PAOK VS FC Basel - Match Preview
24 Jul 2018 Tampines -Tanjong Pagar INTERNATIONAL CLUBS: UEFA Champions League, Qualification
INTERNATIONAL CLUBS: UEFA Champions League, Qualification
PAOK FC
- D
- L
- W
- D
- L
vs
FC Basel
- W
- L
- L
- L
- L
Kick-off
17:30 GMT
24 July 2018
With the domestic season around Europe only a few weeks away, there are still plenty of games to be played in order to determine which sides will be playing in the UEFA Champions League. PAOK and Basel meet on Tuesday night in the second qualifying round where the winner over two legs will move into the third and final round.
STATS
- PAOK could only manage a second-place finish in the Greek Super League last term as they were beaten to the title by AEK Athens with a six-point gap between the sides. They failed to qualify for the Europa League through the qualifiers this time a year ago. In their last game, they secured the Greek Cup with a 2-0 victory against AEK.
- Like their opponents, Basel finished second in their domestic league last season as Young Boys picked up the Swiss Super League title. They have started the new campaign in the worst possible way with an opening day loss at home to St Gallen after conceding an injury-time winner to make it 2-1. They reached the Last 16 of last year’s Champions League where they were knocked out by Manchester City.
- Aleksandar Prijovic was PAOK’s leading goal scorer last season with 15 league goals in just 24 appearances, he also got two Europa League goals in their four matches.
- Albian Ajeti held that honour last year for Basel and with 17 league goals, he was the joint Swiss top-flight golden boot winner.
HEAD TO HEAD
The two European sides are yet to meet meaning that the two-legged affair over the next two weeks will be their first ever fixtures together.
PAOK NEWS
PAOK must take advantage of the home advantage by winning the first-leg which would set them up perfectly for their trip to Switzerland next Wednesday. With no notable absences, they have a great chance of doing just that. Latest matches: PAOK FC
15.07.2018
ClubRoyal Antwerp FC
PAOK FC
3:1
L
12.07.2018
ClubPAOK FC
KAA Gent
1:1
D
09.07.2018
ClubSteaua Bucuresti
PAOK FC
1:2
W
02.07.2018
ClubFC Nordsjalland
PAOK FC
2:1
L
29.06.2018
ClubRSC Anderlecht
PAOK FC
2:2
D
BASEL NEWS
Avoiding defeat in the first-leg would be seen as a success for Basel as it would allow them to see out the tie on their own turf. They were without Xhaka, Kuzmanovic and Campo for their last league fixture and it’s touch and go as to whether any of them will return.
Latest matches: FC Basel
| 21.07.2018 |  Supe |
FC Basel | FC St. Gallen | 1:2 | L |
| 13.07.2018 | Uhre |
FC Basel | Feyenoord Rotterdam | 0:5 | L |
| 13.07.2018 | Club |
FC Basel | FC Aarau | 1:4 | L |
| 10.07.2018 | Uhre |
FC Basel | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1:2 | L |
| 06.07.2018 | Club |
FC Basel | Wacker Innsbruck | 2:0 | W |
SUMMARY
It seems as though playing at home gives PAOK the slight advantage in this clash and they must use it if they are to have any chance of progression into the next round. Basel certainly aren’t a poor team and they should put up a good fight, leaving a draw as a very realistic outcome.
24 July 2018 - 17:30 GMT
INTERNATIONAL CLUBS: UEFA Champions League, QualificationAbout the author - Tampines -Tanjong Pagar
- Tampines: Tampines Football Club, also known as Tampines Rovers, is a professional soccer team based in Singapore. They compete in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and have a rich history in Singaporean football. Here are some key points to consider about Tampines:
Strengths:
- Experienced Squad: Tampines Rovers have a good mix of experienced players who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.
- Strong Attack: The team boasts several talented attacking players who are capable of creating scoring opportunities and finding the back of the net.
- Consistent Performers: Tampines Rovers have been consistently competitive in the SPL, often finishing near the top of the league table.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: At times, Tampines Rovers have shown vulnerabilities in their defense, which can lead to conceding goals.
- Inconsistency: While they have had successful campaigns in the past, there have been instances where they struggled to maintain a consistent performance level.
- Tanjong Pagar: Tanjong Pagar United Football Club is another Singaporean soccer team that participates in the Singapore Premier League. After a hiatus, they made a return to the league in recent years. Here's an assessment of Tanjong Pagar:
Strengths:
- Resurgence: After their return to the SPL, Tanjong Pagar has shown resilience and determination to re-establish themselves as a competitive team.
- Young Talent: The team has invested in young players, giving them opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
- Fighting Spirit: Tanjong Pagar has displayed a never-give-up attitude, often putting up spirited performances even against stronger opponents.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Squad Depth: Tanjong Pagar may face challenges due to a relatively smaller squad and fewer resources compared to some other teams in the league.
- Defensive Fragility: The team has struggled with defensive solidity at times, leading to conceding goals more frequently.
Overall, Tampines Rovers have a stronger track record and a more established presence in the Singapore Premier League. They possess experienced players and have a history of competitive performances. On the other hand, Tanjong Pagar is a team that has been rebuilding and showing signs of progress. While they may face challenges, they have displayed resilience and a commitment to improvement.
It's important to note that soccer teams' performance can vary over time, so it's always a good idea to keep up with the latest news and updates on their progress.
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