Omonia can lay down marker, Limassol derby key in title race

The 25th round of the Cyprus first division offers yet another instance of somewhat unorthodox scheduling, with just a single game on Saturday, with matches stretching out all the way to Tuesday.

On Saturday, Omonia will have the benefit of playing before every other top six club, meaning the Greens are able to lay down a marker for Apollon, AEL and Anorthosis, the three other clubs with a realistic chance of challenging for the title this season.

Speaking before their match against Ermis Aradippou, defender Michael Luftner stressed that Ermis being in a relegation battle will make things harder for the visitors.

“I expect a hard game. Ermis are fighting for their life in the league so it will be difficult”, Luftner said.

“But for us the most important thing is the three points so we can win the league”, he added.

The Czech defender also explained that Omonia are currently doing the right things on the pitch and must strive to maintain this momentum and consistency.

“I think we have to continue doing what we’re doing right now. We are in good shape. The players are in good form”, Luftner said.

On Sunday, Apoel face Salamina at home. With the two sides being separated by a single point and hovering just above the relegation zone, a win will be seen as a necessity for both clubs.

While Apoel have not been a model of consistency themselves, they did at least manage to break a poor streak of form in the previous round with their win over Olympiakos.

On the other hand, Olympiakos have failed to register a win for five games, losing three and drawing the other two.

Following Salamina’s defeat at the hands of Omonia, manager Savvas Damianou explained that Salamina’s last two games of the regular season are now the centre of the club’s focus.

“What we need to do now is concentrate on the next two games and fight to win them”, Damianou said.

On Monday, the biggest game of the round will take place in Limassol, with rivals and title contenders AEL and Apollon squaring off in one of the season’s most pivotal encounters.

AEL dropped two valuable points in their previous game against Anorthosis, allowing Omonia to climb above them in second place.

Speaking to Serbian outlet Sportklub, Apollon central midfielder Sasa Markovic spoke on his club’s rivals for the title and how he thinks Apollon compare with the sides around them.

“Objectively speaking, Apollon and Omonia are the best on the island. AEL and Anorthosis are a bit further behind but yes, the fight for the title will be between us and Omonia”, Markovic said.

“Diego Biseswar joined us recently from PAOK Salonika. He debuted and scored immediately against AEK. He keeps mentioning Aleksandar Prijovic. We are also waiting to be boosted by Wilde-Donald Guerrier who is still in quarantine”, the Serbian added.

Elsewhere, Michel Salgado, who recently joined Pafos FC’s backroom staff, spoke to Cypriot cable station Cablenet.

Salgado made special mention of Pafos’ attacking midfielder Onni Valakari, praising the Finn’s potential.

“Valakari is an incredible player. He can play in Spain. He must play with more freedom. He knows where he will pass three seconds beforehand”, Salgado said.

“We will try to renew his contract. I think he wants to stay here and improve, even though I know there are offers on the table”, Salgado added.

Saturday:

Ermis vs Omonia 6 PM

Sunday:

Karmiotissa vs Olympiakos 4 PM

Apoel vs Salamina 6:30 PM

Monday:

AEK vs Ethnikos 5 PM

AEL vs Apollon 7 PM

Tuesday:

Doxa vs Pafos FC 5 PM

Enosis vs Anorthosis 7 PM