The “safe”, the tests of Lucescu and the backlog

In the first two league games with Panaitolikos and Atromitos in Toumba, PAOK showed that they find a competitive identity in the standards of what they want to achieve Razvan Lucescu.

With development from the backcourt, with good ball circulation, with patience and calm in the game. In those games, PAOK seemed to work better with Thiago Dandas as the third midfielder – along with Kurtić and Augusto – and a few yards further back on the pitch.

He also formed several partnerships with Caled Narey on the right end of attack and, particularly with the presence of Brandon Thomas, managed to successfully press his opponents up and win many second balls.

The fact that his wins were then narrow (1-0 Panaitolikos, 2-1 Atromitos through a goal by Narei in the last minute of injury time) was more due to the inability of his players to take advantage of the chances they were given and to score and score other goals.

The image of Dicephalos in the first two games of the season – which Lucescu himself found satisfactory in his comments on the subscription for this period – is probably a clue for today’s local derby with Aris (04/09, 21:30, NOVA SPORTS Prime and Live Sportish).

They’re just at the back

The PAOK coach has no reason to make many changes in the faces, except perhaps the return of Lefteris Lyratzis, who didn’t play with Atromitos at the right end of defence.

But even that is not entirely clear and will depend on both his own readiness and that of Vieirania, who replaced him last Sunday.

The players who will play at both ends of the defense, with Mario Tsaoussi also playing into the equation, is probably the only question mark. However, the fact that Rafa Soares and Joan Sastre were left out of the team likely predisposes Lyratzis and Tsoushi to the Dikefalo lineup.

The “safe” and the tests of Lucescu

In front of Kotarski will be Ingason and Koulierakis, who, as Lucescu said, is playing because he simply deserves it.

In midfield, the midfield trio with Dandas, Augusto and Kurtic remains unchanged. During the weeks, the PAOK coach also tested with Bisesvar or El Kaduri in the axis, but it is more likely that he will leave his midfield unchanged.

With attempts being made with Nelson Oliveira in attack rather than Brandon Thomas, the Spaniard led the charge for top spot in the doubleheader. At either end, PAOK will play with Narey on the right and Zivkovic on the left, with a duo of extremes that proved quite productive against Atromitos.

In the plan the greatest interest

Regardless of the faces, whether PAOK maintain the same philosophy at K. Vikelidis that they had in home games is of utmost interest.

Trying to keep the ball at your feet more than your opponent seems to come naturally. What matters is how high and how successfully his players will push his players to keep them out of Kotarski’s area.

It goes without saying that the first local derby of the season doesn’t really count much. On the other hand, it is also clear that if PAOK wins, there are more than three victory points to be won.