The highly anticipated clash between Pafos FC vs APOEL Nicosia prediction 2026 takes place on February 4, 2026, at 17:00 GMT. The venue is Stelios Kyriakides Stadium in Paphos, with a capacity of 9,394 spectators. Referee Fellas K. from Cyprus will officiate this key fixture in the Cyprus League (1st Division), Round 15 of the regular season. Pafos, as hosts, aim to capitalize on home advantage against traditional powerhouses APOEL in a match that could influence top-table positioning.
This encounter promises intensity as both sides battle for European qualification spots or consolidation in the upper half. Recent form shows Pafos struggling in their last outings while APOEL display resilience away. With defending champions Pafos under new management and APOEL pushing consistently, the Pafos FC vs APOEL Nicosia match prediction today highlights tactical discipline and home crowd support as decisive factors.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
As we delve into the details for Pafos FC vs APOEL Nicosia prediction today, focus shifts to recent performances and historical context. Both teams have shown mixed results leading into this fixture, with home advantage potentially tilting the scales. Key trends in goals, clean sheets, and head-to-head outcomes provide valuable clues for bettors. Understanding these elements helps frame realistic expectations for the outcome.
The upcoming sections break down last matches, offering a clear view of momentum. Injuries and tactical setups add layers to the preview. Bettors should weigh these insights carefully before decisions.
Pafos FC Results
Pafos FC enter this match amid a challenging run, mixing rare highs with consistent setbacks. As defending league champions under new coach Albert Celades, they face pressure to rebound at home. Recent games reveal defensive vulnerabilities despite occasional attacking flashes.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 31.01.26 | CL | Achnas vs Pafos | 2-1 | L |
| 28.01.26 | CL | Pafos vs Slavia Prague | 4-1 | W |
| 25.01.26 | CL | Pafos vs AEK Larnaca | 1-2 | L |
| 21.01.26 | CL | Chelsea vs Pafos | 1-0 | L |
| 17.01.26 | CL | Ol. Nicosia vs Pafos | 2-0 | L |
Pafos have won only once in their last five outings, suffering four defeats. Home form remains a concern with consecutive losses at Stelios Kyriakides. The heavy defeat to Chelsea in Europe underscores struggles against quality opposition. Defensive lapses have led to conceding in most games. Overall, momentum leans negative heading into this derby-like clash.
APOEL Nicosia Results
APOEL Nicosia arrive with steadier momentum, blending wins and draws effectively. Their experience in big matches gives them edge despite not leading the table. Recent results reflect solid organization and counter-attacking threat.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 31.01.26 | CL | Ol. Nicosia vs APOEL | 0-2 | W |
| 23.01.26 | CL | APOEL vs Omonia Aradippou | 1-1 | D |
| 18.01.26 | CL | Apollon vs APOEL | 2-1 | L |
| 10.01.26 | CL | APOEL vs Chloraka | 2-1 | W |
| 07.01.26 | CUP | APOEL vs Apea Akrotiriou | 1-0 | W |
APOEL secured three wins and one draw in five games, losing only once. Away victories demonstrate road resilience. Clean sheets and low concessions highlight defensive strength. The side maintains consistency despite occasional slips. This form positions them well for a competitive showing in Paphos.
Pafos FC vs APOEL Nicosia Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
The rivalry remains competitive, with APOEL historically dominant but Pafos gaining ground recently. Recent encounters feature tight scores and defensive battles. Trends show low-scoring affairs in several meetings.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 31.08.25 | CL | APOEL vs Pafos | 0-1 |
| 12.05.25 | CL | APOEL vs Pafos | 1-1 |
| 06.04.25 | CL | Pafos vs APOEL | 0-1 |
| 24.02.25 | CL | APOEL vs Pafos | 0-2 |
| 30.01.25 | CUP | APOEL vs Pafos | 1-2 (1-1 after 90′) |
Pafos won three of the last five, including recent away successes against APOEL. Draws and narrow margins dominate. Home advantage for Pafos could shift dynamics, but APOEL’s experience often prevails in tight contests.
Predicted Lineups for Pafos FC vs APOEL Nicosia
Here are the projected starting lineups for the upcoming Cyprus League match on February 4, 2026, based on the latest available squad information, recent form, and tactical preferences under the current managers. These are forecasted XIs and may change closer to kickoff due to last-minute decisions, fitness checks, or tactical adjustments. Positions are indicated in parentheses for clarity.
