Football Bet of the Day: Crash, bang, PAOK

Champs to close in on top spot

Lamia v PAOK
Thursday 23 January, 17:00

If we could make selections from the Coupe de la Ligue every night, we would. PSG made it back-to-back winners for us from the semi-finals last night, as they cruised to a 3-0 semi-final win at Reims.

We'll head to Greece, because the champions PAOK are hoping to boost their hopes of retaining their crown by winning at mid-table Lamia.

PAOK have a game in hand in the race against Olympiakos, and a victory this evening will take them to within a point of top spot. Olympiakos recently won 4-0 at Lamia, and PAOK are well placed to do something similar.

The men from Thessaloniki have won eight of their last nine games in league and cup. Seven of those victories were by at least two goals, and they have won three of their last four away matches by two goals or more.

Lamia are tenth in the 14-team league, and have only won five of their 19 top-flight matches. They have failed to win any of their last three home games, and they have only won three league games at home all season.

PAOK have won their last five league games against Lamia, and haven't conceded a single goal in the process. I suspect they'll extend that sequence, and I'll back them -1.5 on the Asian Handicap here at 2.1511/10.