Anderlecht vs PAOK Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips
Anderlecht and PAOK meet at Lotto Park in Anderlecht on 13 August 2026 in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round tie. With a place in the play-off round on the line, this clash in Belgium comes just a week after Anderlecht’s 1-0 away win in Thessaloniki, setting up a finely poised return match.
The Belgian side hold a narrow advantage thanks to that victory at Toumba Stadium, but with no group standings yet available at this stage of the competition, the tie remains very much alive. PAOK have already shown strong attacking numbers in their early Europa League campaign and will feel they can overturn the deficit if they manage the game better in both boxes.
Stats suggest a balanced contest, with both teams scoring five goals across their first three Europa League fixtures of the season and carrying similar recent form. Bettors and fans looking for Anderlecht vs PAOK predictions, Europa League betting tips, and detailed match analysis will find a matchup where margins are slim and the draw is a serious runner alongside the home side’s slight edge.
Anderlecht vs PAOK Key Stats
- Across their 2026 Europa League campaign so far, Anderlecht are unbeaten in 3 matches (2 wins, 1 draw), scoring 5 and conceding 2.
- The only recent head-to-head meeting came on 06 August 2026, when Anderlecht beat PAOK 1-0 away at Toumba Stadium in the first leg of this tie.
- In Europa League tournament statistics, both sides have scored 5 goals in 3 matches; Anderlecht concede 0.7 goals per game on average, while PAOK concede 1.0.
Anderlecht vs PAOK — Tale of the Tape
- Position: Not available vs Not available
- Points: Not available vs Not available
- Goals For: 5 vs 5 (tournament statistics over 3 matches each)
- Goals Against: 2 vs 3 (tournament statistics over 3 matches each)
- Clean Sheets: Anderlecht 1, PAOK 1 (tournament statistics)
With no formal group standings yet in play for these qualifiers, the clearest guide comes from early tournament statistics. Both clubs have identical records in terms of goals scored (5 in 3 matches), but Anderlecht’s slightly tighter defence — conceding 2 versus PAOK’s 3 — and unbeaten start give them a marginal statistical edge.
Anderlecht’s home and away splits show they have been more explosive at Lotto Park, averaging 3.0 goals scored and 1.0 conceded in their single home outing so far. PAOK, by contrast, have found their attacking rhythm more on the road (3.0 goals per away game) but have also been more vulnerable defensively away from Thessaloniki, conceding 2.0 per away match. That dynamic sets up a compelling tactical battle in Belgium, where Anderlecht’s home comfort will be tested by PAOK’s aggressive away approach.
Anderlecht vs PAOK Key Matchups
Anderlecht attacking unit vs PAOK defensive line
Anderlecht’s Europa League numbers point to a side that can strike in bursts, especially at home. They have 5 goals in 3 games, with a standout 3-1 home win already in this campaign. Their goals are spread across the early and late phases of matches, and they have yet to fail to score in the competition. Against a PAOK defence that concedes 1.0 goals per game overall and 2.0 per away match, Anderlecht’s forwards and attacking midfielders will fancy their chances of at least one goal at Lotto Park.
PAOK attacking unit vs Anderlecht defensive structure
PAOK mirror Anderlecht with 5 goals in 3 Europa League matches, highlighted by a 2-3 away win that underlines their threat on the counter and in transition. Their biggest away win suggests they can open up defences when given space. However, they were shut out 1-0 at home by Anderlecht in the first leg and have failed to score once in their 3 European outings. Anderlecht’s back line has been solid, allowing just 0.7 goals per match and keeping one clean sheet. If PAOK are to turn the tie, their creative midfielders and wide players must find a way through a defence that has so far proven difficult to break down.
Head-to-Head: Last Meetings
The recent head-to-head history between these sides is extremely limited, with only the first leg of this tie on record. That match nevertheless provides a crucial tactical reference point heading into the return at Lotto Park.
- 06 August 2026: PAOK 0-1 Anderlecht (UEFA Europa League)
Anderlecht vs PAOK Prediction
Everything points to a finely balanced second leg. Anderlecht come in unbeaten in their Europa League campaign (2 wins, 1 draw) and with the confidence of having already won in Thessaloniki. Their recent form index is strong, with a last-five form rating of 78, backed by a defensive index of 85 and just 2 goals conceded in those 3 matches.
PAOK are not far behind, with a last-five form index of 67 and the same 5 goals scored in 3 games. Their defensive index (77) is respectable, but their away defensive average of 2.0 goals conceded per match is a concern against an Anderlecht side that has already scored 3 at home in this campaign. The comparison model leans slightly towards Anderlecht overall, with a total index of 55.3 versus 44.8, and the head-to-head and goals comparison both clearly in the Belgian club’s favour.
