APOEL will be aiming to join AEL in the Europa League draw on Friday but first need to overcome Azerbaijan opponents Neftchi Baku at the GSP Stadium on Thursday night.
Ivan Jovanovic’s were made to work for their 1-1 draw in the first leg of their playoff encounter and will need a win or a goal-less draw against Baku to ensure their place in Friday’s draw.
The Serbian boss faces several injury concerns going into the game with Ailton and Esteban Solari still out injured along with new signing Francisco Zuela.
Gustavo Manduca will also undergo a late fitness test but the chances of the Brazilian making the starting lineup are slim.
APOEL officials are once again expecting a full house at the GSP.
“This is the first time since 2008 that we have made so many chances to the squad”, Jovanovic told reporters. “We are still looking to develop and shape the team so of course people shouldn’t expect everyone to gel straight away. We have had very little time to work on the team which is why we have been good in some games and bad in others.
“In the previous game in Baku, we weren’t very good but that will be extra motivation for my players to put in a good performance in Nicosia. We want to win, we want to put on a good performance but, more importantly, we want to qualify.”
APOEL started off their campaign with narrow wins in their games against Senica and Aalesunds and their draw against Baku was the first time this season that they failed to win.
Last season, APOEL made history by becoming the first team from Cyprus to reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League. There will be no Cypriot representation in Europe’s premier club competition this year following AEL’s elimination in midweek at the hands of Anderlecht.

Cyprus Weekly