FC Astana – APOEL Prediction & Picks (30.08.2018)

Astana and APOEL meet at Astana Arena, in a return match for this phase of the UEFA Europa League (Play-offs), after the victory at home of APOEL by (1-0) in the first leg. The history of recent direct matches between these two teams indicates total balance, since there was 1 draw and 2 wins for each team in the last 5 matches. In this game the home factor may be decisive, as Astana presents considerable differences in their results at home and as a visitor.

Astana:

The home team comes to this second leg with a disadvantage of 1 goal, in addition to the disadvantage of not having scored goals as a visitor in the first leg. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 7 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses in away matches; against 13 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss at their stadium. The team comes to this match after a home victory with Kyzyl-Zhar by (3-0). In the last 10 home matches Astana has won 9 and lost 1. There is a tendency for goals in their home matches, since 43 of the last 49 matches have ended with Over 1,5 goals In 15 games, he suffered the first goal 5 times, but got the comeback in 2.

Astana came to this game motivated, after a home win, 3-0, at the Kyzyl-Zhar reception: Shchetkin scored the three goals that allowed his team to win the victory. The greatest valence of the team of the house resides in the capacity that demonstrates in driving its offensive attacks through fast transitions. The Congolese Kabananga is responsible for putting the adversary’s defenses into meaning, since their highest quality is the demarcation. The coach of the premises must have all players at their disposal.

APOEL:

The away team comes to this second leg with an advantage of 1 goal, but suffered 0 goals at home in the first leg. This is a team that usually shows similar results, at home and abroad. It is usually not affected by the home team, since in the last 30 matches they register 8 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses in away matches; against 11 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses at their stadium. In the last 10 away matches APOEL has won 4, tied 2 and lost 4. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 4 of the last 5 matches for this competition. In the last 4 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have conceded 3 of their 7 goals between minutes (31′-45 ‘).

The APOEL comes to this match motivated return, after a victory at home, 1-0, in the first leg: Cajú, at minute 79 ‘, scored the only goal of the match. Unlike the opponent of this game, the foreign team must act in a tactical system in 4-4-2, with the aim of trying to take advantage of the counterattacks. In any case, we believe that APOEL will adopt a more defensive strategy, with the aim of trying to preserve its advantage.