Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | Football Preview & Betting Tips | 9 October 2025
Cyprus are fighting to keep their World Cup hopes alive, sitting fourth in Group G after a narrow loss to Austria. Manager Temur Ketsbaia, in charge since 2020, is banking on home form to pull off a result despite injuries. Bosnia, top of the group after back-to-back wins, are led by Sergej Barbarez, appointed in 2024, who’s pushing for another clean sheet despite absentees. Cyprus will likely line up in a 4-2-3-1, aiming to press high and use wingers, while Bosnia’s 4-3-3 will focus on control and quick transitions. The GSP Stadium crowd will be buzzing, but Bosnia’s fans will bring noise too.
- Possession battle: Bosnia edge possession at 46%, often building through central channels, while Cyprus’ 44% leans on quick wing play for 38% of attacks.
- Set-piece dynamics: Both sides score 0.20-0.25 set-piece goals per game but concede 0.30, so corners could be decisive.
- Pressing intensity: Bosnia’s 13.5 tackles and 5.0 interceptions show a higher work rate than Cyprus’ 12.0 tackles, suggesting they’ll win more duels.
Cyprus last 10: 1–3–6, goals 8 for / 15 against, 1 clean sheet. The hosts have struggled, with just one win, but a 4-0 thrashing of San Marino shows some bite.
Bosnia last 10: 4–2–4, goals 11 for / 11 against, 3 clean sheets. The visitors are in solid form, with recent wins over Austria and San Marino boosting confidence.
A tight possession battle looms, with Bosnia likely to edge control, while Cyprus will look to hit on the break.
Cyprus generate slightly more shots, but Bosnia’s accuracy could test the home defence more effectively.
Both sides are close in corner count, with Bosnia slightly ahead. Expect around 8-10 corners total, with set pieces key.
Bosnia’s slightly higher booking rate could lead to a scrappy game, with 3-5 yellows likely as Cyprus press.
Bosnia’s better xG numbers suggest they’ll create more quality chances, while Cyprus’ xGA indicates defensive issues.
Both teams are evenly matched in set-piece scoring and conceding, making dead balls a potential game-changer.
Bosnia’s slightly better passing and defensive work rate could give them an edge in controlling play and winning duels.
Both teams score more after the break, suggesting a cagey first half could open up later in the match.
Bosnia’s games are more likely to go over 2.5 goals, while Cyprus’ lean under, suggesting a potentially tight contest.
Bosnia’s stronger points tally reflects their better form, while Cyprus’ struggles highlight their underdog status.
Cyprus at home: 1–2–2 from 5 competitive games, scoring 6 and conceding 4, with 1 clean sheet. The hosts have been inconsistent but showed fight in a 4-0 win over San Marino.
Bosnia away: 1–0–4 from 5 competitive games, scoring 4 and conceding 7, with 1 clean sheet. The visitors have struggled on the road, with just one win in five.
Goals Against (per game)
xG Against (per game)
Bosnia generate a solid 1.20 xG per game and face 1.10 xGA, showing a slight edge. Cyprus’ 0.90 xG and 1.40 xGA suggest they’ll struggle defensively but can create.
Bosnia have dominated recent meetings, winning 2-0 in March 2025, 2-0 in October 2016, and 2-0 in June 2016, all at home in Zenica. Cyprus pulled off a 3-2 win at home in August 2017 and drew 1-1 in October 2016 in Nicosia, showing they can compete on home soil.
Bosnia’s better form, xG profile, and recent head-to-head edge make them favourites, but Cyprus’ home record and past upsets suggest they’ll fight. Injuries hit both sides, but Bosnia’s depth and defensive solidity should see them through. Expect a tight game with both teams finding the net.
Prediction: 1–2 away win.
Main pick: Bosnia to Win — their 1.30 points per game, 1.20 xG, and Cyprus’ 1.50 goals conceded tilt the scales.
Value angle: BTTS — a 55% model likelihood, with Cyprus scoring at home and Bosnia’s defensive lapses on the road.
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Who will win Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?
We lean toward the visitors, with a predicted 1–2 away win given their stronger form and xG edge.
What is the best bet in the Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina game?
Bosnia to Win is our main pick; BTTS offers value at 55% likelihood.
What time does Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina kick off in the UK?
Thursday, 9 October 2025, expected around 19:45 BST (check final TV listings for confirmation).
Where is Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina being played?
At GSP Stadium, Nicosia, Cyprus.
What are the recent head-to-head results between Cyprus and Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia won 2-0 (Mar 2025, home), 2-0 (Oct 2016, home), 2-0 (Jun 2016, home); Cyprus won 3-2 (Aug 2017, home) and drew 1-1 (Oct 2016, home).
Who has the better form going into Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia are stronger at 4–2–4 (11–11) versus Cyprus’ 1–3–6 (8–15) over the last 10 games.
What is the KickTheBookies prediction for Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?
1–2 to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Who has the best xG in Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia lead with 1.20 xG for / 1.10 xGA versus Cyprus’ 0.90 xG for / 1.40 xGA.
Will BTTS land in the Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina game?
Our model gives a 55% chance of both teams scoring.
Will we see over or under 2.5 goals in the Cyprus vs Bosnia and Herzegovina game?
Bosnia’s 50% and Cyprus’ 40% over 2.5 rates suggest a decent chance of over 2.5 goals, especially with BTTS likely.