By: Peter Katsiris
PAOK FC striker Zlatan Muslimovic has been ruled out of the first leg of his side's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round encounter with Dutch giants Ajax AFC. The Bosnian striker is nursing an injury he picked up during PAOK's recently friendly draw against Nuernburg and is doubtful for the second leg in Greece, too.
The former Serie A is expected to be replaced by Vladan Ivic at the forefront of the PAOK attack, with Dimitrios Salpingidis playing just behind the Serbian.
New PAOK coach Pavlos Dermitzakis is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, that will have Greece international ‘keeper Kostas Chalkias shoring up the defense as the veteran shot-stopper looks to improve on recent performances.
The Greek custodian will have the likes of Bruno Cirillo and Stelios Malezas in front of him, while Miroslav Sznaucer and new summer recruit Anis Boussaidi are expected to patrol the sides of defense.
In the midfield, Pablo Garcia and summer signing Vitolo are expected to play just in front of PAOK's defense, while Olivier Sorlin and Vierinha play in more advanced attacking positions on the flanks.
PAOK will need to be wary of Ajax's quick attack as the likes of Uruguayan ace Luis Suarez and defender Gregory van der Wiel have the ability of stretching PAOK's back-line. A close score in Amsterdam on Wednesday night would give PAOK a chance for progression ahead of next week's replay in Thessaloniki.
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