- Apollon form: Apollon Limmassol FC have been the better prepared and more solid side in recent weeks, winning 5, drawing 1 and losing 4 of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Dila form: FC Dila Gori have won 4, drawn 1 and lost 5 of their last 10 in all competitions.
- Recent run: Apollon have won 3 of their last 5 and have won their last 2 consecutive games while Dila have won 3 of their last 5 and lost 2.
Cypriots have the momentum advantage
Recent form and friendlies
However, Hernan Losada's side have since picked up the pace by beating FC Utrecht 1-0 away and Go Ahead Eagles 3-0 away in Friendly Club Matches 2026.
Opposition and match-up
This will be a tough game, however, as Akis Vavalis has got his team playing with structure and Blankson Anoff has been the spark to make things happen in UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 with 1 goal in 2 games. Dila won't be a team to mess around with as the Georgians have won 3 of their last 3 at home.
Apollon are a more solid unit than the home side, however, and can make the Georgians pay if they can get their high-tempo pressing to work. Losada's men will also be the likelier winner on Thursday, but Dila's decent run at home should keep this close.
Sides are evenly matched
Apollon come into this matchup as 2.38 favorites with Dila 3.19 and the draw 3.2, but our recommendation here is to stay on the tight side of the game in the first leg.
European progression is at stake and this tie feels more like a 50-50 game than a easy win for the visitors. Losada has Apollon playing with confidence, pressing high up the field and making transitions in a flash, while Vavalis has a team that can control possession but press at the right times, too.
It is a classic clash of intensity versus structure that will be decided by who performs best on the night. Dila can certainly take the lead if they play their best soccer, but Apollon's vertical edge and superior recent form should see them through.
- Under 2.5 goals at 1.55 and Both Teams to Score – No at 1.75 will be the selections for Thursday's UEFA Conference League Qualification 2026 first leg.
- Dila have conceded 5 goals in their last 5 at home in all competitions for a 1.00 goals-against average, while Apollon have shipped 6 in 5 on the road in all comps.
