This upcoming match between PAOK Thessaloniki FC and AEL Larisa (also known as AE Larissa) in the Greek Cup (Kypello Elladas) is an interesting clash of current league leader strength against a historically significant, though currently struggling, side. While PAOK plays in the Super League 1, AEL is now generally in the lower leagues but remains a prominent name in Greek football, making cup games unpredictable.
Fixture Details:
Competition: Greek Cup (Kypello Elladas), Main Round, Round 3 (Group Stage)
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2025
Venue: Toumba Stadium, Thessaloniki (PAOK Home)
Current Form and Context
Team | Competition | Recent Form (Last 5) | League Position (SL1) |
|---|---|---|---|
PAOK | Super League 1 / Europa League | W-D-W-L-W (Mixed but strong) | 1st (17 pts from 7 matches) |
AEL Larisa | Super League 1 | D-L-L-L-W (Struggling) | 11th (7 pts from 8 matches) |
PAOK: The home side is performing exceptionally well in the Super League 1, currently topping the table. They have a strong record against AEL historically, including a 1-0 Super League victory against them earlier this season (August 24, 2025). Their recent form includes big wins in the Europa League qualifying, suggesting a high-scoring potential when focused.
AEL Larisa: AEL is finding life difficult in the top flight, sitting near the bottom of the table. Their recent results show a defensive struggle and difficulty scoring consistently. They will likely view the cup as a high-stakes, high-reward opportunity to salvage their season and test their mettle against the league's best.
Tactical Key Areas
1. PAOK's Attacking Versatility vs. AEL's Low Block
PAOK, often playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, possesses dangerous wide players like Andrija Zivković and Giannis Konstantelias (or Taison/Kiril Despodov).
PAOK's Plan: Expect PAOK to dominate possession and look to break down AEL's likely deep, compact defensive block. The key will be exploiting the half-spaces and using overlapping fullbacks (like Baba or Sastre) to deliver high-quality crosses. PAOK's midfield, featuring players like Soualiho Meïté and Magomed Ozdoev, will look to control the tempo.
AEL's Plan: AEL will likely deploy a defensive structure (perhaps a deep 4-4-2 or 5-3-2) aimed at limiting space. Their success depends entirely on their ability to remain disciplined, force PAOK to shoot from unfavorable positions, and win the initial second balls.
2. Transition Moments: The Danger for AEL
PAOK has demonstrated a rapid ability to transition from defense to attack. If AEL can win the ball deep, they will need extreme pace and precision to launch a counter-attack before PAOK's defensive midfielder and center-backs reorganize.
AEL's Counter-Attacks: AEL's best chance will come from quick breaks, relying on a central forward to hold up play or using direct passes over the top to runners on the wings. They must be clinical, as opportunities will be scarce.
3. Set Pieces
Given the defensive nature of a cup game involving a lower-ranked team, set pieces become critical.
PAOK: With quality deliveries from Zivković, PAOK poses a significant threat, especially with physically strong defenders coming forward.
AEL: This is AEL's great equalizer. They must defend PAOK's set pieces perfectly, and conversely, use their own corners and free kicks as a platform to create chaos and score a rare goal.
Prediction
Historically, PAOK holds a commanding head-to-head advantage, and their current form is vastly superior to AEL's. While cup games often contain upsets, PAOK's quality and the home advantage at Toumba Stadium should be enough to secure the win, though AEL's resilience might keep the scoreline respectable.
Predicted Outcome: PAOK 2 - 0 AEL Larisa
PAOK is expected to win by scoring in both halves, likely through moments of individual quality or a set-piece breakthrough.
