PAOK manager Razvan Lucescu faces key selection dilemmas ahead of his side's UEFA Conference League play-off match against Norwegian club Brann, according to reporter Stavros Sountoulidis.
Speaking on protothema.gr's video broadcast The Football Show, Sountoulidis outlined the tactical decisions confronting the Greek side ahead of the decisive European fixture.
A primary tactical question centers on whether PAOK will maintain their traditional setup with Dimitris Pelkas operating behind the central striker, or alter their system to a 4-3-3 formation.
Sountoulidis noted that a 4-3-3 arrangement may suit the team better. He explained that Lucescu must decide whether to deploy Pelkas in the number 10 role or select a midfield trio comprising Santamaria, Louce, and Zafeiris in the center of the pitch.
Formation choices and attacking options
Further selection decisions remain on the left side of the attack, where Taison is under consideration to start. Sountoulidis indicated that Taison could feature in the starting line-up, with Shoretire held back as an option off the substitute bench later in the match.
Match fitness and competitive sharpness were also highlighted as critical factors for the encounter. Sountoulidis warned that the task could grow significantly more difficult for PAOK the longer the match progresses without Lucescu's side securing the opening goal.
He emphasized that Brann could impose significant problems on the Greek club if PAOK fail to score first, pointing to a noticeable difference in match rhythm between the two teams.
Defensive changes and early concentration
In defense, Sountoulidis estimated that Dimitris Giannoulis stands a strong chance of starting at left-back. Giannoulis could replace Baba in the starting defensive line for the upcoming fixture.
The reporter also drew attention to an ongoing issue regarding PAOK's concentration at the beginning of each half. He noted that the team has repeatedly conceded early goals or allowed opponents to create scoring opportunities right from the opening whistle in recent matches.
PAOK, based in Thessaloniki and traditionally known as the Double-headed Eagle of the North, are competing to secure passage through the play-off stage of the UEFA Conference League, Europe's third-tier club tournament. Norwegian side Brann enter the tie seeking to exploit their current match sharpness against the Greek contenders.
