- Salzburg's form is mixed, but they're at their best when playing in their usual high-tempo, front-foot style.
- Pafos are in decent form, but could struggle in a fast-paced game.
Pafos are a different prospect under Ricardo Sa Pinto
On paper, this is an intriguing Europa League qualifying battle that could feature a competitive game in a clash of contrasting styles. The match odds suggest a home win is the best course of action, and that is the selection, but Pafos could make it awkward for the Austrians, so take a small interest in the visitors in the double chance market.
FC Red Bull Salzburg are the bet to win at 73/100, with Pafos FC available at 193/50 and the draw at 72/25. The goal markets also make good sense with Both Teams To Score at 18/25 and Over 2.5 at 3/4.
Danny Roehl has been Salzburg's boss since 1st July 2026 and has quickly instilled the trademark vertical bite and counter-pressing edge that the club have become known for. However, their results have been up-and-down by their usual standards.
Their last three results are a 0-3 home defeat to Gamba Osaka, a 1-2 home defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir FK and a 1-7 away win over Oberwart in the OFB Cup. Their last 10 across all competitions reads 4 wins, 1 draw and 5 defeats.
Pafos are solid and sharp
Pafos are a completely different proposition under the watch of Ricardo Sa Pinto, who took over on 29th April 2026. They are a pragmatic team built on compact blocks and sharp football in transition, which could be an issue for the hosts on Thursday.
The Cypriots are in mixed-to-strong form and have three wins, one draw and a defeat in their last five games. Their most recent matches were a 2-0 defeat away to HNK Hajduk Split in Europa League qualifiers and a 4-0 home win in the same competition over the same opponents after extra-time.
I would have bet on the hosts winning here a few weeks ago, but Pafos' recent results tell me that this game could be close in Austria. There is also enough difference between these sides for a win with goals to be the most likely outcome.
Biel is Pafos' danger man with the top stats for the club so far in 2026 with one goal in two games in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026.
