Will WAC surprise again in the second leg?

WAC continues to dream of a major upset in the UEFA Europa League. The Carinthians have three games left to play at best to qualify for the group stage of Europe’s second most important club competition. But before the “Lavanttalers” can face the two potential playoff matches against Rijeka or Shelbourne, they must first overcome the favorites from Thessaloniki on Thursday evening.

After a remarkable 0-0 draw in the first leg in front of 28,000 spectators in a sold-out PAOK stadium, the Austrian Bundesliga club’s starting position has improved significantly. Nevertheless, ahead of Wolfsberg’s return leg against PAOK Saloniki, the odds on Kühbauer’s team advancing remain higher and are therefore considered less likely by the most popular bookmakers.

Although the “double-headed eagle of the north” has more experience on the international stage and probably also has an advantage in terms of individual quality, the Carinthians showed a week ago what is possible with good team performance, determination, and counterattacking strength. From WAC’s point of view, it will now be important not to show any false ambition.

The team led by coach Didi Kühbauer, who even lamented the chance to leave the pitch as winners after the first match, would be well advised to once again allow the favored visitors to control the game and then quickly switch to attack in front of their home crowd after winning the ball.

If last year’s fourth-placed team is as clinical as it was in its 2-0 away win at Austria Vienna last weekend, a surprise coup is on the cards. Between Wolfsberg and PAOK, I’ve got the home team to advance at odds of 2.05 in the Bet-at-Home app, as well as a three-way win for the supposed underdog, which you can bet on with the Interwetten freebet at top odds of 3.10.

Wolfsberger AC has fond memories of the alternative venue in Klagenfurt. Three and a half months ago, the Black and Whites sensationally won the ÖFB Cup against TSV Hartberg at the Wörthersee Stadium. Now the club is looking to secure its next great success at the same venue. If WAC advances against PAOK, it will definitely secure its place in the Conference League! It may also help that the Austrians are in top form after four competitive games (2-1-1), while the season in Greece does not start until the weekend after next.

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

Wolfsberg made a strong impression in the first leg a week ago, especially in defense. PAOK, driven on by almost 30,000 Greek fans, failed to register a single shot on goal throughout the entire game. Although the home side had the upper hand, the favorites were unable to create more than a few half-chances.

It was a completely different story for WAC, who missed three big chances and had a higher xG value (0.91 vs. 0.29) and were ultimately left frustrated by the goalless draw. There was definitely more in it for the Carinthians, which in turn supports the assumption that there is value in the betting odds for a good result for the Austrians in the second leg between Wolfsberg and PAOK.

Wolfsberg – PAOK Saloniki Tip

It would be something of a surprise if WAC, as reigning ÖFB Cup winners, were to knock Greek top club PAOK Saloniki out of the Europa League qualifiers. However, after the 0-0 draw in the first leg, in which the Carinthians were actually the more dangerous team, such a scenario cannot be ruled out. However, it is also clear that Kühbauer’s team will need a similarly focused, stable, and courageous performance in front of their home crowd in exile in Klagenfurt as they did in northern Greece. After their 2-0 away win at Wiener Austria at the weekend, however, the form curve is pointing upwards and the “Lavanttalers” are capable of a lot.

I’m therefore going to try my luck between Wolfsberg and PAOK Saloniki by betting on the Austrians to progress. Bet-at-Home sports betting is offering odds of 2.10 and also has the popular Bet-at-Home voucher for new customers. I’m betting four out of a possible ten units. As an alternative betting recommendation, I’m considering under 2.5. There’s a lot at stake and the first leg was already characterized by tactics and defensive awareness…