Pafos FC: Predicted lineup
Gorter (GK), Silva (DF), Luiz (DF), Luckassen (DF), Pileas (DF), Dragomir (MF), Quina (MF), Pepe (MF), Bruno (MF), Jaja (MF), Sema (FW).
APOEL Nicosia: Predicted lineup
Belec (GK), Degenek (DF), Laifis (DF), Tomas (DF), Nanu (DF), Abagna (MF), Meer (MF), Rosa (MF), Meurer (MF), Koutsakos (FW), Diamantakos (FW).
INJURED AND QUESTIONABLE PLAYERS
Several key absences could influence the match dynamics, particularly for the hosts who face more personnel issues ahead of this important fixture. The table below summarizes the current status of unavailable or doubtful players based on recent team news.
| Team | Player | Status/Injury |
| Pafos FC | Ken Sema | Injured (out) |
| Pafos FC | Pedrao | Injured (out) |
| Pafos FC | João Correia | Knock injury (questionable / early February return) |
| APOEL Nicosia | – | No reported unavailable players |
Key Match Factors and Team News
Several elements shape expectations for this fixture. Both sides navigate injuries and form fluctuations. Motivation runs high with points crucial for standings.
- Pafos missing key attackers Ken Sema and Pedrao due to injuries, weakening forward options;
- APOEL boast a fully fit squad, no reported absences, allowing full tactical flexibility;
- Pafos show inconsistent home results, with recent losses eroding confidence;
- APOEL maintain strong away record, winning key games on the road;
- New coach Albert Celades at Pafos seeks first major statement win;
- APOEL’s defensive solidity (few concessions recently) could frustrate hosts;
- Potential for low-scoring game given head-to-head trends under 2.5 goals;
- No major scandals, but pressure mounts on Pafos after European setbacks;
- Pafos aim to end winless streak at home;
- APOEL target upset to climb higher in tight table race.
Free Tips on Pafos FC vs APOEL Nicosia
This section offers practical free tips tailored to the Pafos FC vs APOEL Nicosia clash on February 4, 2026, drawing from detailed statistics of previous matches, head-to-head records, and current team dynamics. By examining patterns in results, goal trends, and form indicators, these insights help identify potential value areas without repeating core team news factors. Bettors can use these to refine decisions for this competitive Cyprus League encounter.
- Recent team form reveals contrasting momentum: Pafos have struggled with four losses in their last five games, signaling low confidence at home, while APOEL’s three wins and one draw demonstrate stronger resilience, particularly on the road, suggesting visitors could handle pressure better in tight moments.
- Head-to-head trends point to low-scoring affairs: In the last five meetings, matches averaged under 2.5 goals with frequent clean sheets and narrow margins, indicating defensive battles dominate this fixture and favoring under markets or cautious scorelines.
- Home vs away performance gap favors caution for hosts: Pafos show solid overall home win rates in the season but recent home losses expose vulnerabilities, whereas APOEL maintain a strong away record with multiple victories, potentially neutralizing stadium and fan influence.
- Productivity in matches leans toward fewer goals: Historical data from direct encounters and recent forms show low goal outputs (often under 2.5 in six straight H2H games), making both teams to score unlikely and highlighting value in no BTTS or total goals under options.
- Referee tendencies add to disciplined play expectation: With Fellas K. officiating, known for standard card distribution in Cypriot games, combined with the rivalry’s tight nature, expect a controlled game where tactical discipline outweighs aggressive fouls or high cards.
These tips stem directly from statistical patterns in past performances and encounters, providing objective angles for this matchup.
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Pafos FC vs APOEL Nicosia Match Prediction
Pafos FC vs APOEL Nicosia odds reflect a close contest, with hosts slightly favored due to venue but visitors holding strong claims. Pafos’ home ground and recent H2H edge suggest they can edge it, despite injuries. Defensive frailties for Pafos contrast APOEL’s organization, yet motivation and crowd support tip balance toward hosts. Expect a tight battle with few goals; Pafos likely nick narrow victory through set-pieces or counter. Probability leans 45-50% Pafos win, 25-30% draw, 20-25% APOEL. Value exists in under markets given patterns. Overall, Pafos hold slight advantage but APOEL remain dangerous.
Our Prediction: Pafos FC 1-0 APOEL Nicosia
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Pafos FC Win | 1.96 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.84 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.95 |
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