The club from Cyprus finished only fourth in last season’s domestic league but managed to win the cup again. Now, they are already trailing the leader, but overall, they still have a good chance to improve their position in the domestic arena. The visitors from Tetovo became champions after a three-year break but are currently behind Vardar and Struga.
Idiaquez’s side started out in the Europa League. After passing through qualification against Partizan, Celje, and Legia, they were outclassed by Brann. In the Conference League, however, they began with two wins, defeating AZ and Crystal Palace. However, perhaps relaxing afterward, they only managed goalless draws with Aberdeen and Rijeka. In the previous round against Häcken, they also shared the points, ending 1-1.
The Macedonian side started in the Champions League and, after overcoming New Saints, also knocked out FCSB, but then faced a much stronger opponent in Qarabağ. Having moved to the Europa League, they lost to Ludogorets—1-4 in Bulgaria after a 2-1 home win. In the current tournament, their only victories were at home against Shelbourne, and they also drew with Jagiellonia at home, suffering away defeats to Rayo Vallecano and Drita. Against Slovan Bratislava, they managed a 2-0 home win.
AEK Larnaca have drawn three times
The team scores an average of 1.2 goals while conceding only 0.2
Shkëndija-79 have lost both previous away matches
The club scores and concedes an average of 0.8 goals per match.
AEK Larnaca (probable lineup): Alomerović – Gnali, Saborit, Miličević, Miramón – Pere Pons, Luís Gustavo, Naum, Waldo Rubio, Ivanović – Bajić.
Shkëndija-79 (probable lineup): Gey – Webster, Tsake, Fetai, Trumchi – Alhassan, Ramadani, Latifi, Krasniqi, Spahiu – Tamba.
