Best Bets For Champions League Qualification Playoffs and Predictions

The UEFA Champions League playoffs second leg could make or break this season for several clubs.

A chance to compete among Europe’s elite in the group stages is within reach, but even some of the continent’s most recognisable clubs face difficult playoff fixtures before they can get there.

We run through a selection of the most exciting matches and offer our betting tips.

Tuesday 24 August: Ludogorets v Malmö

Malmö won the home leg 2-0, extending their record on their own turf in UEFA Champions League qualifiers to four wins from as many matches.

However, away from home, Malmö have drawn three of their last four Champions League fixtures. Their modus operandi, it could be argued, is to win at home and draw away.

Against Ludogorets, they are tipped to draw once again and advance to the group stage on aggregate.

Best Bet: Draw

Tuesday 24 August: PSV v Benfica

PSV Eindhoven lost the first leg of this tie 2-1 to Benfica, but they have 10 wins and three draws from their last 13 competitive home fixtures and the Portuguese giants have a tough task on their hands.

All of PSV’s last four competitive home fixtures have resulted in wins by two or more goals, hence why they are favourites to win the second leg against Benfica.

Best Bet: PSV to Win

Tuesday 24 August: Ferencvaros v Young Boys

Matches involving BSC Young Boys tend to be high-scoring. They have seen four or more goals in each of their last three fixtures, while Ferencvaros have played in successive fixtures with five goals including the 3-2 first leg defeat.

With an outcome of Over 3.5 goals paying above even money, this market is the wise choice for a fixture which is likely to see action aplenty at both ends.

Best Bet: Over 3.5 Goals

Wednesday 25 August: Shakhtar Donetsk v AS Monaco

Monaco’s problems are mounting, and having lost their home leg to Shakhtar, they suffered a further setback with a 2-0 home loss to Lens.

Shakhtar can compound their woes and are likely to do so, given that they are on a four-match winning run. Remember, away goals don’t count anymore.

Best Bet: Shakhtar Donetsk to Win

Leonard Solms

Leonard Solms is a sports journalist who features regularly on various local and international platforms including ESPN, New Frame, FARPost, Tagged Online and Careers Magazine, as well as this one. He enjoys the occasional bet and the most important tip he can give you is to bet within your means.