Manchester United vs PAOK Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | UEFA Europa League, November 7, 2024

Manchester United vs PAOK Preview

• Competition: UEFA Europa League.
• Date: Thursday, November 7.
• Time: 9:00 PM GMT.
• Venue: Old Trafford.

Manchester United vs PAOK will be one of eight games to be played in the late slot of the UEFA Europa League on November 7 as the 21st-placed side gears up to host the team in 30^th place.

The Red Devils will enter this contest on the back of a stuttering run of form. They have managed two wins, two draws and suffered one defeat in their last five games across competitions. Such has been the disappointment in their results that former manager Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties, with Ruud van Nistelrooy in charge as the caretaker. Having drawn 1-1 in their last Premier League fixture against Chelsea, United will look to go on and win their next outing.

PAOK, on the other hand, will enter this contest on an exactly same run of form as their rivals. They too have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five matches across competitions and will look to find some consistency. Despite suffering some defeats of late, PAOK are still second in their domestic Greek Super League, while they search for a semblance of good form in Europe. They will look to strike while the iron is hot and make the most of the timing of this match against United.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.

Manchester United vs PAOK Team News

Manchester United Team News

Manager van Nistelrooy fielded the strongest possible lineup in the game against Chelsea. The Dutchman went with a classic 4-2-3-1 formation to allow the players to retain some of the systems they adopted under ten Hag. However, they will be without Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo for the next one. Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw remain doubtful.

PAOK Team News

Manager Gianpaolo Castorina went with a strong lineup for their last match. From that game, winger Taison will be doubtful after he came off due to a knock in that match. Shola Shoretire replaced him during the 2-1 win at Lamia and his participation against Manchester United is doubtful as well.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana.

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui.

Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes (C), Manuel Ugarte.

Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford.

PAOK (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Dominik Kotarski.

Defenders: Johnny Otto, Tomasz Kedziora, Dejan Lovren, Abdul Rahman Baba.

Midfielders: Stefan Schwab (C), Thomas Murg, Mady Camara.

Forwards: Kiril Despodov, Brandon Thomas, Taison.

Manchester United vs PAOK Head-to-Head Record

This upcoming fixture will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Manchester United and PAOK.

Key Players to Watch

Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)

As far as the Europa League matches go, midfielder Christian Eriksen has been the main man for the Red Devils in terms of goal contributions. With four to his name already in just three games, the Danish maestro will again be tasked with being the creative force for United in midfield. He currently has two goals and two assists to his name and will look to be among the top players as he tries to guide his team into the knockout stages.

Abdul Rahman Baba (PAOK)

The Greek side scored two very late goals as they came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Viktoria Plzen at home in their last Europa League game. Baba was on the scoresheet for the leveller scored in the 93^rd minute in that match and will be a key player to watch for the Greek side. With a decent chance for a result against United, they will look to take every decent opportunity they get.

Manchester United vs PAOK Prediction

Since there is no recent history to go by, it is quite a challenge to predict the final scoreline for this match. However, Manchester United have been in decent form and have shown a fixed way of playing in the last few games. Considering they will also be at home, this should be a good win for them barring any mishaps.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 PAOK.

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