Motherwell vs Hibernian

Fir Park is the venue as Motherwell and Hibernian go head-to-head in their opening 2021/22 Scottish Premiership game.

Three victories from four League Cup fixtures to begin the new competitive season (L1) must be a massive confidence boost ahead of Motherwell’s Premiership curtain-raiser. Moreover, the ‘Dossers’ have suffered just one defeat in their last seven competitive home games (D1, L1), netting 2+ goals 57.14% of those contests. The clean-sheet theme has highlighted the recent top-flight H2H meetings between these two teams – eight of their previous nine Premiership encounters have seen one or both teams fail to score, including the last four in a row. Interestingly, just one of Motherwell’s last 11 league matches against Hibernian at this venue has ended as a draw (W6, L4), with 27.27% of those fixtures seeing both sides on the scoresheet (3/11).

Ahead of the kick-off, Hibernian ousted Santa Coloma in the Europa Conference League qualifying on an aggregate score of 5-1 (3-0 H, 2-1 A), with four of their five goals scored coming in the second half of play. Taking the 2020/21 season into the equation, none of Hibernian’s last seven away games in all competitions have ended level (W5, L2), with 57.14% of the fixtures won/lost in that sequence seeing the winner on the day keep a clean sheet. Low scoring has been a common theme in Hibernian’s recent games across domestic competitions, as each of their last five such contests saw one or both teams fail to score in matches garnering under 2.5 total goals. Worryingly, Jack Ross’ men had drawn a blank in three consecutive top-flight trips to Motherwell before claiming a 3-0 win in their most recent such travel.

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Lille vs PSG

The 45th Trophée des Champions gets underway at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv with an encounter that pits defending Ligue 1 champions Lille against former titleholders Paris Saint-Germain.

Lille defied the odds in 2020/21 to wrap up their first Ligue 1 crown in ten years, beating PSG in a keenly-contested title race by a single point. Lille’s remarkable success last season was based on a water-tight backline that conceded the lowest average of 0.61 goals per league match. ‘Les Dogues’ will be keen to land another blow on PSG and lift the Trophée des Champions trophy following two failed attempts in 1995 and 2011. Additionally, Lille will be going after back-to-back competitive triumphs against this opposition for the first time in nearly 20 years. Worryingly, though, Jocelyn Gourvennec’s men take the field after going winless in four consecutive warm-up fixtures (D1, L3), drawing a blank three times in the process.

Meanwhile, PSG handed over the Ligue 1 title to Lille in what was their worst league campaign since the Qatari takeover ten years ago, having lost eight of their 38 top-flight outings last season. Despite an underwhelming 2020/21 campaign, PSG have clinched their record-breaking 15th appearance in the Trophée des Champions showpiece. Notably, ‘Les Parisiens’ have won each of their last eight such fixtures, four of which yielded a winning margin of 2+ goals while the other four producing the identical 2-1 scoreline. Mauricio Pochettino has executed a high-profile transfer campaign to regain control in domestic football as Paris’ superstars look to post their fifth straight victory over Lille in cup games. Each of the last five competitive H2Hs between these two teams has seen one or both teams fail to score, with four of them featuring under 2.5 total goals.

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Aberdeen vs Dundee United

Aberdeen will play host to Dundee United at the Pittodrie Stadium in their opening 2021/22 Scottish Premiership fixture.

Aberdeen head into proceedings on the back of a 5-3 aggregate success over Swedish outfit Hacken in the Europa Conference League qualifying (5-1 H, 0-2 A). Aberdeen’s 2020/21 Premiership campaign ended with a whimper rather than a bang, with the ‘Dons’ losing their final two league fixtures by an aggregate score of 5-0. Before going down 3-0 in their most recent competitive H2H on home turf, Stephen Glass’ side had gone unbeaten in their four previous home encounters against this opposition (W3, D1). At home, the ‘Dandies’ have picked up just two victories within regulation time in their last nine fixtures in all competitions (D4, L3), with two-thirds of those games seeing one or both teams failing to find the back of the net.

On the other hand, the visitors must be full of confidence after winning each of their four League Cup matches by an aggregate score of 9-1 to start the new competitive season on a high note. Dundee’s form at the beginning of the new season comes as a notable turnaround on their performances from the final stretch of 2020/21. Indeed, the ‘Terrors’ finished the last competitive campaign on a four-game winless streak (D2, L2), a sequence that saw them draw a blank on three occasions. Curiously, Tam Courts’ men have avoided defeat in their last three top-flight meetings with Aberdeen (W1, D2), with each of those clashes seeing one or both sides fail to score in games garnering under 1.5 total goals.

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Ross County vs St. Johnstone

Ross County and St. Johnstone are set to exchange tackles at the Global Energy Stadium in their opening 2021/22 Scottish Premiership fixture.

After back-to-back walkover defeats at the beginning of their League Cup journey earlier in July, the ‘Staggies’ have racked up two consecutive victories by an aggregate score of 5-1, finding the net inside the first ten minutes of the second half on both occasions. Ross County painted the final stretch of the 2020/21 season with flying colors, having gone from four consecutive Premiership fixtures without winning (D1, L3) to three straight wins. Additionally, before succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat in their most recent top-flight meeting with St. Johnstone, Ross County had gone unbeaten in their previous six Premiership encounters (W2, D4). Entertainment has been sparse in their recent league H2Hs, though, as each of the last five featured under 2.5 total goals.

