The transfer window isn’t even shut yet and we’ve already got top tier Champions League action. We’re at the play-off round, which is one step from the group stages. There’s a massive prize in store for the winners, while the losers face a drop into the Europa League. For many that’s not something they can afford, so the pressure is on ahead of these ties.
There’s some serious British and Irish interest in this round of games. Not only are Pep Guardiola’s Man City in action, the champions of Scotland and Ireland are too. Can all three make it through? It’s going to take a huge effort for that to happen, but don’t rule it out. Ahead of the qualifying action, we’ve picked out bets on four huge games. Each of the British and Irish sides are included, and you can see our previews for each game below.
Tuesday 16th August 2016
Steaua Bucharest v Manchester City (19:45) – City to win to nil (7/5 with Coral)
Pep Guardiola is aiming to hit the ground running with Manchester City, but their Champions League commitments complicate things. The Citizens have to qualify for the group stages after their fourth placed finish last term. This is a first for the club and the manager, but it could be a chance for them to really find their feet in the new campaign. Guardiola’s tactics are a departure for this City squad, they’ll need game time in order to get used to this new possession based style. Doing it in a Champions League qualifier will always be more useful than pre-season friendlies.
Steaua were a dream draw for City, and this shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for them. They are heavy favourites to win the away leg, and they should have this tie over by the time they fly back to Manchester. There will be an emphasis on keeping the ball, something they should easily manage against this Steaua team. With such a massive gap in quality we’re backing City to dominate here and come home with a victory and a clean sheet. We’re backing City to nil at 7/5 with Coral.
Wednesday 17th August 2016
Celtic v Hapoel (19:45) – Celtic to win to nil (6/4 with Bet365)
In the champions side of the draw Brendan Rodgers is aiming to guide Celtic into the group stage. They came through a tricky clash with Astana in the last round, but they should find things easier here. The Bhoys have spent a bit of money this summer and they’re looking much better for it. Celtic were a European disappointment last term, but we’re expecting better things under Rodgers. Going up against a side who made their debut in this competition last month certainly helps, but can they take the initiative at Celtic Park? That’s a very difficult task for the side from Israel.
In the last two rounds Rodgers’ men have been away first, with the home leg coming second. They had to turn around a 1-0 deficit in the second round, and they qualified after a 1-1 draw away in round three. This time they need to establish a lead early and defend it in Israel. Luckily for them they’re facing a side who haven’t scored in either of their Champions League away trips. After two 0-0 draws on the road, Hapoel will aim to keep things tight. Because of that, we’ve gone with a win to nil for the Scottish champions, which is priced at 6/4 with Bet365.
Dundalk v Legia Warsaw (19:45) – Both teams to score (19/20 with Betfair)
They are the story of the competition so far, but Dundalk deserve to be taken seriously. They knocked out group stage regulars BATE to make it this far, can they go one step further? A group stage place would be huge for the club and indeed Irish football in general, but they’d need a win in this first leg. Dundalk won’t be at home here, as this game is taking place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. It’s the biggest match that a League of Ireland side has played in recent years, so that does seem fair. But, will the Aviva see any more Champions League action?
Legia are going to see this as an opportunity themselves, and they’ll probably look to push for an away goal. Dundalk need to keep themselves in this tie ahead of the second leg, but we’re not entirely sure they can claw out a win. Looking at this game, both teams to score seems to be the best value bet. Legia won 5-0 on their last trip to Dublin, against St Pat’s Athletic, and they should get at least one here. We see Dundalk grabbing one themselves, but claiming a win might be a step too far. Both teams to score here is priced at 17/20 with Betfair, and it’s our tip for this game.
Porto v Roma (19:45) – Porto to win (13/10 with Sky Bet)
One of the best ties of the round sees two big European clubs clashing. Roma are favourites for the tie, but do they have the European know how? We saw Roma beat Liverpool in pre-season, but they’ve not been that impressive in Europe in recent years. You’d say that this Porto team know this competition a little better, and they’ve got a respectable home record in Europe too. Could that be enough to tip the scales in their direction?
A shock defeat to Dynamo Kiev last season cost them a place in the last 16, but overall Porto are strong at home. They’ve beaten Chelsea and Bayern Munich here in recent years. Roma haven’t won an away Champions League game since 2010, so they’re not that impressive on the road. They conceded 15 in four away games in this competition last year, and that’s pushed us towards backing the Portuguese side for the win. There’s a lot to like about them, a strong mix of young and experience. Their price is also very respectable, given that the hosts are priced at 13/10 with Sky Bet to take a first leg advantage.