Can WAC survive the Greek cauldron?

Last season, Stefan Schwab and Thomas Murg were two Austrians in the PAOK Saloniki squad. However, because the experienced Schwab accepted an offer from German second division club Holstein Kiel in the summer, Thursday evening’s match at the Stadio Toumbas will only feature a redred and white clash between Styrian-born Murg and the surprise Carinthian club, which sensationally won the ÖFB Cup in 2024/25 and even had hopes of winning its first championship in club history until the last matchday of the Bundesliga season.

Coach Didi Kühbauer’s team has undoubtedly earned the right to make its mark on the international stage, even if the WAC faces a real challenge in the third qualifying round.

The fact is that the “Two-Headed Eagle of the North,” as the club from Thessaloniki is nicknamed, has far more experience in European competition. While the Lavanttalers have only qualified for a European competition for the fifth time, the Greeks are regulars in the competition. In 2024/25, they even made it to the playoffs, where they were ultimately eliminated by FCSB. Nevertheless, on their way to the knockout stages, they confidently defeated renowned teams such as Ferencvaros (5-0) and Slavia Prague (2-0) in front of their home crowd.

Not least because of this, my main focus ahead of the PAOK Saloniki vs. Wolfsberg game is on the tip that the third-placed team in the Greek Super League last season will successfully set the course for a place in the playoffs in front of their own fans. The winner of the HNK Rijeka vs. Shelbourne match would then await them there.

To make matters worse for WAC, the start of the new league season has been a complete disaster. At home against relegation candidates Altach, they suffered a 0-2 defeat, with Kühbauer’s team lacking any effectiveness in attack. Because the task in Thessaloniki will be no easier and the Carinthians have failed to score in nine of their 22 European Cup games to date, I think it’s also a viable approach to combine the odds for a home win with under goals between PAOK Saloniki and Wolfsberg.

Alternatively, you could consider the Asian handicap (-1.25), which pays out if the home team wins by at least two goals. Those who believe the underdogs from the Lavant Valley are capable of an upset and are therefore looking for a bet that is not dependent on the result could spice up their combination bet with under 1.5 goals after 45 minutes at odds of 1.50. All tips can also be found in the Admiral app.

PAOK Saloniki – Wolfsberg Head-to-head record / H2H record

Wolfsberg has not yet had the pleasure of competing against PAOK Saloniki or any other Greek team in a competitive European match. PAOK’s experience with Austrian clubs is much more extensive. In ten matches, they have recorded three wins, three draws, and four defeats. However, the head-to-head record is not really relevant to the upcoming match. It is more interesting to note that WAC already has two competitive matches under its belt, while the Black and Whites from the Greek port city will not start their new domestic season until August 23.

PAOK Saloniki – Wolfsberg Tip

At Wolfsberger AC, there is not much left of last year’s magnificent atmosphere. Personnel problems, a well-filled infirmary, and a botched start to the new Bundesliga season mean that the Carinthians are traveling to Greece as clear underdogs. Although PAOK will be playing a competitive match for the first time in 2025/26, the home advantage tips the scales quite clearly in favor of the “two-headed eagle from the north.” Added to this is a not inconsiderable advantage in experience at this level, which in my opinion also supports a bet on a home win.

Since the three-way market between PAOK Saloniki and Wolfsberg only offers betting odds of 1.47 at the top for the Greeks, I’m combining the expected home win with a maximum of three goals in the game to get 2.20. I am betting four units. The Carinthians would probably be satisfied with a narrow defeat in order to keep their chances of reaching the playoffs alive. However, I would not rule out a defeat by more than one goal from WAC’s point of view. Kühbauer’s team is too far removed from their outstanding performances last season.