Henning Berg is looking at different options for the defense in Thursday’s (19/2) European match against HNK Rijeka.
The Norwegian coach needs to balance match readiness, player availability, and load management. Just three days later, they have a big derby against APOEL FC. This timing makes decisions tougher, especially in defense where teamwork and focus are key.
Senou Coulibaly will definitely play in central defense. The experienced defender can’t play in the next championship game due to suspension, making him an important choice for the first European match.
The second central defense spot is still up in the air. Nikolas Panayiotou has recovered from his injury against ENP and is training well, but Berg might not want to risk him with such a tight schedule.
Alternatives include Stefan Simic and Jure Balkovec, with one of them likely to start. Although Balkovec usually plays as a left-back, he can also step into central defense if needed.
There are questions about the flanks too. Masouras is back from a rest period, while Odubajo and Diounkou have impressed. On the left flank, Andreas Christou is a good option after showing readiness in his debut.
The final defensive setup will depend on who partners with Coulibaly and the overall strategy, with the upcoming derby playing a big role in these choices.
