PAOK looks to take charge of Group L in the Europa League when it faces Maccabi Haifa on Thursday.
The Greek side currently sits atop the group with seven points in three games and could clinch a spot in the final 32 if it manages to pull off a win and get a favorable result in the match between AZ and Shakhter Karagandy, meaning the Dutch side wins. If these two scenarios played out the PAOK would have 10 points and Karagandy would be stuck at two; with only two games remaining the Kazakhstan club would only be able to recoup a maximum of eight points in its final two games.
A draw in this game leaves PAOK within striking distance of the other three sides in the group, especially second place AZ which trails PAOK by just two points.
The Greeks won 2-1 over Karagandy in their opening match before drawing 1-1 with AZ in Alkmaar. In its most recent game, the Greek side made a comeback at home from a 2-0 deficit and won 3-2.
Maccabi is in dire need of a win. A loss coupled with an AZ win would eliminate it from the contest. With one point, the team can still get a total of 10 points with three wins. Haifa lost 1-0 against AZ at home in its opener before drawing 2-2 with Karagandy and losing 3-2 against PAOK.
Prediction: PAOK wins 1-0.
Start Time: 3 p.m. EST
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