- Form: Riga FC are unbeaten in five matches, winning four and drawing one, before a 1-1 home draw with Kairat Almaty last time out.
- Recent form: Pafos FC have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five, beating Anorthosis 1-3 away but losing to Atalanta Bergamo 3-1 away.
- Home form: Pafos FC have played three home matches across all competitions this season, winning one, drawing one and losing one.
Don’t look to head-to-head for guidance
Pafos FC will be the favorites to win this game at 1.57, with Riga FC a long shot at 6.02, but we're going to focus on the form of both teams when deciding who to side with for Thursday's game at Geroskipou Stadium. There is nothing in the head-to-head record to suggest Paphites will run away with it.
Riga FC are in strong form, with four wins and a draw in their last five, while Pafos FC have won two, drawn one and lost two in the same period. Riga's last two away games were wins over FK Jelgava and Tukums 2000, before a 1-1 home draw with Kairat Almaty. They've won three, drawn two and lost one of their six away games across all competitions, so they do have some valid away form to go with.
Riga are on a roll
Form comparison
Riga are on a better run than Pafos FC, who have won five, drawn three and lost two of their last 10 across all competitions, so our selection for the game is the away side to take the points on Thursday. Paphites are on a good run of five, three and two in their last ten, but Riga's unbeaten run is still intact and we're siding with the better odds of the home side here.
Tactical outlook
Ricardo Sa Pinto's Paphites are not the same team that finished fifth in Cyprus last season and they appear to have a good structure that can do serious damage in the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League in 2026-2027. Sa Pinto's midfield blocks are compact, transitioning quickly, while Riga FC, under Adrián Gula, are built on quick passing and wide play. It will be interesting to see if the midfield battles and wide duels decide the outcome.
Betting and key players
- There could be an opportunity for a goal here, so we are taking Over 2.5 at 1.77 and Both Teams To Score at 1.8 as alternatives to the win-draw-win bet.
- Lele is the main danger man for Pafos FC, who have scored three of the team's last five goals and he will need to deliver again on Thursday as they are going to have to be clinical.
