Welcome to Extratips, folks! Today, we’re diving into a UEFA Europa League clash that’s got plenty of storylines—PAOK hosting Maccabi Tel Aviv on September 24th at 16:45 in Greece. Both teams are eager to kick off their campaign well, but neither has hit their stride yet, with zero points on the board. The odds paint an interesting picture: bet365 sees PAOK as the slight favourites at 1.62, a draw at 4.00, and Maccabi slightly longer at 4.75. This suggests a close game, but with a slight edge to the Greeks at home.

PAOK sits currently rooted at the bottom of the standings, hungry for points after a shaky start in the Greek Super League, while Maccabi is doing the same in Israel’s Ligat Ha'al, both desperate for a win. Head-to-head history is scarce—just a couple of recent contests, both ending in draws—so there’s no clear dominance.

Looking at their last five matches, PAOK has managed two wins and three draws at home, showing some resilience. Maccabi, meanwhile, has a mixed bag away, including a 4-0 thrashing of Netanya but also some goalless stalemates.

Top team strengths: PAOK’s solid home defense, Maccabi’s quick counterattacks, and both sides’ hunger for a victory. Weaknesses? PAOK’s inconsistent finishing and Maccabi’s vulnerability to set-pieces.

Injuries or suspensions aren’t major issues now, so expect both teams to field their strongest squads.

A couple of angles: Will PAOK’s home advantage be the difference? Or does Maccabi’s recent form suggest they’re ready to spoil the party? Could this turn into a tight, low-scoring affair?

Potential predictions include a narrow PAOK win (around 1-0), Both teams scoring but ending in a draw, or a modest over 2.5 goals game if both attack more boldly. Based on the odds and form, a tight game with few goals seems most likely.

To keep it feeling human, I’ll toss in some London slang and everyday language. I’ll sprinkle in relatable phrases like “this one’s a close call,” or “both sides need it bad.” Expect straightforward, punchy sentences—no fluff, just solid insight.

Looking at the bigger picture, PAOK’s familiarity with the Greek conditions versus Maccabi’s resilience on the road makes this one an intriguing puzzle. Expect a fight, but probably a low-scoring one. Here’s to a cracking game!

Let’s get into the predictions.