APOEL vs Petrocub Prediction: APOEL can show class against rising force

APOEL will look to end Petrocub’s outstanding unbeaten run when the two sides meet on Tuesday night (18:00) in the first leg of the second qualifying round for this season’s Champions League.

Moldovan champions Petrocub enjoyed a tremendous end to their last domestic season, going unbeaten in their final 27 games in all competitions on their way to winning the Super Liga title. However, there are levels to this game and, as suggested in my APOEL vs Petrocub prediction below, the Cypriot giants will fancy their chances of taking a lead into the second leg in Moldova next week.

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Getting set for what will be their first competitive game of the season, APOEL boss David Gallego has no fresh injury concerns to consider ahead of Tuesday’s game at GSP Stadium in Nicosia.

Marquinhos is set to lead the line for the hosts following the departure of last season’s top goalscorer Giorgi Kvilitaia to Aris Limassol.

As for Petrocub, manager Andrei Martin could be tempted to name the same starting lineup that earned a 1-0 win over Kazakhstan outfit Ordabasy to progress to the second round of qualifying for the Champions League.

Midfielder Teodor Lungu was the hero of the hour who bagged the decisive goal in that game and he’s expected to partner David Abagna in the middle of the park, while last season's top scorer for Petrocub, Mihail Platica, is set to lead the line.

APOEL vs Petrocub Odds

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APOEL are the expected favourites at 8/15 (65.2% win probability) to claim the victory on Tuesday, while Petrocub are 9/2 (18.2%) to take a surprising lead into the second leg in Moldova.

A draw on the night is available at 13/5, while APOEL to win both halves is currently 3/1.

APOEL to win to nil @ 6/4

While Petrocub have been on an impressive unbeaten run, that might well be brought to an end on Tuesday night in this Champions League qualifier.

APOEL are familiar with qualifying campaigns in Europe and just missed out on reaching the Conference League group stages last season.

In what might well be a cagey affair, with APOEL likely to be a little rusty in their first competitive game of the season, the hosts should be able to claim the win, while keeping the visitors off the scoresheet.

Under 2.5 total goals @ 10/11

Scoring five goals in their four friendlies ahead of his game, which included a 0-0 draw against AEK Larnaca last time out, the goals have hardly been flying in for APOEL.

The same was also true for both of Petrocub’s meetings in the previous round of the competition, with just one goal arriving across 180 minutes of football.

Goals might well be at a premium for this game at GSP Stadium and looking at under 2.5 total goals in this contest is certainly worth considering.

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