The Limassol Derby arrives today and both clubs going into this fixture at the top of their game and both are currently on form. AEL have caught everyone by surprise with the high tempo of play and Apollon are continuing from where they left last season and trying to go one better this season.

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What colour will Limassol be painted in tonight ? The yellow of AEL or the blue of Apollon. This year the atmosphere at the Tsireio stadium will not have the same feeling as lots of fans from both clubs have decided to stay away in protest against the cards that the Cyprus Football Federation (CFA) and Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO) have agreed to implement and force this season. Supporter clubs are still in protest and this is observed by the lower numbers attending the matches this season.

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Many fans will miss today's game which is expected to be one of the better clashes that this fixture has seen over the years. AEL have been a revelation this season and the high tempo introduced by coach Kerkez has caught their rivals by surprise. Apollon bring a quality side that has been challenging APOEL for the championship the last two seasons and the attacking play can squeeze the breath out of their opponents.

 

AEL are unbeaten in 8 games this season and lead the standings with only a draw against champions APOEL. Apollon have also enjoyed a good start to the season but were caught snoozing last week by Anorthosis and were beaten at home. AEL will try to continue their unbeaten run while Apollon will want to show that the game against Anorthosis was a one time slip and assure the fans that it was nothing to worry about.

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AEL bring a high pressing game that is forcing mistakes and the AEL stars have taken full advantage so fat this season. The AEL front line players including Ruben Jurado, Alex da Silva and Manuel Torres will use this game as an opportunity to show all rivals that they are serious. The game will be of extra importance and emotional to Alex da Silva who moved across town this summer from their rivals Apollon.

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Apollon started the season in scintillating form and seemed like they could score at will. The goals have come in easily and in lots. The attacking play of Apollon overruns the opposing defenses and always keeps them on the back foot. Apollon are the highest scoring side and goals have come from Facundo Pereyra, Maglica, Zelaya, Papoulis and more. The selection of players has given Coach Sofronis Avgousti a headache which he relishes. The competition for playing time for the forward positions is at fever high and all the players want to play in this attacking side which has plenty of goals in it.

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No doubt this game will be played at full speed and the players will give their all. Reputation and bragging rights are on the line and both sides at the end of the evening want to lay claims to the center of Limassol. Kickoff is at 4:00pm local time.