Spartak Moscow vs. Benfica (Wednesday, 6.00pm)
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Spartak Moscow manager Rui Vitoria prepares to renew hostilities with former club Benfica during the third round of Champions League qualification in Wednesday's first leg at the Otkritie Arena.
The Russian giants enter Europe at this stage courtesy of their second-placed league finish last term, while Benfica took third place in the 2020-21 Primeira Liga season.
We say: Spartak Moscow 0-1 Benfica
Spartak Moscow may have a slightly greater competitive edge heading into the first leg having already kicked off their league proceedings, but Benfica's pre-season form is something to be admired.
A cagey encounter should be on the menu as both teams seek to avoid any fatal errors before next week's second leg, and we can envisage Benfica nicking a goal to take a slender advantage back to Portugal.
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Dinamo Zagreb vs. Legia (Wednesday, 7.00pm)
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Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb host Legia Warsaw in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie on Wednesday, seeking an advantage to take to Poland next week.
While both sides have come through the first two rounds with relative ease - posting four wins from four so far - they now meet opponents of a more equal standing at Stadion Maksimir.
We say: Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 Legia Warsaw
Though both sides have stuttered at the start of their league campaigns - at least by their own lofty standards - Dinamo are always a threat in the final third and will capitalise on home advantage this week.
Their individual quality up front and experience from last term's run to the sharp end of the Europa League means that the hosts are set to take a lead to the Polish capital - but Legia are capable of snatching a valuable goal to keep them in with a shout.
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Ferencvaros vs. Slavia Prague (Wednesday, 7.00pm)
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With a quartet of Champions League victories already under their belts, Ferencvaros prepare for battle in the third qualifying round on Wednesday during their first leg against Czech powerhouses Slavia Prague.
The Hungarian champions have already sent FC Prishtina and FK Zalgiris packing to reach this stage of the tournament, while Slavia Prague enter at this stage courtesy of their 2020-21 Czech First League triumph.
We say: Ferencvaros 0-2 Slavia Prague
Desperate to kick off their new European campaign on the right foot after last year's controversy-filled travails, Slavia undoubtedly possess the higher calibre of players than Ferencvaros, and that should become apparent during this first leg.
The Hungarian champions have had it all their own way in the Champions League so far, but opening their title defence with such a dampening defeat has surely sapped the confidence in the camp, with Stoger's efforts to restore unity in midweek likely proving unfruitful.
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Barney Corkhill
