Slovan Bratislava vs APOEL Prediction: Hosts’ experience can make the difference

Slovan Bratislava and APOEL lock horns for the first leg of their third-round Champions League qualifier on Wednesday night looking for a valuable lead ahead of the second clash in Cyprus.

Read on for my Slovan Bratislava vs APOEL prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Slovakian outfit Bratislava overcame Celje 6-1 on aggregate in the last round, while APOEL were made to work hard to edge past Petrocub 2-1 over their two legs.

Tehelne pole has become a tough place for opposition sides to go to and Slovan will be doing all they can to make home advantage count and take a lead into the second leg at GSP Stadium.

Football Odds

Team News

There are no fresh injury concerns for Slovan manager Vladimir Weiss at this early stage of the season, meaning he has the luxury of a full squad to choose from.

That means in-form striker David Strelec should start up front once again, with experienced wingers Robert Mak and Vladimir Weiss – son and namesake of the manager – in support.

As for APOEL, they too have a clean bill of health as they prepare to make the trip to Slovakia this week.

Brazilian star Marquinos, who scored in both games against Petrocub in the last round, is set to feature in a front-three that will also include either Stefan Drazic or veteran striker Youssef El-Arabi, with both players vying for the central attacking role.

Slovan Bratislava vs APOEL Odds

Slovan Bratislava are the 23/20 favourites to claim the victory on home soil, while APOEL are 23/10 to take a lead into the second leg.

A draw at Tehelne pole is available at 21/10, while over 2.5 total goals is currently 11/10.

Slovan Bratislava to win to nil @ 5/2

While APOEL have their attacking threats, the Cypriot giants were limited by Petrocub in the last round and might struggle to find the back of the net in Bratislava on Wednesday night.

Slovan have won all of their last four home games in all competitions, while they have managed to keep clean sheets in their last two games at Tehelne pole.

Unbeaten so far this season and scoring an impressive 10 goals in their last three games, Slovan have the firepower to not only claim the win here but also keep the visitors off the scoresheet.

Tigran Barseghyan anytime goalscorer @ 23/10

Leading goalscorer for Slovan in the Super Liga this season, Tigran Barseghyan is a goal threat whether he starts the match or comes off the bench.

Barseghyan has scored in all of Slovan’s last three games and has proven to be a prolific penalty-taker.

Bagging a late winner last time out in a 1-0 victory over Podbrezova, Barseghyan is good value to continue his scoring run and find the back of the net against APOEL.

Offers

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