Lugano vs Pafos Prediction & Betting Tips (19 December)

Lugano can play in the round of 16 of a European Cup for the first time in its history. The Bianconeri, on the strength of their 4 successes obtained over the first 5 days of the league phase, are virtually 5th in the standings with 2 points ahead of 9th. You will have to be in the top 8 to go directly to the eighth. In this European table, the Swiss club remains on its successes against La Gantoise 2-0 at the end of November and Legia Warsaw 1-2 last Thursday. Since then, the leader of the Swiss championship received Lausanne on Sunday with the ambition of achieving a 4th success in all competitions.  His opponent, Pafos, alternates between the good 3 victories and the less good 2 defeats in this league phase.

This assessment still allows it to rank 12th. With one point behind the last team in the top 8, the Cypriot club can aim for direct access to the round of 16 although a victory may not be enough if its direct competitors also win. The winner of the last Cyprus Cup bounced back on the European scene after falling to Fiorentina 3-2. They dominated Celje 2-0 last week and hosted Néa Salamis last weekend in the league with a view to retaining the lead in the national rankings. 

The Swiss team saw its starting goalkeeper Saipi return to competition last Thursday. However, we will have to wait for striker Aliseda, author of 6 goals in the championships, to do the same. Injured for several weeks, his year 2024 is over. Another offensive player, Vladi, could also remain out. The man with 4 goals in all competitions missed his team's last two matches before last weekend's championship match against Lausanne. No player in the Lugano dressing room has scored more than one goal on the continental scene.

 Pafos should approach this trip with a full group. Dragomir contributed to his team's victory on the last day against Celje by scoring his 6th goal including tax. With his two goals, the Brazilian Jaja is Pafos' top scorer in the Conference League. His friends Jairo and Silva, author of 8 goals each TCC, will also have their say in the opposing area.