Wolfsberger AC vs PAOK Prediction & Betting Tips (14 August)

Wolfsberger AC enter their Europa League clash against PAOK with a mix of optimism and urgency. Under the guidance of Dietmar Kühbauer, the Austrian side has shown flashes of brilliance, notably lifting the ÖFB Cup last season. However, their Bundesliga campaign began on shaky ground, suffering a late collapse in a 2-1 defeat to Altach. Despite that setback, the squad remains largely intact, with veteran striker Markus Pink expected to lead the line. Midfield dynamo Dejan Zukić and winger Thierno Ballo will be crucial in unlocking PAOK’s defense, while the absence of versatile defender Chibuike Nwaiwu due to a ligament injury could expose vulnerabilities at the back.

PAOK, meanwhile, are gearing up for their first competitive fixture of the 2025–26 season, having wrapped up a brief but intense pre-season in the Netherlands. Razvan Lucescu, back for a second spell as head coach, is looking to build on last season’s fourth-place finish in the Greek Super League and a respectable European run. The Salonika club has bolstered its ranks with British full-backs Greg Taylor and Jonjoe Kenny, while Fyodor Chalov is set to spearhead the attack in the absence of new signing Giorgos Giakoumakis. Club captain Andrija Zivkovic, with 20 UEFA goals to his name, adds a layer of experience and threat that Wolfsberger must respect.

Tactically, Wolfsberger are expected to stick with their familiar 3-4-1-2 setup, relying on a compact midfield and quick transitions. PAOK, on the other hand, will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Zivkovic and Taison flanking Konstantelias behind Chalov. The Greek side’s technical superiority and home advantage at the Toumba Stadium could tilt the balance, especially given Wolfsberger’s recent defensive lapses. However, the Austrians have proven they can punch above their weight, and their cup-winning pedigree suggests they won’t go quietly.

In what promises to be a tightly contested affair, the prediction leans toward a 2-1 victory for PAOK. The hosts’ sharper edge in attack and depth in midfield should be enough to overcome Wolfsberger’s resilience. Expect a spirited showing from the visitors, but PAOK’s European experience and tactical discipline are likely to see them through with a narrow but vital first-leg win.