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| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
UDINESE  Handanovic Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi Basta, Pinzi, Pazienza, Fernandes, Armero Torje Floro Flores | PAOK  Kresic Etto, Katsikas, Malezas, Lino Salpigidis, Lazar, Garcia, Robert Fotakis Athanasiadis |
Udinese were dealt a major blow in the 2-1 Serie A defeat to AC Milan at the weekend when key duo Mauricio Isla and Antonio Di Natale were ruled out with serious injuries.
Isla's knee ligament problem, sustained after a clash with Massimo Ambrosini, is likely to rule the Chilean out of action for the rest of the season. However, the loss of goal-getter Di Natale is most damaging, the veteran suffering a fractured toe, and his period of recovery is as yet undetermined.
The hosts are set to welcome back Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Kwadwo Asamoah after the duo returned from the African Cup Of Nations, although Badu is carrying a knock and is unlikely to feature, while Asamoah may find a spot on the bench.
PAOK have a full squad available going into Thursday's clash, with Panagiotis Glikos returning to the side after sitting out of the recent defeat to OSFP with a minor knock.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Udinese have won two of their three home games in the Europa league this season.
- The hosts only managed to win two of their six group stage games, yet still qualified for the knockout stages.
- Both sides are currently unbeaten in the Europa League this season.
- PAOK have won three of their last four games in the Europa League.
- The visitors have only kept one clean sheet in the competition so far, with the Greeks earning a 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur back in September.
- On average the away side have conceded a goal a game in the competition.
Prediction
The Bianconeri are desperate to return to from after suffering two straight defeats, and along with having the home advantage, a victory for the hosts seems the likely outcome.
Editor's Prediction
Udinese 2-1 PAOK 
