The World Cup has barely finished, but we are already onto the second legs of some Champions League qualifiers. Minnows meet giants in this early phase, often leaving us with extravagant scorelines.
Here are a few thoughts and tips on four of the upcoming qualifiers…
CELTIC vs ALASHKERT FC
Alashkert, the reigning Armenian champions, could not live with Celtic in the first leg, falling to a 3-0 defeat. The club was only re-founded as recently as 2011 but have been involved in European qualification in the last four seasons, though they have never made it to the group phases.
Brendan Rodgers has worked wonders since moving north of the border. Celtic are a good side to watch – as anyone would expect with Rodgers – and have cruised their way to domestic glory. Cracking their European woe is the next step, however, and this is the first station on that path.
Expect goals from the hosts here. This one could get out of hand...
TIP: Over 2.5 home goals
CORRECT SCORE: Celtic 4-1 Alashkert FC
RED STAR BELGRADE vs FK SPARTAKS
FK Spartaks have never made it past the second round of European qualifying. Holding the mighty Red Star to a first leg draw could be argued as one of their greatest achievements. It will be a markedly different challenge at the hostile Marakana, however.
The Belgradian giants were a good watch when they faced Arsenal in the Europa League last season but are short on quality. Despite that, they won yet another Serbian title last term and are the massive favourites to make it through here. Once a European superpower, Red Star will always attract attention, even when their football is subpar.
It was goalless in Latvia. Few will bet on a similar result back in the Serbian capital, where the hosts should win fairly comfortably.
TIP: Over 2.5 home goals
CORRECT SCORE: Red Star Belgrade 3-0 FK Spartaks
LEGIA WARSAW vs CORK CITY
Remarkably, Cork City held Legia Warsaw to a 1-0 deficit in the first leg in Ireland. Heading back to Poland, things look bleak for Cork, who need a miracle to turn this around. Legia have appeared in the Champions League group stages as recently as 2016.
Cork have already had success in Europe this season. Not on the pitch, but financially. The club are guaranteed close to one million euros just for competing in Champions League qualifying, a simply enormous sum for a club of their stature.
Unfortunately, this could get ugly. The gap in quality should be clearer for the Polish club on home soil.
TIP: Legia Warsaw to win @ 1/5
CORRECT SCORE: Legia Warsaw 4-0 Cork City
ROSENBORG vs VALUR REYKJAVIK
Rosenborg have a proud history in Norwegian football. The last time they finished outside the top three domestically was back in 2008, winning five titles over that span. They are a regular in European football and progressed from their Europa League group last season.
Valur are an Icelandic side who – against the odds – snatched a victory in the first leg thanks to a late goal from Eidur Sigurbjornsson. They are the underdogs once again here but showed resilience on home soil to take an advantage to Norway.
Rosenborg should just have enough to get this done. It could be tight, though, particularly after they struggled to create chances in the first leg.
TIP: Rosenborg to win @ 1/6
CORRECT SCORE: Rosenborg 3-1 Valur Reykjavik
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
