ARIS: A “double” in Paphos would feel like a launch…
If they manage to break the home ground of the reigning champions Paphos in tonight’s match at “Stelios Kyriakides,” Aris will enjoy the solitude of the top spot. They will, of course, wait for the outcome of the derby between Omonia and their city rivals Apollon on Sunday in Limassol.
The “brigadiers” will attempt to defeat last year’s champions on their home turf for the first time in five years. During this period, both teams have turned the map of Cypriot football upside down.
If they can add another three points to their tally, it will feel like a launch for the Limassol team. They will also gain significant psychological benefits if they beat last year’s champions, who are competing in the prestigious Champions League!
The calm Rachkov has devised his plan without considering Vana Alves, who is facing an injury issue. For the Brazilian keeper, January might be “hot,” given that some teams are eyeing him. This follows the decision of the brigade’s coach not to make him a key and irreplaceable player as his predecessor Alexey Spilevski did.
In another development, two players from Aris, Montnor and Kalulu, may face off for a spot in the World Cup finals. Specifically, the Democratic Republic of Congo (where Kalulu plays) is waiting to learn their opponent in the playoffs. They will face the winner of the Suriname – Bolivia matchup. The top scorer of Suriname’s team (so far in the league) is Yaden Montnor.
P.X.
