- Pafos FC are second in the 1. Division 2025-2026 with 37 points from 17 games, while AEK Larnaca are fourth on 37 points from 18.
- Pafos FC are unbeaten in their last 3 home games (W2, D1) and have a strong home record (W7, L1).
- AEK Larnaca have a solid away record (W5 in 9 away trips) but their last 3 away games are more mixed (W1, L2).
Pafos under Celades - a different animal
Pafos FC sit in second place in the 1. Division 2025-2026 heading into Sunday’s matchup with fourth-placed AEK Larnaca and have a formidable home record (W7, L1) to boot. They are favorites at 2.2 to beat the visitors, while AEK Larnaca are the huge outsiders at 3.36.
The hosts have been in mixed form with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five league games, although the latest Pafos FC vs AEK Larnaca prediction suggests they could capitalize on their recent 2-0 home victory. They did however lose 2-0 in their previous away game.
The appointment of Albert Celades as head coach appears to have brought a newfound composure and balance to the team. Pafos were previously a high-tempo, vertical team that would press the opposition and try to break quickly, but Celades has more of a possession-based philosophy and his side will look to control the pace and transition more than they have been.
AEK Larnaca’s structure to be tested
They will have to be ready for a stern test on Sunday, as AEK Larnaca are a well-drilled side with European pedigree. Our Pafos FC vs AEK Larnaca prediction highlights that Imanol Idiakez has implemented a compact, disciplined structure with a high defensive line that can press in unison and is very solid from set-pieces.
AEK Larnaca have won three of their last five matches and arrive on the back of a 2-1 home win in the league, although they lost their previous game away in the cup.
Playmaker Pere Pons is integral to AEK’s game as he controls the tempo and dictates the flow of the match, often playing the ball into the forwards from deep positions.
A matchup of contrasting styles
Pafos have an in-form Jairo, who provides the creative spark and sets the tempo for his team. Jairo is often found surging into the opposition half and whipping in dangerous balls.
AEK’s Hrvoje Milicevic is the most prolific player for the visitors, having scored 7 goals in 17 1. Division appearances this season. Anderson Silva is Pafos FC’s top marksman with 5 goals in 15 appearances and will be hoping to contribute in the matchup.
This Pafos FC vs AEK Larnaca preview indicates Pafos score an average of 2.25 goals per home game this campaign, with 18 scored on their own patch, while AEK Larnaca score an average of 1.67 away goals, with 15 scored across 9 games. This tells us that the away side travel with attacking intent, and we can expect fireworks if this game follows the average trends.
Pafos FC have scored an average of 3.5 goals against AEK Larnaca in their four home head-to-heads, while the away side have scored an average of 3.0 in those games. Given both teams have been involved in high-scoring games on average, and considering the Pafos FC vs AEK Larnaca prediction, the Over 2.5 goals market at 2.16 looks very enticing for this game.
The last time these two sides met was in the Super Cup 2025, with AEK Larnaca winning in a thrilling 6-5 victory as the visiting team. The Pafos FC vs AEK Larnaca betting tips suggest we’re going for a similar result on Sunday, as Pafos are the slight favourites and have been in good form at home.
