Lively Apollon can inflict more misery on Dons in Cyprus

Europa League third qualifying round second legs
From 4pm Thursday

Aberdeen have fallen at the third qualifying stage in each of their last four Europa League campaigns and they may crumble against Apollon Limassol in Cyprus.

The Ladbrokes Premiership side won 2-1 in the first leg at Pittodrie but that might not be enough of an advantage to defend on a warm night against a team with plenty of technical ability.

Apollon gave a good account of themselves last Thursday but their task became more difficult after the 71st-minute dismissal of midfielder Esteban Sachetti - the score was 1-1 at the time.

The Dons took advantage of the extra man with Graeme Shinnie scoring the best goal of the game.

Aberdeen striker Adam Rooney missed the first leg and will be absent again as he continues to struggle with a thigh injury.

And without Rooney, Aberdeen's chances of an away goal are clearly reduced.

They may also struggle to keep a clean sheet against lively Apollon, who scored 71 goals in 36 league games last season.

The quality of football in Luxembourg has been improving and the markets may have underestimated Fola Esch's chances of winning at home to Swedish side Ostersund.

Fola trail 1-0 after last Thursday's first leg but they were competitive in the contest - only losing the shot count 11 to nine.

Ostersund are in the driving seat but cannot afford to be complacent.

Fola registered home wins over Milsami (2-1) and Inter Baku (4-1) in the first and second qualifying rounds and look value to grab another victory.

Recommendations
Apollon Limassol
2pts 10-11 general
Fola Esch
1pt 3-1bet365, BetBright

Bet on these matches at Soccerbase.com