- Anderlecht are unbeaten in their last 5 games in all competitions (W3, D2).
- PAOK are unbeaten in their last 2 away games in all competitions (W0, D2).
Tense second leg at Lotto Park
RSC Anderlecht are on a 2-game winning streak, having beaten Hammarby IF 3-1 at home and FC PAOK Thessaloniki 1-0 away in the first leg of this UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 tie.
This preview of RSC Anderlecht and FC PAOK Thessaloniki points to a Belgian team that have looked solid, patient and possession-based since he took over the helm, playing a game of possession and selective pressing, while PAOK have had to make do with a more vertical approach, playing on the transition and getting into the flanks.
PAOK have looked good but not great of late, which means that they could get caught in Belgium if they are unable to match the intensity of the hosts. The Greeks' last 3-game sequence, a 2-3 away win at Dynamo Kiev, a 2-0 home win over the same opponents and a 0-1 loss to Anderlecht in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026, highlights the range of results that could be in play on Thursday.
Goals could be on the cards in Belgium
Backing Anderlecht to take the second leg looks a bit short considering their 1-0 first leg win and the fact that the Greeks have been relatively tough away from home of late. PAOK have had three wins, no draws and two defeats in their last five matches in all tournaments, a run that tells us they are dangerous opponents, but also liable to let the ball in at the other end.
Our Anderlecht vs FC PAOK Thessaloniki betting tips lean toward the Over 2.5 odds at 1.88 and Both Teams to Score at 1.6 in this contest, which looks like it could develop into a real chess match with the flanks likely to decide who has the upper hand.
An opportunity to play with the game's tempo
Danylo Sikan has also hit 3 goals in Anderlecht's last 5-game run, meaning that the Ukrainian's finish is the sharp end of their attack. For the visitors, Giannis Konstantelias has been the main threat in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026, having scored 3 goals in the qualification campaign.
The difference between these sides is that while Sikan has carried much of Anderlecht's attacking work, Konstantelias has largely been propping up the side on his own in recent weeks. The RSC Anderlecht vs FC PAOK Thessaloniki prediction remains finely balanced, with both teams capable of making this a tight contest.
