Preview: AEK Larnaca vs SK Brann - prediction, team news, lineups

SK Brann take a slender one-goal advantage to Cyprus for the second leg of their Europa League Playoff against AEK Larnaca this Wednesday.

Jonas Torsvik was the hero for Brann last midweek, coming off the bench to score a 93rd-minute winner, handing the Norwegian side a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg.

Match preview

While AEK Larnaca have still not begun their domestic league campaign in Cyprus, this will be their eighth match of the season, all of which have come in Europa League qualifying.

Their trip to Omonia Nicosia was postponed at the weekend, with both clubs looking to focus on reaching the league phase of a UEFA competition, and drastically improve Cyprus’ coefficient going forward, with Pafos also on the verge of reaching the Champions League.

It has been a marathon for Imanol Idiakez’s men, who have had to overcome some difficult matches to move to the cusp of a Europa League spot for the first time since 2022.

Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade were beaten on penalties, before AEK edged past both Celje and Legia Warsaw, winning all three home legs, which proved pivotal.

They remain Larnaca’s only wins this season though, as a 2-1 defeat in Bergen last week means they will again have to do all of the hard work at home.

The Cypriots have reached the Europa League on three previous occasions, and a good omen is that the first time they were successful in qualifying, they beat a Norwegian club in the playoff, seeing off Rosenborg.

For Brann, this is the first time they have faced Cypriot opposition before, and they have put themselves in a good position to do something few may have predicted before the summer, and reach the Europa League.

No matter the result, European football proper will return to Bergen for the first time since 2008, when Brann reached the last 32 of the UEFA Cup, losing 8-1 on aggregate to Everton, because a Conference League spot awaits the loser.

Five European campaigns since have all ended in elimination during the qualifiers, but courtesy of beating Hacken 2-1 on aggregate in the previous round, league phase football of some variety awaits.

Like AEK, Brann were also afforded the weekend off, as their clash with Conference League competitors Fredrikstad was postponed, where Freyr Alexandersson’s men have a title challenge to contend with at home.

Brann have aided their European push with good form domestically, winning both of their league fixtures in August so far, leaving them just six points off the summit with a game in hand.

AEK Larnaca Europa League form

L D W W L L

SK Brann Europa League form:

W L W

SK Brann form (all competitions):

D W W L W W

Team News

AEK handed debuts to both Rijad Bajic and Enric Saborit off the bench last midweek, with the latter potentially set to become the sixth regular Spanish starter in this team under Idiakez.

Pere Pons, Miramon, Jimmy Suarez, Waldo Rubio and Angel Garcia are all set to play a big part in the team under the Basque manager, but the latter two are both currently nursing injuries and could miss out.

Last season’s top scorer Enzo Cabrera, who netted 15 goals across all competitions, will hope to force his way back into the starting XI here, after three substitute appearances following his return from injury.

First-leg hero Torsvik returned from a three-month layoff with a groin injury to net the winner last week, but a place on the bench again is likely for the 20-year-old.

Sakarias Opsahl also remains out with a foot injury, while new recruit Vetle Dragsnes has arrived from Charleroi, but an instant debut for him appears unlikely in such a big match.

AEK Larnaca possible starting lineup:

Alomerovic; Miramon, Ekpolo, Milicevic, Roberge; Jimmy Suarez, Pere Pons, Ledes Gustavo, Chacon; Cabrera, Angielski

SK Brann possible starting lineup:

Dyngeland; Pedersen, Fauske Helland, Knudsen, De Roeve; Kornvig, Sorensen, Myhre; Gudmundsson, Finne, Castro

We say: AEK Larnaca 2-1 SK Brann (3-3 on aggregate, AEK to win on penalties)

It is tough to separate the sides, but AEK have been excellent at home in Europe so far, and have already won a tie on penalties, so have that psychological edge, should it go the distance.

Brann’s recent European record leaves a lot to be desired, and they have looked ropey at times in both recent ties against Red Bull Salzburg and Hacken, so they look slightly vulnerable of giving up their lead here.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.