In the meantime, after lifting the Scottish Cup title in their closing 2020/21 fixture, St. Johnstone went on to draw three of their four off-season matches (W1), all of which contained less than three goals. A low-scoring theme has highlighted St. Johnstone’s recent Premiership games too, as three of their last four league outings have produced under 2.5 total goals. Curiously, before going down 4-0 at Celtic Park in the penultimate round of the 2020/21 Premiership fixtures, the ‘Saints’ had been on an eight-game unbeaten streak away from home (W6, D2), a sequence that saw them prevail by a narrow one-goal margin five times. Another close, keenly-contested affair is well on the cards, considering that each of their last four top-flight H2Hs held here ended level.

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Rangers vs Livingston

Rangers and Livingston will trade tackles at Ibrox Stadium in the 2021/22 Scottish Premiership curtain-raiser this weekend.

Rangers head into the new campaign on the back of a topsy-turvy off-season during which they picked up only two wins from five warm-up fixtures (D2, L1). However, the reigning Scottish Premiership titleholders have won their last three top-flight matches by an aggregate score of 11-1. Moreover, the ‘Gers’ have won all but one of their previous ten meetings with Livingston across all competitions (D1), including the last three in a row by an aggregate scoreline of 6-0. Odds-on favorites to wrap up all three points here, Rangers have not lost any of their 17 home matches against this opposition in the 21st century (W15, D2). Remarkably, Steven Gerrard’s side finished the 2020/21 Premiership campaign with all 19 victories on home turf, returning an intimidating +53 goal difference in the process (GF:57, GA:4).

On the other hand, Livingston’s new season began earlier in July as they won three of their four League Cup games (L1), though each of their opponents are featuring in lower-league football. The visitors experienced a torrid time down the final stretch of the 2020/21 league campaign, failing to win their last six top-flight fixtures (D2, L4) and netting under 1.5 goals on each occasion. Away from home, the ‘Lions’ have lost three of their previous four Premiership matches (D1), conceding 3+ goals in each defeat. Encouragingly, though, David Martindale’s men had won five of their six league trips before the abovementioned run (D1), keeping four clean sheets in the process.

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Hearts vs Celtic

Newly-promoted Hearts and last season’s Premiership runners-up Celtic will lock horns at the Tynecastle Stadium in their opening 2021/22 Scottish Premiership fixture.

Hearts strolled to the top place in their respective League Cup group with all four victories to start the new competitive season in high spirits. The ‘Jam Tarts’ have returned to the Scottish top-flight after spending last year in the Championship, finishing top of the standings with a 12-point lead over closest followers. Despite being underdogs ahead of the kick-off, Robbie Neilson’s men have racked up an encouraging nine-match unbeaten streak in all competitions (W7, D2), meaning they should head into proceedings full of confidence. What’s more, they have won their last four competitive home games by an aggregate score of 13-0. However, six consecutive defeats against Celtic in the Premiership might whittle down the excitement, especially considering four of those losses yielded a full-time margin of 2+ goals.

On the other hand, Celtic will be desperate to hit the ground running in the Premiership following another fiasco in the Champions League qualifying. Ange Postecoglou’s men failed to overcome Danish side Midtjylland in the second qualifying round after losing the second leg in Denmark in extra-time (1-1 H, 1-2 A). Additionally, the ‘Hoops’ are winless in their last five away Premiership fixtures (D3, L2), a sequence that saw them draw a blank on three occasions. Another incentive for Celtic to go back to winning ways is that they surrendered the league crown to Rangers last season after conquering the division nine times in a row beforehand. The visitors can find some courage in winning each of their previous four trips to Hears across all competitions, netting 2+ goals on each occasion.

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Dundee vs St. Mirren

Dens Park is the venue, as Dundee FC and St. Mirren go head-to-head in their opening 2021/22 Scottish Premiership showdown.

After preserving the top-flight status thanks to a 4-2 aggregate win over Kilmarnock in the relegation play-off final (2-1 H, 2-1 A), Dundee are hopeful of avoiding another scary season. It’s been a promising start to the competitive season for the ‘Dees,’ as they’ve won all four League Cup matches by an aggregate score of 14-2. Dundee’s cagey entries saw them keep a first-half clean sheet on each occasion during that four-game sequence, winning the first half by at least a two-goal margin twice in the process. Having that said, James McPake’s men have failed to beat St. Mirren in any of their last four top-flight encounters (D1), with three of those meetings seeing over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, the visitors have been relentless across their four League Cup fixtures this season, winning each of them by an aggregate score of 9-1. Delivering action from the get-go, they have netted an opening goal within 30 minutes of play twice in their last three competitive games. Yet, St. Mirren failed to impress away from home down the final stretch of the 2020/21 Premiership campaign, picking up just a single win from six road trips (D3, L2). However, three of their previous four competitive visits to Dundee have resulted in a victory (D1), including a 3-2 top-flight triumph in their most recent such encounter. Notably, Jim Goodwin’s men have netted 3+ goals in each of their last five away matches in all competitions (W4, D2).

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Mexico vs Canada

Mexico and Canada will lock horns at the NRG Stadium in an intriguing 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final encounter.

Mexico have hit the ground running at the Gold Cup following a dismal goalless draw with Trinidad & Tobago in their tournament opener, winning their subsequent three outings by an aggregate score of 7-0. The record-time Gold Cup winners and pre-tournament favorites eased past Honduras in the quarter-finals, claiming an overwhelming 3-0 victory to stroll into their 13th Gold Cup semi-final. ‘El Tri’ tend to take control of the game early on, as witnessed by the fact 42.86% of their Gold Cup goals scored this summer arrived between the 15th and 30th minute of play. Overall, Gerardo Martino’s men have been a force to be reckoned with lately, losing just a single game in regulation time across their last 22 international fixtures (W16, D5). After winning four consecutive competitive H2H meetings, Mexico will be confident of breaking into their second successive Gold Cup final.

