Apollon Limassol vs FC Iberia 1999 Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 25/08/2020, 04:56  by James | Modified on 25/08/2020 at 05:56 in Europa League Predictions

The first qualifying round of the Europa League season sees Cypriot side Apollon Limassol square off with FC Saburtalo Tbilisi of Georgia in the Tsirio Stadium on Thursday night. Apollon qualified for this round of the competition after finishing fourth in the Cypriot first division last term, their lowest finish for several seasons. Saburtalo finished third in the Erovnuli Liga (the Georgian top flight), which was disappointing after their 2018 title win. However, they consoled themselves with a first ever Georgian Cup win. Formed only 21 years ago, Saburtalo don't have much European experience under their belt, with all six matches coming in the qualifying rounds of both the Champions League and Europa League last season. Apollon have a much prouder recent European history, breaking ground on the continent over the last decade. They first reached the Europa League group stage in 2013 and proceeded to repeat the trick three times over the next six seasons. At home, Apollon are particularly strong in the qualifying rounds, winning 10 of their last 11 matches. Notably, Saburtalo won two of their three European away matches last season. 

Regardless of the level of the opposition they are facing, Apollon rarely run up a cricket score in the qualifying rounds. They win comfortably but have scored fewer than four goals in 16 of the last 18 European matches they have won. The Cypriot season kicked off last weekend. Apollon started with a 1-1 draw at home to Doxa. The Georgian season is ten games in and Saburtalo, fourth, are locked in a heated title race with the top four sides separated by one point. The top scorers in the division with 19 goals, Saburtalo have only lost one of their ten matches. Even so, Apollon are shrewd European competitors and should navigate their way past Saburtalo with relative comfort. We suggest that you back against both teams scoring.