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Analysis:
Apollon Limassol FC
After a disappointing pre-season campaign, Apollon Limassol FC failed to show a real battle against Maccabi Haifa in the penultimate round of UEFA Champions League qualifying as they suffered a 2-4 aggregate defeat. However, Apollon Limassol FC built the much needed motivation, as they secured a comfortable 2-0 landslide victory over Omonia Nicosia FC in the Cyprus Super league Cup, therefore they will want to prove themselves in front of their own fans. The last and only moment when both teams met was in year 2011, and then the match finished in a 1-1 draw. Despite a 0-4 loss in the 1st leg against Maccabi Haifa, Apollon Limassol FC tried to turn the result in their favor, but that 2-0 triumph was not enough.
Olympiakos Piraeus
Olympiakos Piraeus had a generally poor
pre-season campaign, and to make worsen the matter, they suffered an
embarrassment in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, yielding to Maccabi on a
1-5 aggregate. After that elimination, Olympiakos Piraeus appointed Carlos
Corberán as their new coach, but even under him, Olympiakos Piraeus did not
show any sign of positive results, as they managed to eliminate Slovan
Bratislava just after a penalty shootout. Olympiakos Piraeus has faced huge
setback in the back line, not only during the pre-season, but also in their
various competitive games, where they conceded at least one goal in all 4
matches so far. In fact, Olympiakos Piraeus defense has looked too leaky, as
they have failed to keep a clean sheet in 13 of their past 15 matches across
all competitions.
Verdict:
This duel on Thursday will be their first
competitive clash between both teams. Apollon Limassol FC should take advantage
of visitors' lack of defensive stability, while the visitors side has a
powerful and enough attacks to find the net. I expect both teams to score.
GG/BTTS: Yes
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