Date of Tips: 06/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (14:35 06/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Date: 09/10/25
Kick-off time: 19:45
Venue: AEK Arena, Larnaca
Another big night in the World Cup Qualifiers. Cyprus welcome Bosnia & Herzegovina to Larnaca, and honestly, this one could get spicy. Cyprus are desperate for a win after a rough patch, while Bosnia are looking to stay top of Group H.
The atmosphere at AEK Arena is always electric when the national team plays, and with the home side running out of chances to climb back into contention, you can bet the fans will be right behind them. But can they actually pull it off? Let’s find out.
Cyprus come into this one after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Romania last time out. They actually played some decent football, with Loizos Loizou and Charalambos Charalampous both getting on the scoresheet. That result gave them a bit of confidence, but their defensive record? Not great. They’ve conceded in five of their last six matches, leaking nine goals in that stretch.
Head coach Akis Mantzios doesn’t have any fresh injuries to worry about, which is a relief. He’ll probably stick with the same core that played against Romania — but maybe tighten things up at the back. Expect Ioannis Pittas and Loizou to carry the attacking threat again, while Konstantinos Laifis marshals the defence.
Bosnia are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Austria — a result that hurt, considering how well they’d been doing in the qualifiers. They’re still top of Group H, but Austria are breathing down their necks, so they can’t afford another slip-up.
The good news for the Balkan Dragons? Edin Džeko is fit and firing. The captain found the net against Austria, and he’s joined by Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirović and PSV youngster Esmir Barjaktarević — who’s quickly becoming one to watch.
Manager Sergej Barbarez has no major injury issues either, so he’s got the luxury of picking his strongest XI.
Cyprus (4-2-3-1): Michaelides; Gogic, Laifis, Spoljaric, Andreou; Charalampous, Kastanos; Loizou, Pittas, Ioannou; Sotiriou
Bosnia (4-3-3): Šehić; Ćivić, Ahmedhodžić, Kolašinac, Susic; Hajradinović, Pjanić, Gojak; Barjaktarević, Džeko, Demirović
These two met earlier in the campaign, with Bosnia edging it 2-1 at home. Ermedin Demirović and Haris Hajradinović were on target that night, while Ioannis Pittas gave Cyprus a glimmer of hope.
Historically, Bosnia have had the upper hand, winning most of their recent meetings. Cyprus haven’t beaten them in competitive action for years — but hey, football’s full of surprises, right?
There’s value in goals here. Bosnia have scored in every one of their last six games, notching 12 in total. They love to attack, and with players like Džeko and Demirović leading the line, you can almost guarantee chances.
Cyprus will rely on their home support, but their backline hasn’t looked convincing. They’ll likely get on the scoresheet, though, because Bosnia’s defence has also conceded five in their last six.
If you’re the betting type, combining Bosnia to win and over 2.5 goals looks like a smart shout.
You know what? I can see Cyprus giving Bosnia a real test early on. They’ll press high, look to make the most of set pieces, and the crowd will be right behind them. But over 90 minutes, Bosnia’s quality should show.
Džeko, as always, will be the difference-maker. Expect him to grab a goal, with Bosnia controlling most of the possession and pinning Cyprus back in their own half. Cyprus will have their moments, but holding out for a full match might be a stretch.
Match Prediction: Bosnia to win. Bet with bet365.
If you’re going for the exact scoreline, 2-1 Bosnia feels like the sweet spot. Cyprus to fight hard, Bosnia to edge it thanks to a bit of experience and better finishing.
Correct Score Prediction: Cyprus 1-2 Bosnia. Bet with bet365.
Let’s talk goals. Both teams are finding the net lately, and the stats back it up. Bosnia’s last six games have all gone over 2.5 goals, and Cyprus’ last three home matches have seen both teams score.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a fun little combo for Thursday night:
That’s your “entertaining qualifier special.” It lines up nicely with how both teams play — open, attacking, and not exactly watertight at the back.
Bet Builder Tip: Bosnia to win, both teams to score, and Edin Džeko to Score Anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Bosnia are favourites to win, given their form and attacking power. Cyprus will make them work for it, but Bosnia’s experience should see them through.
Our prediction is a 2-1 win for Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The game will be shown live across major sports networks and streamed on UEFA’s official digital platforms.
Edin Džeko is the most likely to open the scoring — he’s been Bosnia’s go-to man for years.
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