Cyprus host Armenia in Nicosia

Recent meetings

The two head-to-head meetings on record produced nine goals between them, the most recent a 2-2 draw in March 2023. Before that, Cyprus lost 2-3 in November 2017. Both encounters suggest open games, and neither side arrives with the defensive solidity to make this one tight.

Current shape

Cyprus have won two of their last five matches, but picked up only a point from their last two outings, a defeat to Montenegro and a goalless draw against Latvia.; this fixture may be more generous. Armenia's record across the same stretch is thinner: one win, two draws, two defeats. They beat Latvia 2-0 but then lost 2-3 to Montenegro, the same side that edged Cyprus.

What the market sees

The market-implied probability gives Cyprus a 40.4 per cent chance of victory, Armenia 30.5 per cent, and the draw 29.1 per cent. That narrow spread reflects the recent results: neither side has put together the sort of run that would tilt the numbers decisively. The hosts have the edge, but not by much, and the form suggests all three outcomes remain live heading into Friday.

We are covering this one live. Follow it with us in the match centre for the line-ups when they land, the goals as they go in, and the full timeline.