter on November 28, 2024. Both teams are battling to keep their hopes alive in the competition and are positioned near the bottom of the Europa League table. With only three matches remaining in the group stage, a victory is essential for either side to climb toward the coveted top 24 positions, which guarantee a spot in the play-off round.
RFS currently sit 32nd in the standings with two points, while PAOK are right behind them in 33rd with one point. Despite their struggles, the teams remain within reach of the play-off zone, making this clash a must-win for both.
RFS Recent Form and Europa League Campaign
RFS started their campaign with a heavy 4-1 loss to FCSB but managed to draw 2-2 against Galatasaray in their second match. Subsequent results include a narrow 1-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt and a 1-1 draw with Anderlecht at home.
In domestic competitions, RFS have had a mixed run, with their most recent outing ending in a 2-1 loss to Riga FC.
PAOK Recent Form and Europa League Campaign
PAOK’s Europa League journey has been challenging. They began with a 3-1 defeat at Galatasaray and suffered a 1-0 home loss to FCSB. A spirited 2-2 draw against Viktoria Plzen showed glimpses of promise, but their 2-0 defeat at Manchester United was a setback.
In domestic action, PAOK managed to regain momentum with a 2-1 win over Asteras Tripolis, showing resilience in bouncing back from recent losses to Olympiacos and Manchester United.
RFS vs PAOK Team News
RFS Team News
RFS face injury concerns with Alfusainey Jatta, Emerson Deocleciano, and Ismael Diomande unavailable. Diomande is expected to remain sidelined until March 2025, while Deocleciano could return to the bench soon.
PAOK Team News
PAOK will be without key players, including Antonis Tsiftsis, Taison, Stefan Schwab, and Tiemoue Bakayoko. Bakayoko is not expected to return until next year, while the others are out for a few weeks.
Predicted Lineups
RFS (3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Fabrice Ondoa
- Defenders: Haruna Rasid Njie, Herdi Prenga, Daniels Balodis
- Midfielders: Roberts Savalnieks, Adam Markhiev, Stefan Panic, Dmitrijs Zelenkovs, Lasha Odisharia
- Forwards: Janis Ikaunieks, Cedric Kouadio
PAOK (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Dominik Kotarski
- Defenders: Abdul Rahman Baba, Omar Colley, Tomasz Kedziora, Jonny
- Midfielders: Magomed Ozdoev, Mohamed Mady Camara
- Attackers: Shola Shoretire, Tarik Tissoudali, Andrija Zivkovic
RFS vs PAOK Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between RFS and PAOK, making this clash a historic occasion for both teams.
Key Players to Watch
Janis Ikaunieks (RFS)
The versatile Latvian midfielder has been a standout performer for RFS. He has contributed nine goals and three assists across 12 European games this season, showcasing his ability to influence matches. With one goal and one assist in the Europa League group stage, Ikaunieks remains pivotal to RFS’s attacking efforts.
Abdul Rahman Baba (PAOK)
The experienced Ghanaian defender has been a consistent performer for PAOK. Despite playing as a left-back, Baba has contributed six goals and one assist in 19 appearances this season. His attacking runs and defensive stability will be crucial against RFS.
Andrija Zivkovic (PAOK)
Zivkovic, a Serbian winger, has been instrumental for PAOK this season. With his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, he is a player to watch in this match. His presence adds depth to PAOK’s attack.
Prediction
Both teams are desperate for points, and the stakes are high in this Europa League fixture. RFS’s home advantage may provide them with a slight edge, but PAOK’s experience could neutralize that factor. A draw seems the most likely outcome, but both sides will fight hard for the win.
Soccer Baba Predicted Score: 2-1
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Where to Watch RFS vs PAOK
| Country | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| USA | CBS Sports |
| UK | TNT Sports |
| India | Sony Liv |
| Latvia | TV3 |
| Greece | Antenna TV |
Additional Insight: Europa League Qualification Scenarios
Both RFS and PAOK remain in contention for the play-off round, with the top 24 teams advancing. A win in this match could potentially propel either team closer to the qualification zone. With every point critical, this encounter promises to be intense and closely contested.
