Europa League third qualifying round second leg forecasts, gambling expectations, and advice: Potentially underprepared PAOK might be subdued
The second leg of the Europa League third qualifying round match between Wolfsberger AC and PAOK Thessaloniki is set to be a thrilling encounter on August 14, 2025, at the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt.
In the first leg, Wolfsberger had more shots on goal than PAOK (8 to 5), but the match ended in a 0-0 draw, making this second leg decisive for qualification.
Wolfsberger come into the match with good momentum after a recent 2-0 Austrian league win and possibly better fitness, having started their domestic season earlier. On the other hand, PAOK, with more European experience, appeared somewhat rusty during the first leg and face almost 10 more days before their domestic league restart, which could affect their sharpness.
Expert predictions favour a 2-1 victory for Wolfsberger, with a slight edge given to the home team for qualification. However, betting odds offer a competitive value on an away win for PAOK at about 2.40 and on both teams to score at approximately 1.85.
Recent betting tipsters' and experts' analyses suggest that Wolfsberger is favoured to win and advance, but a PAOK win is also a strong possibility considering their European pedigree. The match is expected to be competitive with a likelihood of goals from both sides.
It's worth noting that the return match between Wolfsberger and PAOK will not be played at Wolfsberger's home ground due to unknown reasons.
Looking back at last season, Rigas FS, another team in the spotlight, reached the Europa League league phase. RFS were usually competitive, achieving draws against Galatasaray, Anderlecht, and a victory against Ajax. However, they struggled in the Europa League league phase, mustering only five points from eight games.
RFS lost 2-1 in the first leg of their qualifier against Finnish side KuPs. Despite this, RFS improved in the second half, with Barthelemy Diedhiou scoring a consolation goal, and they had more shots on goal in the second half (12 to 6). RFS have never played in the group or league phase of any European competition.
KuPs, like RFS, have never played in the group or league phase of any European competition. They hold the advantage after goals from Jaako Oksanen and Mohamed Toure in the first half of their match against RFS.
PAOK reached the Europa League knockout round playoffs last season but lost 4-1 on aggregate to FCSB. Despite having greater European experience, PAOK are worth opposing on their trip to Austria.
Dietmar Kuhbauer's side, Wolfsberger, are high on confidence after a 2-0 league victory away to Austria Vienna. They have not qualified for the group or league phase of a European competition since 2020. However, they will be aiming to change that on August 14.
In summary, the second leg of the Europa League third qualifying round between Wolfsberger AC and PAOK Thessaloniki promises to be an exciting contest. With Wolfsberger favoured to win 2-1 and qualify, and both teams to score being a recommended bet, fans can expect a competitive match with a likelihood of goals from both sides.
Sports betting enthusiasts might be intrigued by the upcoming Europa League third qualifying round match, given the close game between Wolfsberger AC and PAOK Thessaloniki. Betting tips support a potential 2-1 victory for Wolfsberger, yet betting odds offer a competitive value on an away win for PAOK. Regardless of the predicted outcome, the match is expected to be full of exciting sports action, especially in football, as both teams are expected to score.
