APOEL vs Copenhagen Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Copenhagen did what was almost expected of them last week when they controlled their home match against APOEL. They were more attacking than many expected, but their lack of cutting edge up front limited them to a single goal when Andrija Pavlovic notched the only goal of the game just before half-time. This gives them a valuable lead to hang on to coming into the second leg, and if they manage to find the net they will be in with a great chance of making it to the Champions League group stages.

If they do manage that feat it would be the first time they have done so since 2013, and even the Europe League group stages have evaded them in recent years as well. They have at least guaranteed themselves a place in that competition, but they have put themselves in a great spot to make it to Europe’s elite competition.

Copenhagen’s win at home to APOEL was followed by a 1-1 draw at home to AaB in the Danish Superliga, a result which sees them level on points with Brondby at the top of the table and extended their unbeaten streak to 11 matches.

APOEL haven’t played a game since their clash last week, but that defeat made it three defeats and one win from their last four matches. Their league campaign doesn’t begin until this coming weekend as well, so the Cypriots are still a little low on match practise at the moment.

They haven’t really looked as good as expected throughout the Champions League qualification either. They were beaten in Rosenborg and held to a draw away to The New Saints, although both of these times they managed to pull a good performance out of the bag in the home leg and won both of them 3-0.

I wouldn’t expect such a dominant display on Wednesday, but their home performances do warrant them being given a chance of overturning the deficit this week. Copenhagen were held to a 1-1 draw away to Astra earlier in this competition as well and have only won one of their last eight away days in the Champions League.

I fancy this to be a very close game. Copenhagen are the side in better form but with APOEL having the home advantage I think it could be a difficult one to win. With them already being 1-0 up I think they’d quite happily settle for a draw, and considering their last two trips away from home have ended level, this is quite a likely outcome.

APOEL have drawn three of their last eight home games in the Champions League and three of their last eight at home in all competitions. Copenhagen’s defence proved too much for them in Denmark, and with the visitors quite happy with a draw on Wednesday, I think odds of 9/4 for it to end all square are excellent value. I’m also backing a 1-1 correct score prediction at 11/2.