Omonia vs Rijeka: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 19 February 2026
One of the Conference League play-off round ties will take place on Thursday in Nicosia, where Omonia hosts Croatian side Rijeka at the Neo GSP Stadium. The Cypriots come into the first leg in outstanding domestic form, while the visitors are looking to steady the ship after a rocky spell in their league campaign. Let's take a closer look at a possible bet for this clash.
- Also read: Sigma Olomouc vs Lausanne-Sport: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 19 February 2026
Match preview
Henning Berg's side had an inconsistent group stage: defeats to Mainz (0-1) and Raków (0-1) bookended a four-match unbeaten run, which ultimately secured 18th place and a playoff spot. Domestically, however, Omonia have been impressive – nine wins from their last ten matches, including a confident 3-0 victory over Enosis at the weekend. Notably, the Cypriots beat Dynamo Kyiv at home (2-0) and have kept four clean sheets in their last six outings.
That said, both Conference League defeats came at home, adding intrigue to this tie. Squad issues are also a factor: Maric is suspended, while Jovetić and Kitsos are out injured. Nevertheless, Berg's squad depth allows him to rotate the midfield and attack without losing momentum.
The Croatians finished the group stage in 16th place, one point ahead of their opponents. After an opening defeat to Noah (0-1), Viktor Sánchez’s team put together a five-match unbeaten run, laying the foundation for their playoff berth. However, Rijeka have been stuttering in the Croatian league: just two wins in five matches in 2026, with a recent 3-1 victory over Varaždin their first in four rounds.
Rijeka's away record in European competition is modest – draws with Shakhtar (0-0) and Lincoln (1-1), but no wins. Defensive injuries (Škorić and Bodetić) are forcing the coaching staff to reshuffle the back line. Still, the Croatians are traditionally compact and know how to close a game down, which could be their main asset in Nicosia.
Probable lineups
- Omonia: Fabiano, Dionkou, Koulibaly, Panayiotou, Balkovec, Hadjigeorgiou, Eiting, Andreu, Semedo, Tanković, Mmaee
- Rijeka: Zlomslic, Barišić, Majstorović, Radelić, Orec, Petrović, Dantas, Lasicikas, Fruk, Jurić, Adu-Adjei
Match facts and head-to-head
- Omonia have won nine of their last ten matches in all competitions.
- Rijeka have not won an away match in this season’s Conference League.
- In the group stage, the Cypriots finished 18th and the Croatians 16th, separated by just a single point.
Prediction
Omonia approach this match on a high and have been rock-solid at home, despite early European setbacks. Rijeka are pragmatic, but their away form in this competition is questionable. Expect a hard-fought contest in the first leg, with home advantage likely tipping the balance in favor of the hosts.
