AEK Larnaca Hold the Upper Hand

AEK Larnaca have appointed renowned coach Camoranesi this summer, but key midfielders Pons and Jamie Suarez have both left the club. In response, they brought in Maribor midfielder Repas and Hacken winger Naouney in an attempt to fill the gaps.

Beitar Jerusalem have also changed managers this summer, with Almog Cohen taking charge. However, striker Hugo, attacking midfielder Micha and left-back Elie Omani have all departed. The club have moved quickly to strengthen the squad by signing forward Shua Weissman, attacking midfielder Duma Yusfi and midfielder Rom Meir, among others.

For AEK Larnaca, defenders Sabolic and Izquierdo, along with forward Enzo Cabrera, are injured, while there are no suspensions.

For Beitar Jerusalem, defender Niv Shudo is injured, and there are no suspensions.

AEK Larnaca reached the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 last season and were only knocked out after extra time by eventual champions Crystal Palace, underlining their competitiveness. Although there have been some squad changes this season, most of the core players remain, so their overall level has been maintained. Playing the first leg at home, they look capable of making a winning start.

Beitar Jerusalem finished as league runners-up last season, so their quality should not be underestimated, but their recent European record has been poor. With significant turnover in the squad and little time to settle, opening away against a strong opponent leaves them in a difficult position.

The two sides have not met in an official match in recent years.