On Thursday evening, APOEL host Karabakh in Group A of the Europa League, as the home side look to avoid elimination from the competition.
APOEL have experienced an inconsistent start to their European campaign. The Cypriot team have struggled for results in Group A this season, picking up a solitary point from their first three games. The only point APOEL has taken this season was in a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture. A loss in this clash would see the home side eliminated from the competition.
The draw against the visitors last time out means that APOEL are now winless in four games in the Europa League, suffering three defeats in the process.
Despite their recent poor record in the Europa League, the Cypriot team have an impressive home record in the competition, winning seven of their last nine home games.
The key to their good home form has been their attacking prowess, as they have scored at least two goals in five of their last seven matches in the Europa League.
Karabakh are currently second place in Group A, a point clear of third-place Dudelange. A win would put the visitors in a good position to make the last 32 of the competition.
The team from Azerbaijan are currently eight games unbeaten in all competitions. However, they do not have a great recent record in the Europa League, having recorded just two victories in their last seven outings in Europe’s secondary competition.
They have also recorded just two away wins in their last seven matches on their travels in this competition, suffering five defeats in the process. One of those away wins came earlier in the group when they won 4-1 in Luxembourg against Dudelange, though
Forebet predicts that this clash will end in a high-scoring and entertaining draw, which will keep the home sides hopes of qualification alive.