It’s only been a couple of weeks since the Euros ended, but European football is back already. The Champions League has reached the third qualifying round, with sides now just two rounds away from the group stage. Can Brendan Rodgers guide Celtic in to the competition proper? They face an incredibly tough test against Astana.
That’s just one of the Champions League clashes across Tuesday and Wednesday, as competitive club action starts again. Ahead of these early stages on the road to Cardiff we’ve picked out our latest batch of both teams to score tips. The last round of qualifiers saw plenty of goals, and we’re backing a few more high scoring games in these first leg matches. You can check out our latest tips below.
Tuesday 26th July 2016
- BATE v Dundalk (6/4 with Sky Bet) – Dundalk are on course for a third consecutive title in Ireland, and they’re warming up for just their fifth Champions League match. Their first saw them lose 2-1 at BATE a year ago, and we’re backing them to get an away goal here too.
- Sparta Prague v Steaua Bucharest (23/20 with Bet365) – While Sparta are favourites, they’re facing a first competitive clash of the season. Their opponents have been in domestic and European games so far, and we think that will see them sneak an away goal against the hosts.
- FK Rostov v Anderlecht (10/11 with BetVictor) – Anderlecht have only ever managed one away clean sheet in this competition, but they’re packed with goals. We think that makes BTTS a no brainer in this clash.
Wednesday 27th July 2016
- Astana v Celtic (10/11 with Sky Bet) – Brendan Rodgers is starting to have an effect on this Celtic side, but they’re up against a quality team. Astana made the group stage last season, mixing it with Atletico Madrid. We can see the Celts getting a goal, but they’re sure to struggle for a clean sheet.
- Rosenborg v APOEL (10/11 with Betfred) – Rosenborg returned to CL action with a 5-4 aggregate win against Swedish side Norrkoping. Both legs of that tie saw both teams score, and that should continue when they meet improved opposition in the shape of APOEL. The Cypriots weren’t really tested against TNS in the second round, but they’ll be desperate to make it through.
- Astra v FC Copenhagen (5/6 with Sky Bet) – Astra’s first ever Champions League game should be an occasion, and we’re backing goals. While Copenhagen are used to the underdog role, they might struggle as favourites here. We can see them scoring, but we’re also backing Astra to give their fans something to celebrate. Back both teams to score at nice odds and cash in!
- Fenerbahce v Monaco (evens with Ladbrokes) – This could be a very interesting game. While Monaco are the bigger side, they’ve lost quite a few stars. They’ve got a strong group to call upon, but so do Fenerbahce. These two look evenly matched, which is prompting us to back both teams to score in what should be an open game.