On the other hand, Canada swept Costa Rica aside with a comfortable 2-0 quarter-final triumph to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to the United States and post their third win in four Gold Cup fixtures this summer. Canada’s first appearance in the Gold Cup semi-finals came on the back of some dazzling attacking displays that saw the ‘Canucks’ net ten times in four games in the competition. The two-time winners will need to maintain that free-scoring form here after bagging under 1.5 goals in five of their last seven Gold Cup knock-out fixtures. John Herdman’s men have been nothing short of outstanding in 2021 so far, winning nine out of ten internationals (L1) while returning a resounding +37 goal difference for their trouble (GF:41, GA:4). Worryingly, though, Canada’s quarter-final success remains their solitary clean sheet in their last five Gold Cup matches.

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Qatar vs United States

The Q2 Stadium in Texas will host an exciting 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final showdown between Qatar and the United States.

Qatar’s inaugural Gold Cup adventure began with a thrilling 3-3 draw with Panama in their tournament curtain-raiser. However, the World Cup hosts have since gone from strength to strength, putting together three consecutive Gold Cup victories, including a tight 3-2 triumph over El Salvador in the quarter-finals. Félix Sánchez’s men have been in a free-scoring form at the Gold Cup so far, netting 12 goals across four matches to take their average to 2.25 strikes per game across an impressive 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, friendlies included (W10, D2). But they have blown hot and cold defensively, keeping two clean sheets in four Gold Cup fixtures while conceding 2+ goals in the other two. Qatar will enter the match as underdogs for the first time in the competition as they take on six-time champions on their own soil.

Matthew Hoppe’s 83rd-minute strike propelled the United States past Jamaica in the quarter-finals, helping them maintain a 100% record at the tournament so far (W4). A victory in their first-ever international encounter against Qatar would see the ‘Stars and Stripes’ reach the Gold Cup final for the eighth time in nine attempts, a run they embarked on back in 2005. Since taking charge of the national team in December 2018, Gregg Berhalter has managed an intimidating 90% win rate across his ten Gold Cup games in the dugout (W9, L1). Berhalter’s impressive managerial record with the USA rests on a rock-solid backline that conceded an average of just 0.3 goals per Gold Cup fixture during that ten-game sequence. The ‘USMNT’ must be brimming with confidence as they take the field on the back of seven consecutive international triumphs, five of which came ‘to nil.’

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CFR Cluj vs Lincoln Red Imps

CFR Cluj will be looking to book their place in the next Champions League qualifying round when they take on Lincoln Red Imps at the Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu.

Cluj recovered from a half-time deficit to claim an all-important 2-1 first-leg win and build an advantage going into the rematch. The Romanian heavyweights squeezed past Borac Banja Luka in the previous qualifying round, with Alexandru Chipciu’s 118th-minute strike in the second-leg extra-time deciding the tie (3-1 H, 1-2 A). The ‘Railwaymen’ have been an exciting team to watch lately, though, with each of their last three competitive fixtures seeing over 2.5 goals and both sides on the scoresheet. Yet, a lack of consistency on home turf last witnessed the Cluj rack up back-to-back wins in competitive home matches in April. They have since alternated between winning and drawing/losing across their subsequent nine home games in all competitions (W5, D2, L2 – 90 mins only).

In the meantime, Lincoln head into proceedings as underdogs and will have to defy all the odds to reach the next qualifying round. However, the visitors can find some comfort in an impressive eight-game unbeaten away streak in all competitions (W5, D3), a sequence that saw them score 2+ goals on seven occasions. Delivering action from the onset, Mick McElwee’s men have won the first half ‘to nil’ in each of their three Champions League qualifiers this term, highlighting the potential for spoiling Cluj’s party. But they’ve blown hot and cold defensively of late, keeping three clean sheets across their last six competitive matches while conceding precisely twice per game in the other three. Curiously, each of their six goals conceded in that period came beyond half-time.

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Galatasaray vs PSV Eindhoven

PSV Eindhoven head to the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium to take on Galatasaray in the return leg of their Champions League qualifying tie, harboring an overwhelming 5-1 lead from the first leg.

Galatasaray’s first-leg destruction brought their six-match winning streak in all competitions to a halt, with four of their triumphs in that sequence yielding a full-time margin of 2+ goals. Despite two of their previous three home Champions League encounters against PSV produced identical 2-0 victories, it will be almost impossible for the Turkish powerhouse to overturn this deficit. What’s more, the ‘Sarı-Kırmızılılar’ lament a disappointing overall European record against Dutch opposition, having lost five of their seven such contests (W2). Yet, they can draw some confidence from racking up back-to-back 3-1 home wins in all competitions ahead of the kick-off. Entertainment has been relatively sparse in Galatasaray’s recent home European fixtures, with each of the last four featuring under 2.5 total goals (W1, D1, L2).

On the other hand, PSV’s first-leg success took their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight straight matches (W6, D2). The Eredivisie giants netted an average of 2.5 goals across that period, scoring 2+ goals on six occasions. However, PSV’s indifferent away form could be an issue, with the ‘Peasants’ picking up just three wins from their last nine competitive road trips (D2, L4). The high-scoring theme highlighted that spread of matches, with 55.56% of them witnessing over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring. Going back to the 2019/20 season, none of PSV’s last 12 away European fixtures have ended level (W7, L5), with 66.67% of those results (win/loss) yielding a full-time margin of 2+ goals. Topically, they have experienced mixed fortunes across their four European trips to Turkey in the 21st century (GP4 – W2, L2).

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Ludogorets vsv Mura

Ludogorets welcome Mura to Huvepharma Arena for the second leg, with their Champions League second-round qualifying tie finely poised at 0-0.

