pash

Thanks for spelling this out - I was trying to figure out the progression using the wiki and got an instant headache. I agree that we want Olympiakos to win, in this case. A shame Panathinaikos just tied it (17 minutes still to play). We SHOULD make it to the semis without much of a problem. Who knows, maybe Larissa will go on a rampage and we'll meet them!

For the cup: AEK-ARIS is trending towards a 0-0 and the PAO-OLY game is about to start. Both of these are the first leg of their respective ties, so progression will be decided on the 17th. With that said, who would we rather see win? I'd love to see AEK lose here, but there might be some value in having them tired for the semifinal. Obviously we have a big advantage in progression. Olympiakos also clearly the weaker side in the other match-up, but same logic applies...

It's a shame that we exist to make Garcia's life worse ?

Gorgeous, calm, slow-motion goal haha

I thought that was widely anticipated anyway? Anyway, starting lineup is available and Antonio starts in the #10 position (though this is probably going to be more of a 4-3-3, methinks). I'm surprised that Lyratzis didn't make it in as backup, but perhaps Kedziora will move over if Sastre needs to come off. Poor Tzimas, kid will never get a start.

Womp, womp Saw some talking heads online were saying the Lyratzis loan is being re-thought...perhaps because of this? Who knows. I'm sure they'll misuse him either way!

Damn it, that's what I get for putting money on him scoring a goal. Probably just being rested after playing a few days ago, if I had to guess...

Imagine how much Prijovic would have feasted, with those fantastic Despodov crosses ? But yeah, this team this season is going to be amazing. It feels a lot like it did in 18/19. The team needs to announce Lucescu's extension and at least a RB SOON, though!

I am so ready to give my hot take here. For anyone who wants to compare lineups: 2018/19: https://www.transfermarkt.com/paok-thessaloniki/kader/verein/1091/plus/0/galerie/0?saison_id=2018 2023/24: https://www.transfermarkt.com/paok-thessaloniki/startseite/verein/1091/saison_id/2023 As an aside, this illustrates Lucescu's infuriating refusal to actually play his squad back in the day - I count like 13 players who I don't think even played. Perhaps he knew he didn't have as great a team as we all think he did? Either way, rotation has proven its worth now. Anyway... I still think the 2018 team takes it, because they were just so in sync with each other...and stone cold competent. HOWEVER...we have a LOT more depth today, and I think it's of a higher quality. I would not be surprised if by the end of the season, this one ends up feeling more dominant. Also, we have better set up for future success right now. We have relatively few older players, so we are unlikely to have an implosion of elderliness in another year. Defense: I think our entire defensive line (to mix up my sports) was better in 2018. Vieirinha and Matos as fullbacks were just plain better than anything we have now (yes, sorry Baba). And Varela and Crespo? With Ingason as backup? Like, are you kidding me? I'm not even sure Kotarski is better than Pashalakis during his incredible, career-defining season. Midfield: Prime Shakhov, Oliveira, Canas, Mauricio... vs Antonio, Ozdoev, Schwab, Tsiggaras, Ozdoev. Honestly, the older squad were so consistent that I have to give them the edge over the current team. So 2018 takes it, but only barely. BUT, we have another half season to go...and the 2018 squad had mostly played together the previous year. They got off to an easier start, in other words. I also feel that we have such fantastic depth there now that we could legitimately lose three of our guys and still have one of the strongest midfields in the league. Attack: this one, is a little more difficult. Wingers and attacking mids were Limnios, Jaba, Henrique, Lamprou, Biseswar, Pelkas. And perhaps Warda, if you can count him. Vs today's Murg, Taison, Zivkovic, Despodov, Kontstantelias. I think Pelkas/Biseswar were better than Murg/Konstantelias, but our wingers now are definitely better (even if we lack a dedicated left winger). The deciding factor here is Prijovic - who I believe is by far the best striker we've ever had. I think 2018 takes it again. And even if you want to discount Prijovic, who left in the winter break...Swiderski and Akpom were both better than our current guys, IMO. Some of this might be my sentimentality speaking. I think this current team has the potential to be one of our best squads ever. But we're a fullback and striker away from that happening. And honestly, Konstantelias needs more time in the oven before he brings out his best. Remember: Pelkas had a physicality and speed that Konstantelias probably never will. Btw, remember Kacheridi? He just retired! https://www.transfermarkt.com/yevgen-khacheridi/profil/spieler/69004

Zivkovic trained normally so perhaps he'll make the squad, though I can't imagine he'll be anywhere near the starting eleven. Good that he's back though.

Agreed with the banana hammock on the physicality - he'd get crushed. Germany is also a more physical league, but probably would be an easier place to acclimate to. To our podcaster - I hope you're right, but our club's history is one of constant disappointment. Expect the worst and hope for the best, I always say! -edit- By the way, Lyratzis might go to either Asteras Tripolis or (not surprisingly) Panserraikos. Hell yeah, get some real play time my boy!

Was this the same kid Lucescu wanted to turn into a fullback? Or was that one of the other fifteen attacking midfielders we've mismanaged? Re: Konstantelias - I guarantee you we'll see 10 million at most for him. Just you wait.

Wouldn't that mean we should expect to see immediate weight gain?

Hahaha you're probably right. Rent-free, as they say

My stream s%$#! the bed and when I got into a new one, I saw we had a fourth goal?! Does that make three assists and one goal for Despodov today??

Very selfless pass by Despodov, I was worried he'd try to take it and whiff the shot

Oooh I didn't even notice that! Interesting...perhaps this team is suffering from an identity crisis -edit- it looks kinda like a griffin, in fact?

Lol so do we hire this goalkeeper or what?

I dunno, had some bad passes earlier ? Fantastic height by Despodov for that header. @Dutch Eagle do you just mean their Inter-style logo? It was redesigned maybe two seasons ago, I think? Anyway, one more goal and I can afford to buy our dutch friend a few beers!

He gives his reasoning for requesting to not be called up here - I really hope he's not still in pain or injured, because it doesn't bode well for our season if he is still in pain...

Thought I'd share this one: https://inpaok.com/802825/oi-daneikoi-sto-mikroskopio/ Two notable takeaways: Tsaousis - who you may recall looked pretty solid during those few games he played for us - has apparently been doing well on loan at PAS Giannina (though that doesn't seem to be enough to stop them from getting relegated at the end of this season) Ouadrago is on loan to Panserraikos, which I did not realize was the case

I missed another rumor from a few days ago: AEL may be interested in both Giaxis and Ninua. The funny thing is I've seen instagram posts about both the AEL in Greece and the AEL in Cyprus being interested in the duo. This is how you know we're witnessing some hard-hitting journalism!

Do you give him a tough-love pep talk before each game?

I was wondering if he or Konstantelias would be drafted there. Konstantelias would break like a twig but Despodov might have it. So, good point!

Don't worry...he played a total of 90 minutes in the first half of this season, and all of seven games last year. Something tells me his regression will continue. Onwards and upwards, PAOK! And because I love repeating myself: ?never ? get ? back ? together ? with ? your ? ex ?