Probability-wise, the prediction model gives Anderlecht a 45% chance of victory, the draw also 45%, and PAOK just 10%. That underlines how seriously the stalemate must be considered, especially with Anderlecht already holding a one-goal cushion from the first leg. Expect Anderlecht to control long spells, with PAOK forced to open up as the match progresses, which should create chances at both ends but may ultimately lead to a cagey, low-margin outcome.
Predicted Score: Anderlecht 1-1 PAOK
Anderlecht Recent Form
In recent Europa League action, Anderlecht have been consistently strong, remaining unbeaten across 3 matches with 2 wins and 1 draw. They have combined solid defensive work — conceding fewer than a goal per game — with effective attacking play, highlighted by a 3-1 home win and a composed 1-0 victory away at PAOK. Their recent form profile suggests a well-balanced side capable of managing tight knockout ties.
PAOK Recent Form
PAOK’s recent Europa League form is positive overall, with 2 wins and 1 defeat in their 3 matches. They have produced an impressive 3-goal away performance in a 2-3 win and a 2-0 home victory, showing they can dominate weaker opponents. However, the 1-0 home loss to Anderlecht in the first leg exposes some vulnerability when faced with a compact, organised side. Their form remains dangerous, but a touch more volatile than Anderlecht’s.
Anderlecht Possible Starting Lineup
GK: C. Coosemans or J. Heekeren; Defenders: L. Augustinsson, G. Biancone, L. Hey, K. Sardella, M. N’Diaye; Midfielders: E. Llansana, M. Stroeykens, O. Antman, I. Camara, N. Saliba; Forwards: D. Sikan, A. Bertaccini, M. Cvetkovic, E. Dao.
Anderlecht have a deep squad with multiple options in defence and midfield. The presence of experienced defenders like L. Augustinsson and G. Biancone, alongside versatile younger players such as M. Stroeykens and O. Antman, allows them to switch between a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3, formations they have already used in this Europa League campaign. With no confirmed absences, the coach can prioritise stability at the back while relying on a rotating cast of attackers — including D. Sikan and A. Bertaccini — to provide the goal threat needed to protect or extend their aggregate lead.
PAOK Possible Starting Lineup
GK: J. Pavlenka or A. Tsiftsis; Defenders: A. Baba, Elustondo, P. Hatzidiakos, J. Kenny, L. Lyratzis; Midfielders: M. Camara, S. Meïté, D. Pelkas, K. Despodov, G. Konstantelias, B. Santamaría, A. Živković, Taison; Forwards: T. Ali, A. Jeremejeff, M. Balde.
PAOK’s squad is rich in experienced names, particularly in midfield, where players like M. Camara, D. Pelkas, K. Despodov, and A. Živković offer creativity, ball-carrying and set-piece quality. Their typical 4-2-3-1 setup in this Europa League campaign suggests a double pivot protecting a back four, with an attacking trio supporting a lone striker such as A. Jeremejeff or T. Ali. To overturn the deficit, PAOK are likely to field as many of their senior attacking midfielders as possible, accepting some defensive risk in search of goals.
Anderlecht Team News
No significant absences reported.
PAOK Team News
No significant absences reported.
Injuries & Suspensions
Anderlecht:
- None reported.
PAOK:
- None reported.
Betting Tips: Anderlecht vs PAOK
Here are three data-driven betting angles for this Europa League qualifier:
- Result Tip: Double chance Anderlecht or Draw. The prediction model assigns 45% to an Anderlecht win and 45% to the draw, leaving PAOK with only a 10% chance. The market is very tight: home odds range from 2.80 to 2.94 (implied probability roughly 34.0%–35.7%), the draw from 3.00 to 3.15 (31.7%–33.3%), and PAOK from 2.55 to 2.68 (37.3%–39.2%), making the away side a slight market favourite despite the model’s preference for Anderlecht or the stalemate. Given Anderlecht’s unbeaten Europa League run and their 1-0 away win in the first leg, covering both home win and draw offers a solid balance of safety and value.
- Goals Tip: Over 1.5 total goals. Both teams average 1.7 goals scored per game in this Europa League campaign, and PAOK’s away matches have been particularly open, including a 2-3 win. Anderlecht’s only home game produced a 3-1 scoreline. While the first leg finished 1-0, the underlying attacking numbers and PAOK’s need to chase the tie suggest more space and chances here. With the predictions advice already leaning towards a “+1.5 goals” angle, over 1.5 goals looks a strong selection at typical match-goals prices.
- Value Tip: Draw in the Match Winner market. The model gives the draw a 45% probability, yet the best available odds for the draw sit around 3.15 (from 3.00 to 3.15 across bookmakers), implying only about a 31.7%–33.3% chance. That gap between model probability and market pricing indicates potential value on the stalemate. Anderlecht do not need to win to progress, and PAOK must attack but face a well-organised defence; that combination often produces tight, controlled games where a 1-1 or 0-0 outcome is very plausible.
Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.