Ludogorets bounced back from a scoreless first-leg draw to beat domestic rivals Lokomotiv Plovdiv 3-1 on the road last time out and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to five matches (W4, D1). The ‘Eagles’ have yet to concede a goal in the ongoing Champions League qualifying campaign, having ousted Shakhtyor Soligorsk in the previous round 2-0 on aggregate (1-0 H, 1-0 A). Since being held to a 1-1 stalemate to Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the domestic cup back in mid-March, none of Ludogorets’ subsequent nine competitive home games have ended level (W7, D2), with the reigning Bulgarian champions winning the last three in a row by an aggregate scoreline of 9-1. Curiously, each of Ludogorets’ three European showdowns against Slovenian opposition ended as a draw.

Meanwhile, Mura made light work of their first-round tie against North Macedonian outfit Shkendija, winning both legs ‘to nil’ (1-0 A, 5-0 H) to set up their first appearance in the Champions League second qualifying round. However, they have since gone winless in three consecutive matches in all competitions (D1, L2), drawing a blank twice in that spread of games. Mura’s indifferent away form in 2021 has seen them pick up only four wins from ten competitive road trips (D2, L4), with 50% of the fixtures won/lost in that sequence seeing the victor keep a clean sheet. Topically, each of their three European road trips overall saw the winner on the day register a shutout (W2, L1). Early action has highlighted Mura’s recent competitive games, with two of the last three seeing the opener scored by the 10th minute.

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Midtjylland vs Celtic

A 1-1 first-leg draw in Scotland gives Midtjylland and Celtic everything to play for at MCH Arena in the return leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.

Midtjylland kick-started their 2021/22 season with a narrow 1-0 away win over domestic rivals Aalborg last time out, having gone winless in their previous two competitive fixtures (D1, L1). Bringing the 2020/21 campaign into the equation, the Danish Superliga runners-up have picked up just two victories across their last seven matches in all competitions (D2, L3), conceding the first-half opener in four of the five games they didn’t win. In European football alone, the ‘Ulvene’ have gone three consecutive home fixtures without winning (D1, L2) since claiming a comfortable 4-1 triumph over Slavia Praha in the 2020/21 Champions League play-offs. But, before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to domestic rivals Odense in their most recent home outing, Midtjylland had enjoyed an eight-game unbeaten home streak in all competitions (W7, D1).

Meanwhile, coming into this showdown, Celtic suffered a horrendous 6-2 loss to West Ham United in a friendly meeting. The visitors’ competitive form cannot provide much confidence to Ange Postecoglou either, with the ‘Hoops’ managing just a single triumph from their last six fixtures across all competitions (D3, L2). On the bright side, the Scottish giants boast a solid overall continental record versus Danish opposition, having lost just 26.67% of their European clashes against such adversaries (GP15 – W7, D4, L4). There has been plenty of entertainment in Celtic’s recent European trips as each of their last three continental away fixtures saw over 3.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet (D1, L2). Worryingly, though, they have drawn a blank in four of their last six competitive trips, netting precisely once per game in the other two.

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Neftci Baku vs Olympiacos

Neftci Baku and Olympiacos are set to trade tackles at Bakcell Arena in the return leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.

A 1-0 first-leg loss in Greece means each of Neftci’s three Champions League qualifiers this season saw the winner prevail by a single goal margin (W2, L1), with the opener in two of them coming within 30 minutes of play. Interestingly, none of Neftci’s nine competitive home matches this calendar year have ended as a draw (W7, L2), with the ‘Oil Workers’ winning the last three in a row by an aggregate scoreline of 7-1. Notably, Neftci’s cagey entries on home soil have seen them keep a first-half clean sheet in seven of their nine competitive games here in 2021. Taking friendly fixtures into account, four of the Azerbaijani side’s last five outings have yielded the identical 2-1 scoreline (W3, L2), with two of those encounters seeing the victor come from behind to pick up the win.

On the other hand, the visitors’ extensive preparation campaign saw them amass five victories from seven friendlies (D1, L1) before the first-leg success at home. Additionally, Olympiacos are unbeaten across their last six Champions League qualifiers on foreign soil (W4, D2). Having that said, the ‘Thrylos’ had been on a four-match winless streak away from home (D3, L1) before claiming an overwhelming 4-1 triumph over bitter rivals Panathinaikos in their most recent competitive road trip. Notably, Pedro Martins’ men have scored two more goals against Panathinaikos than in their previous four competitive travels combined. At the other end of the pitch, Olympiacos have conceded under 1.5 goals in nine of their last ten away matches in all competitions, highlighting the potential for a cagey affair.

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Sheriff Tiraspol vs Alashkert

Sheriff Tiraspol and Alashkert will lock horns at the Stadionul Sheriff in the return leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.

Sheriff’s narrow 1-0 first-leg triumph in Armenia stretched their perfect start to the Champions League qualifying to three victories, all of which were ‘to nil.’ Particularly dangerous in the later stages of play, the ‘Zholto-chornyye’ have found the net beyond the 80th minute in two of their three Champions League qualifiers this term. Yet, Yury Vernydub’s men have struggled to impress home turf lately, picking up just a single win across their last four competitive home fixtures (D1, L2), three of which saw one or both sides fail to hit the net in matches garnering under 1.5 total goals. Before that run of games, Sheriff had racked up seven victories across their eight previous competitive home games in 2021 (D1), all of which featured a winning margin of 2+ goals.

Meanwhile, the visitors have a mountain to climb in Tiraspol, though a run of four consecutive competitive road trips without losing (W3, D1) comes in handy. There has been plenty of action in Alashkert’s recent away matches in all competitions, with four of their last six travels seeing over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring (W3, D1, L2). Alashkert needed a second-leg extra-time to negotiate their first-round qualifying tie against Connah’s Quay Nomads, with both legs ending level, including a 2-2 draw on the road. Overall, the ‘Yellows’ will be satisfied knowing they have troubled the scoresheet in each of their last six competitive trips ahead of this encounter. But they have managed just three clean sheets across their past nine away games in all competitions, which could pose a problem.

