Real Sociedad vs PAOK Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Europa League, January 30, 2025
Real Sociedad vs PAOK Preview
- Tournament: UEFA Europa League
- Date: Friday, January 30
- Kick-off Time: 08:00 PM GMT
- Venue: Anoeta Stadium,San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain.
The last matchday in the UEFA Europa League 2024-25 group phase could be a touch-and-go situation for several clubs hoping to book a berth in the top 24. Spain’s Real Sociedad and PAOK FC of Greece are two such teams. They are scheduled to lock horns at the Anoeta Stadium. This game has some important stakes for the sides as a loss would risk them a chance further while a gain of points can make them secure their berth for the play-offs of the Round of 16.
Real Sociedad, the hosts of this game, are in the 18th spot in the Europa League group phase. Having 10 points from their seven games, totaling three wins, a draw, and three losses. So far, they are in a comfortable space for a top 24, but if they suffer defeat against PAOK, at home, not only will it be shambolic, but it could also risk them out.
For PAOK FC, it has been a strong performance. They too have 10 points from as many wins, draws, and losses as Real Sociedad. They are at the 17th spot, and even if they secure a draw, they would be more than satisfied with this away game. However, a win will always be the mission, as it makes their road to knack-outs simpler.
Real Sociedad Team News
The hosts Real Sociedad will have two players absent from this fixture: Munoz and Hamari Traore. The first is serving a suspension, while the latter is still not match-fit. Coach Imanol Alguacil is expected to not be in trouble even without these players.
PAOK Team News
PAOK FC have a long list of players absent from this game: Omar Colley and attacker Andrija Zivkovic, are out owing to injuries. While Jiri Pavlenka, Dejan Lovren, Jonathan Gomez, Vierinha, Sergio Pena, Thomas Murg, and Ally Samatta are not registered. Coach Răzvan Lucescu is however expected to be well-adjusted to this scenario.
Real Sociedad vs PAOK Predicted Lineups
Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Remiro
Defenders: Aramburu, Zubeldia, Aguerd, Lopez
Midfielders: Turrientes, Zubimendi, Sucic, Gomez
Forwards: Kubo, Oyarzabal
PAOK Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Kotarski
Defenders: Otto, Kedziora, Michailidis, Baba
Midfielders: Camara, Pena; Despodov, Konstantelias, Taison
Forwards: Chalov
Real Sociedad vs PAOK H2H Record
Real Sociedad and PAOK FC have not played against each other in the past. This is scheduled to be their first game.
Key Players to Watch in Real Sociedad vs PAOK
Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
The former Real Madrid sensation is operating fine in the UEFA Europa League. He hails a goal and two assists in the six matches he played in. In the La Liga however, the form has dipped, with only four goals and no assists in 21 matches. The Japanese winger has only a goal in his last five games with an xG of 0.6. He should make full use of this chance to come to the limelight and boost his confidence.
Taison (PAOK)
The veteran winger from Brazil has tons of experience he has gathered from his career spanning about two decades. However, his experience this season is not bearing fruit.
The skillful player hails only a single goal each in the Europa and domestic leagues, much to the awe of the two he scored in UEFA Champions League qualifiers at the start of the season. He played as a CAM in major of the last five games but has been horrible. His xG is nil. This could be a chance for him to bounce from his poor form.
Real Sociedad vs PAOK Prediction
Real Sociedad are expected to win this game, owing to the home advantage, and also for having a stronger squad, with more players available. PAOK FC are expected to give a close fight.
Predicted Score: Real Sociedad 2-1 PAOK (Watch Live)
Where to watch Real Sociedad vs PAOK live?
| Country | Where to watch |
| USA | NBC platforms |
| UK | Sky Sports |
| Spain | Telefonica, Mediaset |
| Greece | COSMOTE TV |
| India | Sony liv |
FAQs
Q. When is Real Sociedad vs PAOK?
A. The Real Sociedad vs PAOK UEFA Europa League game will be played on Thursday, January 30 at Anoeta Stadium, San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain.
Q. Where to watch Real Sociedad vs PAOK live for free?
A. The game Real Sociedad vs PAOK can be watched on Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV Stream.
Q. What is the predicted score in Real Sociedad vs PAOK?
A. The predicted score for Real Sociedad vs PAOK is Real Sociedad 2-1 PAOK.
Q. What is the head-to-head record for Real Sociedad vs PAOK?
A. Real Sociedad and PAOK FC have not played against each other in the past. This is scheduled to be their first game.