Match 1: Lille vs Fenerbahce
Match analysis: Lille managed to retain their fourth place in Ligue 1 in the final rounds of the league last season. In the end, they did not qualify for third place and direct qualification, but they will try to compete in the strongest club competition in Europe through qualifying. Lille are already actively engaged in the new season as they have already played six warm-up games. It can be concluded that so far during the Test match has been very successful, as Lille has only lost one game against Wolfsburg, they have won against Celta, Gent, Denzer......
Lille team news
Despite the rumours that David will make a transfer, Jonathan · David will remain in Lille until further notice. Mohamed · Bayo has returned from his loan spell at Le Havre. Defenders Juro and Azić left the club.
Fenerbahçe, who finished second in the Turkey Premier League last season, had to start from the second qualifying round of the Champions League due to the coefficient of the Champions League match. There were not too many problems in the two matches against Lugano, with Fenerbahce advancing to the next round with an aggregate score of 6-3. The next opponent will be even more severe. In addition to these matches in the Champions League qualifiers, Turkey's runners-up played five games in the build-up and they have only been beaten once, just like their rivals from France, Lille FC.
Fenerbahce team news
For Jose Mourinho, there is no dilemma, with Dzeko remaining at the heart of the attacking line. Saint-Maximilla are on loan. Suoyunku should be a key player at the back. With Krunic, Fred and Schimanski in midfield, it will be a very respectable team.
Lille vs Fenerbahce head-to-head head and key stats
This will be the third meeting between Lille and Fenerbahçe, who met for the first time in the knockout stages of the Europa League in February 2010.
On 18 February, Lille won 2-1 in the first leg and drew 1-1 in Turkey a week later.
Fenerbahce are unbeaten in their last five away matches and have claimed three wins and two draws since losing 2-3 in April 2024.
Lille are unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 home matches in all competitions in 2024, with seven wins and four draws since the start of the year.
While it's still too early for the real competition season to begin, these games in the Champions League qualifiers could be the motivation and confidence for the whole season next year. The winner of this match will be guaranteed to play at least in the group stage of the Europa League, while the loser will play in the group stage of the Europa League. At least on paper, Lille are a slight favourite. Since the Olympics are held in their stadiums, the problem of them not being able to play at home has slowed down somewhat, so they will play at home in Valenciennes. However, this is a team with the ability and ambition to reach the group stage of the playoffs and the Champions League.
With both teams boasting a wealth of European experience and attacking talent, the two sides will face off in a close matchup.
Recommend:
Look for a draw of 1-1 2-2 3-3
Match 2: Salzburg vs FC Twente
Match analysis: RB Salzburg will be aiming to take the lead in the first leg as they take on Eredivisie side FC Twente at the Red Bull Arena for the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
Salzburg missed out on direct qualification for Europe's most prestigious Champions League group stage after 10 years of dominating the Austria league last season, losing just two points to Stum · Graz in a dramatic title race. After regularly reaching the group stage of the Champions League over the past five seasons, Pepiin · Liendes' side will be looking to continue that trend, although they will face a tougher path this time around to earn their place in the Champions League.
RB Salzburg team news
Ahead of this European game, Salzburg will be without goalkeepers Alexander · Schrager, as well as Dauda · Kindo, Takuki Kawamura and Fernando, all of whom are out injured.
Israel's young talent Oscar · Groch returned to his club after leaving the Paris Olympics early with the national team, so he will start this game on the bench.
Austria powerhouse Salzburg are rightfully favourites for the first leg, with plenty of attacking firepower to break through Twente's defensive resistance and build a lead before heading to Twente's home stadium a week later. Salzburg, meanwhile, started the 2024-25 European campaign with a high-spirited five-goal win over Graz on the first weekend of the new top-flight season with a 6-0 win over Dornbillen in the OFB Cup.
Head-to-head confrontation and key stats for Salzburg vs FC Twente
These two teams have met twice so far, with both meetings going into place in the former UEFA International Toto Cup. Thanks to a 3-1 win at home, Salzburg won 5-3 on aggregate.
Salzburg are unbeaten in their final eight matches in Champions League qualifying, with four wins and four draws.
FC Twente have won just one of their eight matches in Champions League qualifying.
RB Salzburg have lost just once in their home matches in 2024.
FC Twente have won just two of their last 12 Europa League matches, including qualifying.
FC Twente have claimed just one win in their final five away games of the 2023-24 season, while suffering three defeats.
Salzburg have scored nine goals in two games this season.
Meanwhile, FC Twente are finally back in Europe's top flight after a long 14-year wait, thanks to their impressive Eredivisie run last season, where they recently finished third, their best result in the last decade. Although they are just two hurdles away from reaching the group stage, FC Twente will be feeling a little nervous as they have been knocked out in the third qualifying round in two of their last three attempts to reach the group stage of the Champions League.
While Salzburg flaunted their strong start to the season, FC Twente arrived in Austria without a real rhythm and still didn't have any official matches, just four draws and one win in pre-season. In addition to their lack of fitness, Twente's prospects of surprise in Austria also seem slim as they have failed to score in four of their six matches in the third round of Champions League qualifying. Regular Champions League contenders Salzburg should make the most of their home advantage to qualify for the group stage for the sixth consecutive year with a regular victory.
A talented Salzburg team will be keen to make up for last season's defeat as they take the lead ahead of the second leg.
Recommend:
Favour Salzburg to win 2-0 2-1 3-1 at home
Match 3: Sepahan vs Dubai National Youth
Match Analysis: Two teams in the best form will stage a full-fledged encounter with attacking firepower that will cancel each other out and end in a stalemate in the match.
Recommend:
Look for a draw of 1-1 2-2 3-3