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Red Star Belgrade vs Kairat

Red Star Belgrade will try to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit when they lock horns with Kairat Almaty at the Stadion Rajko Mitic in the return leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.

Despite going down in Kazakhstan, Red Star will be confident of pulling off a second-leg comeback after successfully concluding each of their nine Champions League second-round qualifying ties in the 21st century. But their recent competitive form could pose a problem, with Dejan Stankovic’s men drawing a blank in two of their three fixtures in all competitions this term (W1, D1, L1). The reigning Serbian champions have been a force to be reckoned with at home in 2021, notably winning 13 of their 15 competitive home matches since the turn of the year (D2). Moreover, bringing the 2020/21 season into the equation, Red Star have avoided defeat in their last five European games on home soil (W3, D2), netting an intimidating average of 2.8 goals per match in the process.

On the other hand, since being held to a 1-1 away draw to Maccabi Haifa in the first leg of their Champions League first-round qualifying tie, none of Kairat’s subsequent five competitive games have ended level (W3, L2). But a lack of consistency has seen Kairat alternate between winning (2) and losing (2) across their last four outings in all competitions, with three of those results (win/loss) yielding a clean sheet. Away from home, the ‘Halyq Komandasy’ are unbeaten in six consecutive competitive fixtures (W3, D3), with each win in that sequence being accompanied by a blank sheet. However, except for a 2-1 win over Siroki Brijeg in the 2019/20 Europa League first-round qualifying, the visitors have failed to win any of their last five away European games (D1, L4).

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Sparta Prague vs Rapid Wien

Sparta Prague will be looking to bounce back from a first-leg failure when they take on Rapid Wien at the Generali Ceska pojistovna Arena in the second leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.

Sparta squandered a 1-0 half-time lead to succumb to a 2-1 first-leg defeat in Austria, throwing their hopes of returning to the Champions League group stage into a corridor of doubt. The prospect of a turnaround on home soil is all but a foregone conclusion, considering they have only won once in their last four European fixtures at the Generali Ceska pojistovna Arena (D1, L2). Yet, Sparta can draw confidence from winning each of their previous four competitive matches on home turf by an aggregate score of 15-5, notably netting 3+ goals on each occasion. Additionally, the Czech heavyweights have successfully negotiated each of their three European qualifying ties versus Austrian opposition. A high-scoring affair is well on the cards, given that four of Sparta’s last five European home fixtures have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring.

Meanwhile, Rapid head into proceedings on the back of a 2-0 home loss to domestic rivals Hartberg, a result that brought their three-game winning streak in all competitions to a halt. The Austrian giants have experienced a massive dip in away form ahead of the kick-off, going from five straight road trips without losing (W2, D3) to back-to-back defeats, both of which came by a losing margin of 2+ goals. Rapid’s defensive frailties have been widely exposed in their recent competitive away matches, considering they’ve managed just a single clean sheet across their last eight trips in all competitions. Particularly vulnerable beyond half-time, Dietmar Kühbauer’s men have registered eight of their last nine goals conceded away from home in the second half of play.

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Young Boys vs Slovan Bratislava

Stadion Wankdorf is the venue, as Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava go head-to-head in the return leg of their finely poised scoreless Champions League qualifying tie.

Young Boys recovered from a 2-1 half-time deficit to eke out a 4-3 away win over Luzern in their Swiss Super League curtain-raiser last time out. As a result, the reigning Swiss titleholders are now unbeaten in six competitive matches on the bounce (W5, D1), a sequence that witnessed them score an average of 2.83 goals per game. Interestingly, a goalless first-leg draw in Slovakia was Young Boys’ second stalemate in their last 14 European fixtures (W7, L5), marking their first scoreless affair in European football since the 2016/17 Europa League group stage draw against Astana. David Wagner’s men have put together six consecutive home victories in all competitions since succumbing to a 2-0 loss to Ajax in the 2020/21 Europa League last-16, averaging 3.00 goals per game.

In the meantime, the visitors have endured mixed fortunes across their three Champions League qualifiers this term (W1, D1, L1), with two of those fixtures seeing the deadlock broken within 30 minutes of play. The ‘Belasi’ have been pretty impressive away from home this calendar year, losing just two of their 11 competitive trips since the turn of 2021 (W7, D2, L2). They can also draw inspiration from netting 2+ goals in seven of their last ten travels in all competitions. Unfortunately, they have failed to pick up a win in seven consecutive away European fixtures, walkovers included (D1, L6), since beating Dundalk 3-1 in the 2019/20 Europa League second-round qualifier. Moreover, three of Slovan’s four European trips to Switzerland have brought defeats (D1), including a 5-0 thumping to Young Boys in their only previous meeting on Swiss soil.

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Flora Tallinn vs Legia Warsaw

Legia Warsaw will be looking to preserve a 2-1 first-leg lead against Flora Tallinn when the two sides meet at the A. Le Coq Arena in the return leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.

A 2-1 first-leg defeat brought the home side’s nine-game unbeaten streak in all competitions to an end (W8, D1). Notably, each of Flora’s eight victories during that nine-game sequence saw them keep a clean sheet, which comes as a massive confidence boost ahead of the rematch. The Estonian giants eased past Hibernians in the previous qualifying round, winning both legs by over 1.5 goals ‘to nil.’ Moreover, the ‘Triibulised’ haven’t lost a single any of their 12 competitive home matches this calendar year (W10, D2), notably scoring 2+ goals on nine of those occasions. At the other end of the pitch, Jürgen Henn’s men have kept four clean sheets in their last five competitive home fixtures (W4, D1), with three of their four wins in that period yielding a full-time margin of 2+ goals.

