Third qualifying round rematches of the UEFA Champions League will be played during the week and we’re all looking forward to find out the names of the squads that will get one step closer to the group stage of this competition.
Winners will face one further challenge in the final play-off round that will give us the names of 32 teams that shall play in the group stage of the Champions League.
APOEL (Cyp) vs. FC Viitorul (Rou)
Three-Way: 1: APOEL -125; X: +252 Draw; 2:Viitorul +490
Spread -0.5: APOEL -128; Viitorul +118
Total +2: Over -110; Under +104
APOEL
The Cypriot First Division champions will be dissatisfied with the 1st leg, after failing to score an away goal in Romania, despite a balanced game with both sides taking even possession. Nevertheless, they will look back to their good recent form and wonder why they were unable to repeat it, but will be confident favorites for the 2nd leg, especially since FC Viitorul will be without their first-choice striker Marius George Țucudean after he was sent off in the 93rd minute of the 1st leg.
Qualifying for the Champions League group stafe would signify their first time reaching the group stage since 2014-15 season, where they finished a lowly 4th after being handed a tough group that included Barcelona, Ajax and PSG. Furthermore, APOEL will look towards the heroics of the 2011-2012 Champions League campaign when they reached the Quarter finals, ultimately being knocked out by Real Madrid.
A total of twelve new players have arrived during the offseason, while ten left, including forward Pieros Sotiriou whose 26 goals last season will be difficult to replace. Manager Mario Been will have a full squad selection.
FC Viitorul
FC Viitroul’s rise to the top of the Romanian domestic league has been nothing short of astounding. Formed only in 2009, FC Viitorul rose through the ranks until they won their first league title last season, while also finishing as runner-up in the Romanian Supercupa.
The Romanian side reaching the Champions League group stage would be biblical; saying that, against all odds, they made the first step to the European golden gates by achieving a surprise result against their Cypriot opponents in the 1st leg. What’s more important is that the result was thoroughly deserved, with Viitorul having twelve shots to their opponents five. A repeat of this would be a surprise, especially after losing their star striker to a red card, but if they are tactically astute they could still reach the next round.
During the offseason Viitorul has signed five players, while six left the team, including the midfielder Nelut Rosu to Levski Sofia. Manager Gheorghe Hagi will only be missing the 18-year-old Carlo Casap after he received cruciate ligament surgery.
APOEL (Cyp) vs. FC Viitorul (Cze)– Match Prediction:
With FC Viitorul missing Marius George Țucudean to spearhead their attack, and being without home advantage, it’s difficult to see them winning. However, the absence of their star striker could play into their hands as they´ll be looking to frustrate APOEL by playing deep rather than focusing on goals. Still APOEL should have enough firepower to win this game.
MY PICK: APOEL to win (-125)
FC Copenhagen (Den) vs. Vardar(Mac)
Three-Way: 1: Copenhagen -167; X: +325 Draw; 2: Vardar +550
Spread -1: Copenhagen +108; Vardar -106
Total +2.5: Over -111; Under +106
FC Copenhagen
The Danish side will have returned from Macedonia deflated, as a failure to win or even score an away goal will have been a bitter pill to swallow for a team with such prowess. Their frustration was shown through the game with 23 fouls committed by the 12-times Danish champions, and it didn´t get better for them despite a late onslaught which still was not enough to breakdown their opponents defense.
The Danish reached the Champions League group stage last season where they made a decent showing of themselves, finishing 3rd while only just missing out on the next round by two points, therefore it would be further disappointment if they were to go out at such an early stage.
During the offseason Copenhagen has signed three players, including attacker Pieros Sotiriou who joined from APOEL Nicosia for 2.5 million Euros, while seven have left, notably left-back Ludwig Augustinsson to Werder Bremen for 4.5 million Euros. Manager Stale Solbakken will be missing Peter Ankersen through a Malleolar injury, but will otherwise have a full selection.
Vardar
The Macedonian First League champions achieved a shock victory after Brazilian striker Jonathan Balotelli scored the only goal of the match when the ball dropped to him, following some pinball around their opponent’s box which resulted in a great first-time volley smashed into the top left corner. Some goalkeeping heroics in the last moments of the game meant that Vardar and their fans left their home ground elated.
FK Vardar will be especially pleased with their 1st leg performance, considering that they have never reached the Champions League play-off round, and they have given themselves a decent chance of qualifying through their 1:0 victory.
A total of two new players have arrived during the offseason, while four left. Manager Goce Sedloski will have a full squad selection.
FC Copenhagen (Den) vs. Vardar (Mac) – Match Prediction:
FC Copenhagen will be raring to go for the home leg, and I can see their group of talented players roll-over Vardar, despite the Macedonian side’s 1st leg heroics. Expect Copenhagen to win by at least 3 goals.
MY PICK: Over 3 goals (+06)
Hafnarfjordur (Ice) vs. Maribor (Slo)
Three-Way: 1: Hafnarfjordur +177; X: +229 Draw; 2: Maribor +181
Spread 0: Hafnarfjordur -104; Maribor -101
Total +2.5: Over +138; Under -137
Hafnarfjordur
The 2016 Icelandic champions face an uphill battle after losing 1:0 away in Maribor and missing out on that vital away goal. Their one shot on target won’t instill confidence in Hafnarfjordur, neither will their lowly 36% share of possession. Furthermore, the Icelandic side may lack the winning mentality or necessary experience, having never qualified for an European competition group stage.
Hafnarfjordur´s summer has few in and out-goings with a total zero new arrivals, and two departures out on loan, namely Hördur Ingi Gunnarsson and Veigar Páll Gunnarsson. Heimir Gudjonsson will have a full selection as there are no injuries or suspensions for Tuesday´s game.
Maribor
Maribor will be content with their straightforward 1st leg 1:0 victory, but were wasteful in front of goal, hitting 11 shots wide of the net. Maribor are still the obvious choice for victors and could easily turn on the gas while putting two or three past their opponents in Iceland. Additionally, the Slovenian champions have guaranteed goals upfront in Jasmin Mesanovic and Marcos Tavares, who scored the only goal in the 54th minute of the 1st leg.
NK Maribor has had a long history in European football, qualifying most recently in the 2014-15 season making it as far as the group stage; and they´ve left themselves with a good chance of at least making the play-off round this time around.
Maribor has had two men join them this summer, including the goal-hungry centre-forward Jasmin Mesanovic on a free transfer, while six have left for pastures new. Manager Darko Milanic will have a full squad roster to select from as there are no injuries or suspensions.
Hafnarfjordur (Ice) vs. Maribor (Slo) – Match Prediction:
With all due respect to Hafnarfjordur, they are unlikely to be near a Champions League competition proper any time soon. Without an away goal they will be looking to come out with an emphasis on attack, and I could see them getting picked off by the superior side, Maribor, who I fancy to win.
MY PICK: Maribor to win (+181)
Additional Pick: Under 2.5 goals (-137)
