Tuesday 11 July predictions: Qualifying for the next Champions League kicks off with first-round matches.
It is just over a month since the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan brought the curtain down on the 2022-23 season. Thirty-one days later, numerous European clubs begin their journey in the qualifiers of the new edition of the continent’s most important event, dreaming of a place in the group stage.
The first leg of the first round kicks off today, with the likes of Qarabag, Maccabi Haifa and Ludogorets making appearances. The Azerbaijanis are within reach of the Lincoln Red Imps, while the Israelis, who scalped Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus in the last edition, could struggle more in the Maltese away game against Hamrun Spartans. Ferencvaros, on the other hand, should score at least two goals in the Faroe Islands.
Other match predictions
Today’s friendly matches are also varied. Al-Hilal, who were close to acquiring Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio after Ruben Neves and Koulibaly. The Saudis should get the better of Gorica, while Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace are unlikely to keep their goals unbroken in their friendly against Barnet.
Winners
- Al-Hilal (in Al Hilal-Gorica, friendly, 6pm)
- Qarabag (in Lincoln-Qarabag, Champions League, 17:30)
Zrinjski Mostar or draw (in Urartu-Zrinjski Mostar, Champions League, 5pm)
Ludogorets (in Ballkani-Ludogorets, Champions League, 20:45)