On the other hand, except for a penalty shoot-out defeat to Rakow in the Polish Super Cup, the visitors have won each of their remaining four competitive games this season by an aggregate score of 8-3. Taking last season into the equation, Legia are undefeated in their last ten away matches in all competitions (W7, D3), keeping six clean sheets in the process. Interestingly, Czesław Michniewicz’s men have found the back of the net in all six halves of the Champions League action played this season, scoring the opening goal by the third minute twice in the process. But before claiming a 3-2 away win over Bodo/Glimt in the previous Champions League qualifying round, Legia had netted under 1.5 goals in four consecutive road trips across all competitions.

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Omonia Nicosia vs Dinamo Zagreb

Omonia Nicosia face the uphill task of overturning a 2-0 deficit as they take on Dinamo Zagreb at the Neo GSP Stadium in the return leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.

A first-leg defeat ended Omonia’s run of nine competitive matches without losing (W6, D3), a run that saw them keep just three clean sheets. At home, the hosts haven’t lost any of their last five games in all competitions (W4, D1), with four of those fixtures yielding a full-time margin of under 1.5 goals. Entertainment has been relatively sparse at the Neo GSP Stadium this calendar year, with ten of their 12 competitive home matches featuring under 2.5 total goals. Worryingly, Henning Berg’s men have failed to preserve a blank sheet in their last two competitive home outings after registering two home shutouts in a row beforehand. On a positive note, though, they have found the net in five straight competitive home games after drawing a blank twice in a row.

On the other hand, the visitors have won all but one of their five competitive fixtures this season, barring a 2-0 home defeat to domestic rivals Slaven Belupo a fortnight ago. Interestingly, four of the five games won/lost in that sequence yielded a clean sheet and a winning/losing margin of 2+ goals. Away from home, the ‘Blues’ have gone winless in seven consecutive competitive matches (W5, D2) since a 2-1 loss to Villarreal in the 2020/21 Europa League quarter-finals. There’s been plenty of action in Dinamo’s recent road trips, with three of their last four competitive away contests producing over 2.5 goals. Delivering action from the onset, Damir Krznar’s men have scored the first-half opener in four of their previous five competitive travels.

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Zalgiris vs Ferencvaros

A 2-0 first-leg victory puts Ferencvaros in a prime position to reach the next Champions League qualifying round as they meet Zalgiris at the LFF stadionas in the return leg of their preliminary tie.

Zalgiris won their tie against Linfield in their previous Champions League qualifying round by an aggregate score of 5-2 (3-1 H, 2-1 A), leading 2-0 at half-time on each occasion. That could be a good starting point for the home side, considering that a first-leg reverse brought their 12-game unbeaten streak in all competitions to an end (W10, D2). Additionally, the hosts have gone unbeaten in seven straight competitive home matches (W5, D2) since losing 2-1 to domestic opposition Suduva in mid-April. Encouragingly, free-scoring Zalgiris netted over 1.5 goals six times across that seven-game sequence, averaging 2.85 goals per match. Despite failing to keep a clean sheet in their last three competitive games in a row, Vladimir Cheburin’s men can find some confidence in registering five consecutive shutouts prior to this run.

In the meantime, the visitors’ first-leg victory means they have won all three Champions League qualifying fixtures by at least a two-goal margin, keeping a first-half clean sheet on each. Going back to late February, Ferencvaros are unbeaten in their previous 18 games across all competitions, friendlies included (W14, D4), winning the last 11 in a row. Despite failing to keep a clean sheet in three consecutive competitive road trips, the ‘Green Eagles’ have won each of them, with six of their seven goals scored in that sequence coming in the second half of play. Remarkably, Peter Stoger’s men have not lost any of their 12 away games in all competitions this calendar year (W7, D5), notably scoring 2+ goals on ten of those occasions.

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HJK vs Malmo

Bolt Arena is the venue as HJK Helsinki look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Malmo and reach the third Champions League qualifying round.

Since being held to a scoreless draw to domestic rivals KuPs in the Finish Cup back in early May, none of HJK’s subsequent 14 matches in all competitions have ended level (W12, L2). Helsinki made light work of their Champions League qualifying tie against Buducnost Podgorica last time out, winning both legs by a margin of 2+ goals. The hosts have been a force to be reckoned with at home lately, winning each of their previous six competitive home fixtures by an aggregate score of 14-3, with five of those triumphs yielding a full-time margin of 2+ goals. Delivering action from the get-go, Toni Koskela’s men have netted five goals within 30 minutes of play across their last two competitive home matches.

Meanwhile, since going down 3-2 to domestic rivals Norrkoping in their opening game of the 2021/22 season, the visitors have racked up a six-game undefeated streak in all competitions (W5, D1). The beginning of Malmo’s Champions League path saw them overcome Riga, winning both legs by an aggregate score of 6-0 (1-0 H, 5-0 A). Malmo’s recent away form could encourage the Swedish camp, with the ‘Himmelsblått’ suffering just one defeat across their last six competitive road trips (W3, D2). Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men can take more confidence from keeping a clean sheet in back-to-back competitive away games after conceding at least once in ten consecutive travels in all competitions. Particularly dangerous beyond half-time, Malmo have registered five of their last seven away goals scored in the second half of play.

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Costa Rica vs Canada

Costa Rica and Canada go head-to-head at the AT&T Stadium, with a place in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals on the line.

