By Iacovos Constantinou
THE clash at the GSP stadium between second-placed APOEL and third-placed Apollon stands out in the battle for the Cyprus championship, while in the relegation scramble, AEK Kouklion take on Aris Limassol in a must-win game for both sides.
Champions APOEL have an impressive home league record against Apollon. The last time they dropped points was more than four years ago while their last loss dates back to 2000. The Nicosia giants will be at full strength with Amorin returning to the starting eleven following a one-game suspension.
On the other hand Apollon know that a loss will all but end their hopes for the championship and their task is made even more difficult as their charismatic captain and leading scorer Gaston Sangoy is suspended. Sangoy has missed four games so far this season and his team managed just one win in his absence.
Leaders AEL are at home to Ermis Aradippou, with the Limassol side favourites to collect all three points, especially as Ermis have a tough semi-final Cup game against Apollon on Wednesday.
Omonia’s new coach Kaiafas will be hoping that it will be third time lucky for him and his team against Anorthosis. In his first two games in charge, Omonia were desperately unlucky not to win having outplayed their opponents for long spells.
On the other hand Anorthosis are going from bad to worse and anything other than an Omonia win will be considered a surprise.
In the relegation battle, AEK Kouklion host Aris with both teams desperate for three points. They are already five and three points from safety respectively, and a draw will only suit the other relegation candidate Ethikos Achnas.
Ethnikos travels to the GSZ stadium in Larnaca to face an indifferent AEK. The game will be played behind closed doors as the home team is serving a one-game ban.
A few weeks ago nobody considered Doxa Katokopias as relegation material but a string of bad results has positioned them perilously close to the drop zone. They need a win against Nea Salamina so that they can then turn their attention to next Wednesday’s cup tie against APOEL.
Nea Salamina lead the bottom playoff group and want to finish the season in that position.
Saturday, March 29th: Doxa Katokopias v Nea Salamina (15.30) AEL v Ermis, APOEL v Apollon (17.00)
Sunday, March 30th: AEK Kouklion v Aris Limassol, AEK Larnaca v Ethnikos Achnas (17.00) Omonia v Anorthosis (18.00)
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