Champions league qualifying

SHAKHTAR DONETSK - DINAMO ZAGREB

Shakhtar are a very good team and really should have done better than they did at last years champions league. They have some quality players in their ranks and have taken over from Kiev as the nations top domestic side. They have started off their league campaign a little slowly but this is the tie that will define their season so its fair to say that they will be a lot more motivated tonight. At home they have a decent record in Europe as teams like Celtic found out last year.
Dinamo have a great history and will be no pushovers but history also says that it is nearly 10 years since they reached the knockout stages. They have lost out a couple of times at this stage and really were up against it from the moment the draw was made. They have to start their second choice goalkeeper, a 20 year old and tonight will be a huge test of his character. Their best chance is to keep it as tight as possible and to give themselves a chance in the return leg but for me the hosts have a little quality all over the field and should do enough tonight to give themselves some breathing space for the away leg

PICK
Shakhtar Donetsk – 1 asian (2.08 @ mansion) 5 points


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GALATASARAY- STEAUA BUCHAREST

Two teams with experience and history. Financially this game means a lot to both sides and im expecting a tight clash here. Galatasaray missed out last year so will be keen to get back into the group stages where they have been a tough side to beat, especially at home. They have a fantastic record in these qualifying rounds and despite winning the Turkish league last year, brought in German coach Michael Skibbe to help them out for occasions specifically like this.
Steaua are no mugs either but had a disappointing campaign last year where they only recorded 1 point, a 1 – 1 draw at home to Slavia Prague. Goals remain to be their biggest problem and they could only manage one goal in their three home games last year in the group stages. Janos Szekely is their winger and he is missing tonight and his absence will limit their creativity going forward.
All in all I see Gala taking a lead to the away leg, and most likely a clean sheet as well.


PICK
Galatasaray –0.75 ( 2 @ bet365) 5 points