Costa Rica won all three group stage fixtures by an aggregate score of 6-2 to finish top of Group C and progress into the Gold Cup knock-outs for the 12th tournament in a row. Costa Rica’s Gold Cup form represents a significant turnaround on their pre-tournament showings. Luis Fernando Suárez’s side had failed to win 11 consecutive international games heading into the competition (D3, L8). However, overcoming Canada could be a daunting prospect for ‘Los Ticos’ as they’ve picked up just one triumph in their previous eight Gold Cup H2H meetings (D5, L2). Low scoring has been a common theme in their recent international duels, considering each of the last three featured under 2.5 total goals, friendlies included. If they find the net here, it’s likely to be beyond half-time as four of their six Gold Cup goals scored this summer came past the 50th minute.

On the other hand, a narrow 1-0 loss to the United States on Matchday 3 saw Canada finish runners-up in Group B, having won their previous two group stage matches by the identical 4-1 scoreline. Quick out of the blocks, the ‘Canucks’ have churned out 50% of their Gold Cup goals scored so far within the opening 26 minutes of play (4/8). John Herdman’s men have now reached the Gold Cup knock-out stages for the third tournament running. Worryingly, though, all of Canada’s last three Gold Cup quarter-final appearances have seen them bow out of the competition, losing by a single-goal margin on each occasion. Yet, Canada can draw confidence from winning eight successive international fixtures prior to the abovementioned defeat to the USA.

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D.C. United vs New York RB

D.C. United and New York Red Bulls will face off against each other at Audi Field in an intriguing MLS fixture.

D.C. United’s hopes of securing a place in the play-offs have dwindled on the back of a return of a single win from their last five MLS matches (D2, L2). Yet, there’s been plenty of action in United’s recent league outings, with each of the previous four seeing over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet. It’s been ‘all or nothing’ for the ‘Black-and-Red’ at home this MLS campaign (GP6 – W4, L2), with 66.67% of those results (win/loss) yielding the identical 1-0 scoreline. Hernan Losada’s men will have to defy their recent home H2H record to get their play-off chances back on track, as they’ve frustratingly failed to beat this opposition in all previous six MLS encounters held at this venue (D2, L4).

As for New York Red Bulls, three of their last four MLS fixtures have produced a stalemate (W1) in matches garnering under 2.5 FT goals. Encouragingly, though, the visitors have gone from losing their opening four MLS trips to avoiding defeat in their last three league games on the road (W1, D2). However, taking the 2020 season into account, Gerhard Struber’s men have claimed just one win in 11 MLS travels (D4, L6), shipping 2+ goals in 54.55% of those games. NYRB’s sluggish entries have seen 58.33% of their away MLS goals conceded this season come in the first half of play. Sitting two points adrift of cross-town rivals New York City, the ‘Metro’ need to pick themselves up from a torrid spell to break into the play-off zone.

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Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union

The two out-of-sorts MLS sides are set to trade tackles at the DRV PNK Stadium as Inter Miami take on Philadelphia Union.

Inter Miami head into proceedings in the midst of a rough patch, having lost each of their last six MLS fixtures following a hard-fought 3-2 away victory at Cincinnati in mid-May. Alarmingly, the ‘Herons’ failed to find the back of the net five times across that spread of matches, with Gonzalo Higuain’s 67th-minute consolation strike against Orlando City in late June the solitary expectation. What’s more, Phil Neville’s men have yet to taste success at home this calendar year, losing all but one of their six MLS games on home turf since the turn of 2021 (D1). Inter can take some confidence from beating Philadelphia in their most recent MLS H2H, coming from behind to land a 2-1 win. It won’t do them much good if they concede first, though, considering they have lost six of eight league games in which they fell behind this term (W1, D1).

Meanwhile, the visitors are not enjoying the best of times either, having won just once in their last five MLS outings (D2, L2), a run that saw them concede the opener four times. Moreover, after winning back-to-back MLS road trips in May, Jim Curtin’s players have gone winless in their subsequent five league travels (D4, L2), letting in 2+ goals three times in the process. Particularly vulnerable beyond half-time, Philadelphia have registered two-thirds of their total away MLS goals conceded this season in the second 45 minutes (6/9). Yet, they have been equally impressive at the other end of the pitch in that same timeframe, as evidenced by the fact that seven of their ten away league goals scored have arrived beyond the restart.

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New England vs Montreal

New England Revolution and Montreal will lock horns at the Gillette Stadium in a potentially high-scoring MLS showdown. Both previous league H2Hs between these teams held here have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring.

The hosts have experienced an upturn in form gearing up for this fixture, having gone from three consecutive MLS matches without winning (D1, L2) to back-to-back league triumphs ‘to nil.’ Despite New England’s form wobble, they have been relentless in the final third lately, notably scoring 2+ goals in five of their last seven MLS outings on an average of 2.42 per game. This encounter could be another ‘shooting gallery’ for the ‘Revs,’ considering they have netted over 1.5 goals in each of their previous three top-flight H2Hs (W3). Delivering action from the get-go, Bruce Arena’s men have bagged the first-half brace in two of their last three home MLS contests, with each of those four strikes coming between the 25th and 45th minute.

On the other hand, a narrow 1-0 away loss to New York City last time out brought Montreal’s three-game winning MLS streak to a halt. Away from home, Wilfried Nancy’s men have picked up just one victory in their last four MLS matches (D1, L2), managing a miserly average of 0.5 goals per game. Indeed, low scoring has been a common theme in Montreal’s recent league trips, with each of their previous six MLS fixtures on the road featuring under 2.5 total goals. Based on that, it comes as no surprise that Montreal have ended up on the losing side in all three MLS travels in which they conceded first this season. Additionally, a return of six defeats from their previous seven MLS trips to New England (W1) douses any embers of optimism that they can kick-start a winning run here.

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New York City vs Orlando City

Yankee Stadium is the venue as New York City and Orlando City go head-to-head in an exciting MLS affair.

