Petrocub vs APOEL Prediction: Moldovans may turn the tide

Petrocub’s maiden Champions League campaign is in danger of coming to an early end after they suffered a 1-0 loss in Nicosia in the first leg of their second round of qualifying tie with APOEL last week. 

However, there were some positive signs in their first-leg defeat to APOEL and home advantage could see them turn the tie on its head and potentially secure a place in the third round on Tuesday. Read on for my Petrocub vs APOEL prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News 

Both sides came through the first leg unscathed and changes could be at a minimum.

Petrocub, despite losing 1-0, will be the happier of the two based on performance in Nicosia and Andrei Martin should name an unchanged side.

Experienced midfielders Max Meyer and Youssef El Arabi were brought on by APOEL boss David Gallego in the first leg and both could be pushing for a start in Hincesti.

Petrocub vs APOEL Odds

There is little to split these sides in the market, with Petrocub 8/5, APOEL 13/8 and the draw 21/10.

The first game saw just a single strike, hence the 5/4 available for over 2.5 goals, with both teams to score chalked up at 10/11.

Petrocub to win @ 8/5

While they failed to get a result in Nicosia, Petrocub gave a performance to be proud of and a repeat of that effort could see them reverse the form in the second leg.

They outshot their hosts 10-5 last week and only conceded via a penalty, suggesting they have enough talent to hurt APOEL while also keeping things relatively tight at the back.

Home advantage could also play a huge part on Tuesday as Petrocub have won their last 12 competitive games at the Stadionul Municipal Hincesti, scoring an outrageous 56 goals in that run.

Importantly they overcame the toughest test in that run, a visit from 21-time Moldovan champions Sheriff Tiraspol, by winning 2-1, showing their aptitude for stepping up when it matters most - something which could prove vital in this second leg.

With home advantage, Petrocub could prove difficult to beat and they should win this clash and avoid extra-time by landing a 2-0 victory, which can be backed at 11/1.

Draw/Petrocub Half-Time/Full-Time @ 5/1

While the hosts should prevail in this tie, they may have to be patient. Only four of their shots in the first leg came in the first half, while four of their five shots on target occurred in the second 45 minutes.

They grew into the game in the first leg and may take a similar approach in the reverse fixture.

APOEL will be looking to protect their slender lead and may set up defensively early on in an attempt to do so. The score could very well be 0-0 at the half as a result, but the hosts should eventually make a breakthrough and take the tie.

Offers

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 50% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.