PAOK Thessaloniki vs RSC Anderlecht 6 August 2026 Prediction

A trip to Toumba Stadium is difficult for any opponent. Anderlecht will face that challenge in the Europa League third qualifying round against PAOK. The Greek side has advanced confidently and is playing well in attack, making this a demanding test for a weakened Belgian defense.

PAOK Is Relying on Its Attacking Strength

PAOK produced strong results during preseason, winning three of four friendlies, including victories over Belgian clubs Beveren, 4-1, and Westerlo, 4-0. The Greek side enters the Anderlecht tie after confidently eliminating Dynamo Kyiv in the previous Europa League round, winning 3-2 and 2-0. Giannis Konstantelias played a major role in that success, scoring three goals across the two matches. PAOK relies on aggressive pressing and quick transitions from defense to attack. The hosts should try to raise the tempo immediately, take control of possession, and keep Anderlecht away from dangerous counterattacking positions.

That attacking approach is particularly important because of PAOK’s current personnel situation. The club rebuilt its defense during the summer after several experienced players, including Tomasz Kędziora and Dejan Lovren, departed. Pantelis Hatzidiakos and Aritz Elustondo are still developing an understanding, leaving the back line vulnerable after turnovers. Injuries to defensive midfielder Soualiho Meïté and winger Taha Ali have also reduced the available rotation. However, Konstantelias’ strong form and Taison’s ability to create chances allow PAOK to compensate by applying consistent pressure in the final third.

Anderlecht Is Less Convincing Than Its Results Suggest

Anderlecht recorded three wins and one draw during preseason, but the quality of its performances has been less impressive. The Belgian club eliminated Hammarby in the Europa League, drawing 1-1 before winning 3-1, but relied more on individual quality and persistence than sustained control. The second leg remained level until the 81st minute. Vítor Bruno is trying to establish a 4-2-3-1 system, but the team lacks a reliable playmaker who can control the tempo and connect midfield with attack. As a result, Anderlecht struggles to dictate matches for a full 90 minutes. That could become a major problem against a PAOK side expected to press aggressively from the opening whistle.

Anderlecht’s personnel problems make the situation even more difficult. The departures of Nathan De Cat, Jan-Carlo Simić, and Keisuke Goto forced the club into a significant rebuild. New signings Lukáš Ambros and Oliver Antman have not yet fully adapted, while Danylo Sikan is currently the only established option at center forward. The biggest concerns are in defense. Right backs Ilay Camara and Killian Sardella are injured, while center back Lucas Hey and defensive midfielder Cédric Hatenboer also remain unavailable. The weakened right flank and central areas could be targeted repeatedly by Taison and Konstantelias.

PAOK vs Anderlecht Predicted Lineup

PAOK (4-2-3-1): Pavlenka; Kenny, Hatzidiakos, Elustondo, Gómez; Zafeiris, Santamaría; Živković, Konstantelias, Taison; Mythou

Unavailable: Despodov, Ali, Meïté (injured)

Manager: Alessio Lisci

Anderlecht (4-2-3-1): Coosemans; Maamar, Biancon, Petro, Augustinsson; Kalonji, Llansana; Nga Kana, Ambros, Onia-Seke; Sikan

Unavailable: Camara, Sardella, Hey, Hatenboer (injured)

Manager: Vítor Bruno

Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera (Spain)

Martínez Munuera is not considered a lenient referee. He showed at least three yellow cards in six of his seven European matches last season and averaged 4.3 bookings per game. However, he has generally been less strict with home teams, which received no more yellow cards than the visitors in six recent matches.

PAOK vs Anderlecht Prediction: PAOK to Win

Main prediction: PAOK is comfortable taking control at home and dictating the tempo. Anderlecht’s main weakness is the lack of strong midfield options capable of retaining possession and slowing the game down. Sustained pressure from the Greek side could force positional mistakes, especially with the visitors missing both right backs. Taison and Konstantelias are likely to move into that vulnerable area regularly. Anderlecht’s experimental defense may struggle to withstand that pressure for the full match. The pick is PAOK to win at 1.57.

Goal prediction: A low-scoring match is not guaranteed. PAOK’s rebuilt defense still lacks chemistry, and the Greek side has conceded in four of its six matches this season. Anderlecht has enough attacking quality to create at least one clear chance, even if it spends long periods without the ball. Both teams currently look more reliable in attack than in defense. The pick is both teams to score: yes at 1.80.