PAOK and Aris prepare for Thessaloniki derby

PAOK will host Aris at Toumba Stadium today, September 13, at 21:00, in a highly anticipated match for the 4th round of the Stoiximan Super League. Both teams are seeking to bounce back from recent defeats, as PAOK fell to Panathinaikos in Athens, while Aris lost to AEK in the previous round.

PAOK manager Alessio Lisci has spent the week refining his squad's cohesion, emphasizing the need for focus and intensity during this first home derby of the season. Team preparations concluded at the Nea Mesimvria facilities with a visit from club president Ivan Savvidis. Conversely, Aris manager Michalis Grigoriou has urged his team to eliminate defensive lapses and maintain concentration for the full duration of the match, citing the final 28 minutes of the loss to AEK as a critical area for improvement. Grigoriou also noted the ongoing physical conditioning of forward Loren Moron.

This match holds significant importance for both clubs as they look to secure a momentum-shifting result early in the campaign. The outcome will likely be decided by defensive discipline and the ability to capitalize on small tactical advantages.