Pyunik vs. Dudelange (Tuesday, 5.00pm)
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FC Pyunik will host F91 Dudelange on Tuesday evening for the first leg of their second qualifying round contest in the Champions League.
The home side overcame CFR Cluj on penalties in the first qualifying round of this season's competition, while Dudelange eliminated KF Tirana courtesy of a 3-1 aggregate success.
We say: FC Pyunik 1-1 F91 Dudelange
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Zalgiris vs. Malmo (Tuesday, 5.00pm)
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After both edging through to the second qualifying round last week, Latvia's FK Zalgiris and Swedish counterparts Malmo meet in the first leg of their latest Champions League qualifying tie on Tuesday.
While the visitors came out on top in an enthralling tussle with Vikingur - winning 6-5 on aggregate - it took their hosts an intense period of extra time to see off Kosovan champions KF Ballkani.
We say: FK Zalgiris 1-2 Malmo
Despite losing Antonio Colak to Rangers, there is no doubt Malmo still pack a punch in the final third, and they are capable of scoring more than once in Vilnius.
Though in good form, Zalgiris may be found out at this stage of qualifying, with their latest visitors - group stage participants last term - representing a significant step-up in class.
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Qarabag FK vs. FC Zurich (Tuesday, 5.00pm)
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The long road to the Champions League group stage continues on Tuesday, as Qarabag FK welcome FC Zurich to Azerbaijan for the first leg of their second qualifying round tie.
Meeting at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, before next week's return in Switzerland, both teams will seek to take a significant step towards the third round; the tie's losers being consigned to the Europa League.
We say: Qarabag FK 1-1 FC Zurich
Both sides carry a goal threat and are used to taking the initiative in domestic competition, so there could be several opportunities at either end in this first leg.
Qarabag have proven themselves dangerous opponents in Baku, so they should at least travel to Switzerland next week on level terms.
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Midtjylland vs. Larnaca (Tuesday, 6.45pm)
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FC Midtjylland and AEK Larnaca will begin their pursuits of a Champions League group-stage place with the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie in the league path at the MCH Arena on Tuesday night.
The hosts finished second in the 2021-22 Danish Superliga, while Larnaca also settled for the runners-up spot in the Cypriot First Division.
We say: FC Midtjylland 2-1 AEK Larnaca
Larnaca's pre-season period was characterised by defensive deficiencies countering their attacking prowess, which should therefore make for an entertaining first-leg battle this week.
Midtjylland are far more experienced at the top level of European football, and even though off-field issues surrounding Sisto are bedevilling them somewhat, the Danish side should put one foot firmly in the third round this week.
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Ludogorets vs. Shamrock (Tuesday, 6.45pm)
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Ludogorets Razgrad will welcome Shamrock Rovers to Bulgaria on Tuesday evening for the first leg of their second qualifying round contest in the Champions League.
The home side beat Sutjeska Niksic in the last round to advance to this stage, while League of Ireland Premier Division side Shamrock comfortably overcame Maltese outfit Hibernians.
We say: Ludogorets Razgrad 2-1 Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock must stay in the contest on Tuesday if they are to stand a chance of progressing to the next round of the competition. Ludogorets will fancy their chances of winning the first leg, but we are expecting it to be a close affair in Razgrad.
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Linfield vs. Bodo/Glimt (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
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Linfield and Bodo/Glimt will aim to move one step closer to the Champions League group stages when they lock horns in the first leg of their second-round qualifying battle on Tuesday night.
The Northern Irish champions saw off The New Saints 2-1 on aggregate in round one, while the visitors to Windsor Park survived a scare against KI Klaksvik to advance 4-1.
We say: Linfield 0-2 Bodo/Glimt
While Linfield were on the right end of an astonishing comeback in their first-round second leg, Bodo/Glimt could have very well been battling for their place in the Conference League, and Knutsen will be determined to avoid any similar scares from here on in.
The hosts will be as dogged on the defensive side as ever, but losing Cooper in the manner in which they did was a bitter blow, and we can only back Bodo/Glimt to claim a healthy first-leg lead.
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Dinamo Zagreb vs. Shkupi (Tuesday, 8.00pm)
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Macedonian champions Shkupi will aim to take the first step towards pulling off a continental shock when they take on Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadion Maksimir in the first leg of their Champions League second-round qualifying tie on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the hosts are entering Europe's top tier competition at this stage after winning their 23rd Croatian top-flight crown in the 2021-22 season.
We say: Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 Shkupi
The magnitude of the occasion very nearly got the better of Shkupi in their second leg with Lincoln Red Imps, but they can at least take confidence from firing three past their counterparts in the first leg.
However, facing group-stage regulars Dinamo Zagreb is a different kettle of fish entirely, and the Croatian champions should put one foot firmly in the third round with an emphatic win.
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Barney Corkhill
