Old Trafford hosts a tense UEFA Europa League game, Manchester United vs PAOK Thessaloniki, on October 10, 2024. After a challenging beginning to their season, United aims at redemption under temporary manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. With their latest 1-1 Premier League match against Chelsea, the Red Devils highlighted their continuous difficulties and worst league start since 1986/87. Still, Manchester United supporters remain hopeful since they want to end a 12-month run without success in Europe. The strong side of Greece, PAOK, will try to exploit weaknesses at United. 

PAOK, Greece’s formidable side, will look to capitalize on United’s vulnerabilities. The Double-Headed Eagle comes to England after a morale-boosting domestic win, but their European away record remains concerning, with five losses in their last six Europa League away games.

Key Stats and Insights

• Manchester United’s Form: Despite struggles, United has shown resilience, recording nine goals in their last six outings while conceding six. Notably, their home record against Greek teams is impressive, with a 20-1 aggregate across six matches.

• PAOK’s Road Performance: Nevertheless, they have struggled away in the Europa League, last winning on their journey in this tournament back in October 2018.

• Players to Watch: Mazraoui, the full-back for United, could play a significant role, especially after his impressive midfield performance against Fenerbahçe. Former United academy player Shola Shoretire comes back from injury for PAOK and might have influence off the bench.

Recent Form and Team Dynamics

Manchester United: Mixed Results and High Hopes

Manchester United’s recent form is a story of ups and downs. Following a thrilling 5-2 victory over Leicester, they stalled in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, marking only 12 points in ten league games—their worst record since the 1986/87 season. This challenging start signals the need for a strong performance against PAOK to regain momentum.

In the UEL, United has been struggling, drawing all three matches to date and failing to secure a win on the continent in the last year. This upcoming match provides an opportunity to break this streak, especially before the arrival of their new manager, Rúben Amorim.

PAOK: A Battle for Points on Foreign Turf

PAOK has also seen mixed results this season, with just one point from their first three UEL matches. However, they enter Old Trafford on a slight upswing, having claimed two recent wins in their domestic league. Known for their resilience on the road, PAOK boasts an impressive away record in league play this season but will need to overcome a difficult UEL history, having lost five of their last six away games in the competition.

Key Players to Watch

• Manchester United: Noussair Mazraoui is expected to return to full-back after impressing in a recent midfield role. Known for his late-game goal-scoring ability, he remains a defensive and offensive asset to watch.

• PAOK: Shola Shoretire, a Manchester United academy graduate, could make an impact for PAOK, especially after a recent return from injury in the Greek Cup.

Betting Insights & Opportunities

With Manchester United as the clear favorite (1.27 odds), the underdog odds for PAOK (9.70) present a compelling option for risk-tolerant bettors. However, given United’s historic strength at home, betting on a close match may also be wise.

Key Betting Points

• Goal Trends: PAOK has scored in their last six matches and could find the net here, making a “Both Teams to Score” bet appealing.

• First-Half Wins: PAOK leads in 46% of first halves compared to United’s 36%, suggesting a possible first-half goal for the Greek side.

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Prediction: Close Victory for Manchester United

While PAOK’s defensive solidity may see them score, Manchester United’s home advantage and superior squad depth are likely to tilt the game in their favor. Prediction: 2-1 win for Manchester United.

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