AEK Larnaca v Spartak Moscow Betting Tip

Cypriot side AEK Larnaca have already come through two qualifications rounds to reach this stage whilst Russian football legends Spartak Moscow are set for their first competitive match of the season, just three days before they kick off their Russian Premier League Campaign.

Larnaca may be more well known as a holiday destination rather than a hotbed of football but AEK have been the runners up behind APOEL Nicosia for the last two seasons, a great achievement considering they only won promotion five years ago. In terms of European football they have even managed to make it to the group stages of the Europa League (2011/12), although they did finish bottom of Group J.

Spartak had a whirlwind 2015/16 season under the management of club legend Dmitri Alenichev. There was talk of him getting the boot a few months ago but he managed to turn the team’s fortunes around and ended up finishing in a respectable fifth place. The Red-Whites like to play an attacking style of football and much of that is down to Dutchman Quincy Promes. Many English Premier League clubs are thought to be tracking the winger but it seems he is staying at Spartak for the time being – a huge boost for the Muscovites.

The bookmakers make the Russian side the overwhelming favourites here at 23/20 and I would have to agree with them. Whilst they are likely to rest players with the opening fixture of the league season only a few days after this tie, Spartak’s experience in big games as well as having the better side on paper (even if players are given a break) should see them through.

See all of today’s tips here.