By Iacovos Constantinou
AEK and Anorthosis, the two teams leading the race for the Cyprus football championship, come up against Doxa and Nea Salamina respectively in round 15 while APOEL, a point off the top, face a tricky away games in Paphos.
Omonia entertain Ethnikos Achnas at the GSP stadium while AEL travel to bottom of the table Ayia Napa.
The Anorthosis v Nea Salamina game will attract most of the weekend attention not only because it is expected to be a close encounter but also because both teams originate from Famagusta.
Despite failing to impress in recent games, Anorthosis still managed to secure maximum points and maintain their nine-month unbeaten record at the Antonis Papadopoulos stadium.
To extend this run though, their coach Andre Paous knows that his team must up their game against their opponents if they are to extend it.
The only concern for Paous is how to replace Joao Victor who is out for at least two months through injury. It is expected that the experienced Holgersson will be called in to fill the void.
Salamina’s preparations for Sunday’s game were disrupted when Friday’s training session was called off due to heavy rain.
However there was good news for their coach Jan de Jonge as both Koullis Pavlou and influential midfielder Skopelitis managed to shake off their injuries. Striker Mattia Cinquini will face a late fitness test as he has not fully trained in the past few days.
On paper AEK have an easier match against Doxa but their coach Christiansen warned his players that there are no easy games and they need to be fully focused during the 90 minutes.
All players bar Seran are at the disposal of the Danish coach.
Doxa have picked up more points on their travels but a lot will depend on how they respond without three (Fernandez, Lobo, Garai) first-team players who were released earlier this week.
Defending champions APOEL face Paphos FC without their most influential player, Tomas de Vincenti, who was handed a three-game ban earlier this week.
Artymatas is expected to fill in at the back again as both Carlao and Astiz are unavailable.
Despite a promising start to the season, Paphos’ season has faltered, with the club picking up just three points in their last seven games, with two coaches paying the price for this downturn in form.
Newly-appointed coach Apostolos Makrides is Paphos FC’s third so far this season.
Omonia have not won at home in almost two months but they will be favourites to overcome tough-tackling Ethnikos Achnas.
In the other games, much improved Ermis take on Aris while inconsistent Apollon are at home to Paralimni and anything other than a win for Pedro Emmanuel’s side will be considered a disaster.
In the final game, Ayia Napa need a win against AEL if they are to rekindle their hopes of avoiding relegation.
Saturday: Paphos FC vs APOEL & Omonia vs Ethnikos Achnas (17.00), Ermis vs Aris (18.00), AEK vs Doxa Katokopias (19.00)
Sunday: Apollon vs Paralimni (16.00), Ayia Napa vs AEL (17.00), Anorthosis vs Nea Salamina (18.00)
