AEK Larnaca vs Slovan Liberec Predictions, Betting Tips, & Match Preview

AEK Larnaca finished runners up in the the Cyprus First Division for a second consecutive time last season, earning themselves a first qualifying round spot in the UEFA Europa League. From there, they have been able to advance to the playoff stage with relative ease, beating Folgore of San Marino 6-1 on aggregate, followed by a 5-2 aggregate win over Cliftonville of Northern Ireland in the second qualifying round. Most impressively, however, was their 2-1 aggregate win over Russian Premier League side Spartak Moskva in the third qualifying round. This means that the Cypriots have taken an impressive five wins from their six Europa League matches so far this summer. Larnaca come into this tie aiming to replicate their biggest success to date, that of the 2011/2012 Europe League competition where they progressed to the group stage.

Slovan Liberec finished 3rd in the Czech First League, a distant six points behind 2nd placed Sparta Prague and UEFA Champions League qualification. Liberec have been regular participants in the Europa League, featuring every year since 2012. While their current form in the domestic league isn’t anything special, drawing one and losing two of their opening three matches, they did convincingly win both legs of their third qualifying round tie against Admira at the start of August. Slovan Liberec have also signed as many as eight new players over the transfer window, including veteran striker Milan Baros, who has scored one goal in three appearances for the side.

Larnaca’s capability to progress further in the Europa League cannot be questioned so easily after knocking out Russian side Spartak Moscow last round. They have been solid defensively and made the best of their only shot on target in the second leg of said fixture, scoring in the 88th minute. With the bookies seeing AEK Larnaca as the favourites, despite Slovan Liberec’s experience and bigger prevalence in European competition over recent years, we feel there is decent value elsewhere. This match will likely be neck and neck, especially considering the higher pressure of the first tie. Both teams have shown they are capable of scoring goals at this level, averaging two goals per game each and, as such, a low scoring score draw seems likely.

Hence, draw at 21/10 and 1-1 draw at 5/1 with bet365 are our choice bets for this match.