Qarabag vs. Dinamo Zagreb (Wednesday, 5.45pm)
![Coach Gurban Gurbanov of Qarabag FK looks on as his side face Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 - 14/03/2024 [on July 28, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/30/gurban-gurbanov.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Coach Gurban Gurbanov of Qarabag FK looks on as his side face Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 - 14/03/2024 [on July 28, 2024]")
© Imago
Both looking to book a spot in the revamped league phase of this season's Champions League, Qarabag FK and Dinamo Zagreb will meet in Baku for the second leg of their playoff clash on Wednesday night.
The Horsemen have plenty of work to do in order to ensure that they remain in UEFA's elite club competition, whereas the Blues know that even a defeat could be enough for progression.
We say: Qarabag FK 1-1 Dinamo Zagreb (Dinamo Zagreb win 4-1 on aggregate)
Needing to go all out for a big win on Wednesday night, Qarabag are likely to take an attacking approach, meaning that there could be space at the back for the visitors to exploit.
We feel that an early goal for the Horsemen will strike fear into the eyes of the Blues, who will go on to record a draw on the night and advance into the Champions League.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Red Star vs. Bodo/Glimt (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
© Reuters
Trailing by one goal from last week's first leg, Red Star Belgrade aim to salvage their Champions League dreams on Wednesday, when they welcome Bodo/Glimt to the Marakana.
The Serbian side require a second-leg fightback if they are to progress from the playoffs, so Glimt will start favourites to reach the group phase.
We say: Red Star Belgrade 1-1 Bodo/Glimt (Bodo/Glimt win 3-2 on aggregate)
Bodo/Glimt should have a more substantial lead before arriving at the intimidating Marakana, but they can still hold firm in Serbia and edge through to the Champions League group stage.
Converting chances was the Norwegian side's shortcoming last week, but one goal could be enough to qualify for the very first time.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Slovan Bratislava vs. Midtjylland (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
© Reuters
With the scores level after a highly-competitive first leg last week, Slovan Bratislava and FC Midtjylland will battle it out for a spot in the league phase of the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Sky Blues managed to secure a share of the honours in Denmark last time out, meaning that the Wolves arguably come into this clash as slight underdogs.
We say: Slovan Bratislava 1-0 FC Midtjylland (Slovan Bratislava win 2-1 on aggregate)
With a place in the League Phase of the Champions League at stake, we are expecting a cagey affair between two sides who are unbeaten in competitive action so far this summer.
Given their home advantage, Slovan Bratislava should have enough to edge out a hard-fought contest, sending the Danish champions back to Scandinavia heartbroken.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Slavia Prague vs. Lille (Wednesday, 8.00pm)
© Reuters
Facing a two-goal deficit from last week's first leg, Slavia Prague require a remarkable comeback on Wednesday, as they play their Champions League playoff with Lille to its conclusion.
After a fine showing on French soil, Les Dogues will arrive at Eden Arena in control of the tie and with one foot in the new-look group phase.
We say: Slavia Prague 2-1 Lille (Lille win 3-2 on aggregate)
Though Slavia may win on the night, beating a smart Lille side by two goals seems too much to ask: Les Dogues are bound for the Champions League, while a Europa League place will be their hosts' consolation.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Oliver Thomas
