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On Thursday, August 31, PAOK welcomes Hearts to the buzzing Stadio Toumba in Thessaloniki for the decisive second leg of their Europa Conference League playoff. As the anticipation rises, PAOK, the home side, is poised with a one-goal advantage, but the Scottish contingent aims to rewrite the story from their first-leg setback.

Analysis:

After a thrilling encounter in the Scottish capital, Hearts find themselves in a precarious position, chasing a one-goal deficit. Their previous game was a tale of two penalties and a brilliant comeback from PAOK, where Lawrence Shankland’s early lead was quickly neutralized and overtaken, leading to a 2-1 victory for the visitors.

PAOK’s momentum is palpable, not just from their win at Tynecastle but also as they continue their unbeaten campaign. Their recent 2-1 victory against Kifisla in the Greek Super League showcases their resilience and ability to find a result. Lucescu, the team’s tactician, acknowledges the intense battle against Hearts and seems confident of leveraging the quality within his ranks to ensure a place in the group stages.

On the flip side, Hearts, despite the narrow defeat in the first leg, remains hopeful. Frankie McAvoy, the Jam Tarts’ head coach, emphasizes that the game remains in equilibrium and is still up for grabs. Their recent loss to Dundee in the Scottish Premiership, however, may have dampened spirits, but McAvoy is expected to galvanize his troops for a vital response in Greece.

Player availability will play a significant role. With PAOK’s Samatta’s potential absence, their offensive line might need reshuffling. Hearts too are dealing with a few knocks, particularly the significant absence of McKay, which might lead to strategic changes on the wings. The midfield battle is expected to be intense, with possible comebacks of Devlin and Cochrane for Hearts.

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A glimpse into historical confrontations showcases PAOK’s recent dominance. This will be just the second time the teams are meeting, with PAOK holding the upper hand from the first encounter. PAOK has been a formidable force, especially at home, with their impressive record against Scottish opposition, and their four-game winning streak across competitions speaks volumes.

Hearts, however, have a rather bleak away record in Europe, losing four of their last five away journeys, including a heartbreak against Rosenborg. McAvoy and his men are undoubtedly the underdogs, but football has always been a game where determination can defy the odds.

Prediction:

With PAOK’s home advantage, recent form, and Hearts’ challenging away record, the Greek side appears to have the upper hand. But, football, with its unpredictability, often serves surprises.

Goal.mu predicts: PAOK 2-1 Hearts.

The prediction is hinged on PAOK’s consistent performance, their formidable record against Scottish teams, and Hearts’ away game struggles. However, as with any match, it’s all to play for in the 90 minutes of pulsating action.

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