Europa League Qualifiers: Third Round Begins With 26-Team Clash
by Geoffrey Ejiga
PAOK Set to Face Wolfsberger
PAOK will head to Stadio Toumbas on August 7, hoping to beat Wolfsberger AC. After winning half of their last 32 games and maintaining a strong home win rate in Europa, POAK will go into the game as strong favorites.
However, some pundits argue that Wolfsberger AC will not be an easy pushover. Wolfsberger came into the game in good form, winning three of their last six matches alongside two victories in their last three away games. Still, PAOK, with its new signings, will expect a victory against PAOK.
Despite being at home, our experts say there's no easy winner in this match. See their verdict in our Poak vs Wolfsberger prediction.
Shakhtar Could Extend their Unbeaten Run Against Panathinaikos
Shakhtar Donetsk is yet to lose a qualifying game in the Europa League this season, and that hot form could continue against Panathinaikos. After coolly beating Besiktas 6-2 on aggregate over two games, Shakhtar Donetsk could be one of the teams to beat in this year’s qualifiers.
Already, many pundits believe that beating Panathinaikos could prove an easier challenge. Still, it must be said that Panathinaikos FC is no stranger to the Europa League.
After ending last season with a 3-1 aggregate loss against Rangers, Panathinaikos will be looking to get back to winning ways on Thursday. Will they be able to halt Shakhtar Donetsk’s momentum? See our Shakhtar vs Panathinaikos prediction.
Servette Continues Europa League Journey Against FC Utrecht
Servette’s 3-1 loss against Viktoria Plzen in the two-leg match for Champions League qualification last season capped off its somewhat disappointing season, where the team finished second in the Swiss Super League.
Now Servette must continue its Europa League journey with a tie against FC Utrecht. In the first round qualifiers, Utrecht beat Sheriff 7-2 on aggregate.
Now the Swiss team will hope to improve their form against a sharp Utrecht attack, despite heading into this game on the back of one win and three losses in all competitions. Servette also suffered a painful 3-2 aggregate defeat by Victoria Plzen despite winning the first leg of the Champions League qualifying round.
There are fears that Servette’s defence will be unable to stop Utrecht’s attacking style. On the other end, Servette might also struggle to score against Utrecht, who only lost six league games throughout last season, their lowest tally in a long time.
Europa League Qualifiers: Third Round Fixtures
- Hamrun S. vs M. Tel-Aviv (1-2)
- RFS va KuPS (1-2)
- Rijeka vs Shelbourne (1-2)
- Lincoln RI vs Noah
- Fredrikstad vs Midtjylland
- CFR Cluj vs Braga
- AEK Larnaca vs Legia Warszawa
- Hacken vs Brann
- PAOK vs Wolfsberger AC
- Zrinjski vs Breiðablik
- Panathinaikos vs Shakhtar Donetsk
- FCSB vs Drita
- Servette vs Utrecht
