Matchday five in Group B sees Kazakhstan’s Astana take on Cypriot Apoel Nicosia at the Astana Arena.
Apoel go into the game only needing a draw to qualify for the last 32. Astana can only salvage some pride with a win, forcing Apoel to wait a bit longer to secure qualification.
Both teams are in good form in their respective leagues, and Apoel have performed well against tough opposition after coming away from Olympiacos with a well-fought win last time out. Astana also ground out a result at home to the Greek champions.
Astana’s are unbeaten in their last 11 European home games (W5 D6) and will hope to secure their first home win in this group stage after drawing the previous two.
Apoel manager Thomas Christiansen isn’t taking the opposition lightly, despite them being bottom of the group. He said on the club’s official Twitter that the Cypriot champions have improved since their last meeting together, and wants his players to treat the game as they have the previous four.
