[Mario]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
9/30/2014

APOEL Nicosia vs Ajax

Home - APOEL Nicosia
Last away matches - W-W-L-L-W-W

Apoel Nicosia the home team has 2 wins in their last 4 games and 1 draw. They had a good start to this season before they met Barcelona in the Nou Camp and was defeated by 1-0. If we don’t count that then they were undefeated in their last 3 games and scored 7 goals while conceding 1. But their defeat didn’t come as a surprise. The fact that they were able to hold Barcelona to only 1 goal meant they played well and their defense was good. Their league performance proves that too. Its up to them that either they take that loss positively and try to win this match or take it negatively which will hinder their performance in the next game. In my eyes they will be favored to win this game. Leading the rankings in the current season of the Cypriot top-tier league, APOEL are clearly one of the stongest sides to come out of Cyprus and compete in the UEFA tournament. Form-wise, however, the side are not necessarily displaying a perfect façade. In the ir last five matches, they have won three times, forced a draw once, and were beaten once as well. The only defeat from this streak was incurred from the Champions League Group stage opening, when they were beaten by Spanish side Barcelona and landed at the bottom of the group table.

Away - Ajax
Last away matches - W-W-W-L-W-L

Ajax managed to hold off Paris Saint Germain in their last Champions league match. Their play was outstanding and they were good at both offense and defense. There league performance is good and they are looking to win this match to keep their chance to go farther in the tournament. So they will play their best and the fact that they managed to hold of PSG should give them a lot of confidence. One of the Netherlands’ most successful teams, Ajax have been a perennial squad in the Champions League; in fact, they have already won the title four times. Their Group stage debut in the new season of the UEFA top-tier tournament gave them one point to rank in the mid-table, thanks to a grueling and highly entertaining battle they engaged with French giants Paris Saint-Germain. However, they need more than just a draw from their continental campaign and their chance to win back the Cup would only be strengthened if they make it on top—or near the top—of the Group round.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.25)
Away - (-0.25)
Pick - APOEL Nicosia (+0.25)
Odds - 1.82
Stakes - 8/10