After a run of two consecutive draws in mid-May, the hosts have blown hot and cold, racking up four wins in their subsequent eight MLS matches while losing the other four. New York City’s recent league games have been notably tight, though, with each fixture won/lost in that eight-match sequence yielding a full-time margin of a single goal. At home, the ‘Pigeons’ have put together three straight MLS triumphs following a three-game winless streak (D1, L2), beating their opposition by a narrow one-goal margin on each occasion. However, Ronny Deila’s men have failed to outscore Orlando in both previous H2H as hosts (D1, L1), falling behind within 18 minutes each time. New York’s attacking set-up usually sparks into life beyond half-time, as witnessed by the fact that 76.92% of their total MLS goals scored at home this term arrived in the second half of play (10/13).

In the meantime, Orlando eked out a tight 2-1 home triumph over Philadelphia Union last time out to hamper a three-game winless MLS streak (D1, L2). Despite their indifferent form, the visitors are very much in contention for a top place in the Eastern Conference as they take the field trailing pacesetters New England Revolution by five points. The ‘Lions’ have been a fun team to watch of late, with six of their last eight MLS matches seeing 3+ goals and both sides on the scoresheet, which has been the case in four of their previous five league trips. Even if they fall behind here, Orlando should have enough character to bounce back as they have recovered from conceding the opener three times in four such away MLS fixtures (W1, D2, L1). There’s been plenty of late action in Orlando’s league trips this term, with six of their seven such contests seeing a goal scored beyond the 75th minute.

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Seattle Sounders vs Sporting Kansas City

One of the most highly-anticipated fixtures on the MLS Easter Conference football schedule pits Seattle Sounders against Sporting Kansas City at Lumen Field.

Injury-hit Seattle Sounders have alternated between winning (2) and losing (1) across their last three MLS outings, having drawn back-to-back league fixtures beforehand. A narrow 1-0 away defeat to Minnesota United on Matchday 14 remains Seattle’s solitary reverse in 15 MLS matches this season (W9, D5) as they enter this round harboring a five-point lead on second-placed Sporting Kansas City. Indeed, the Western Conference table-toppers are one of just three sides yet to lose at home this term (GP8 – W5, D3), conceding the lowest average of 0.5 goals per home MLS match. Additionally, the ‘Sounders’ are one of only two teams in the whole of MLS yet to concede in the first half at home this season. Yet, the high-scoring theme has highlighted their recent home H2Hs, with their last two meetings here featuring over 2.5 goals and both sides scoring.

Meanwhile, Kansas City’s three-match winning MLS streak suffered a setback last time out as they could only manage a dismal 1-1 draw with San Jose Earthquakes at home. A lack of consistency on foreign turf has seen the ‘Wizards’ win three of their six away MLS fixtures while losing the other three, with 66.67 of those results (win/loss) witnessing the victor come from behind to seal all three points (4/6). After halting a three-game losing H2H run on the road with a 3-2 victory in their most recent trip to Seattle, Kansas City could post consecutive MLS wins on this ground for the first time in the franchise’s history. That could be easier said than done, considering they’ve drawn a blank in four of their last seven top-flight H2Hs here.

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United States vs Jamaica

The AT&T Stadium will host an exciting 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final showdown between the United States and Jamaica.

Encouraged by a stunning CONCACAF Nations League success in early June, the United States took Group B by storm, winning all three group stage matches by an aggregate score of 8-1. Delivering action from the onset, the ‘Yanks’ broke the deadlock by the 15th minute in each of their three group stage outings. Since failing to negotiate their 1985 Gold Cup group phase campaign, the ‘Stars and Stripes’ have qualified for the tournament knock-outs in each of their subsequent 17 attempts. Adding to their confidence, the USA have advanced to the semi-finals from their last ten Gold Cup quarter-final appearances. Furthermore, they have defeated Jamaica in both of their previous Gold Cup meetings by over 1.5 goals ‘to one,’ winning the first half by the same 1-0 score on each occasion.

In the meantime, Jamaica won their opening two Gold Cup group stage games by an aggregate score of 4-1 before succumbing to a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica on Matchday 3. Jamaica’s attacking potential often bursts in life late on, with three of their four Gold Cup goals scored this summer coming beyond the 80-minute mark. But victories over Suriname and Guadaloupe at the beginning of their tournament journey remain Jamaica’s only wins in six internationals (D1, L3), with the ‘Reggae Boyz’ netting under 1.5 goals in each game they didn’t win. Even though they enter this stage as underdogs to reach the semi-finals, Theodore Whitmore’s men can find some comfort in progressing from their last three Gold Cup quarter-final appearances on the spin. Yet, a return of five defeats from their previous six competitive H2Hs (W1) remains a reason for concern.

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Sagan Tosu vs Cerezo Osaka

Sagan Tosu will play host to out-of-form Cerezo Osaka at the Ekimae Real Estate Stadium in a must-win J1 League encounter.

Tosu recovered from a half-time deficit to beat Nagoya Grampus 3-1 at home last time out and bring a dismal four-match winless J1 League run to a halt (D3, L1). Against this form backdrop, the hosts have turned into a force to be reckoned with at home since going down 1-0 to Gamba Osaka in mid-April, racking up three victories in their subsequent four home league games (D1). In fact, that loss to Gambra remains Tosu’s solitary home league defeat this season (W7, D2). Even if they fall behind, Kim Myung-hwi’s men should have enough character to bounce back, having ended up winning two of the three home J1 League fixtures in which they conceded first (L1). Yet, low scoring has been a common theme in their recent H2Hs held at this venue, with each of the last three featuring under 2.5 goals.

As for Cerezo Osaka, they head into proceedings in the midst of a rough patch, having gone from back-to-back league losses to three straight draws. By extension, the visitors are winless in their last eight J1 League matches in a row (D5, L3), frustratingly netting under 1.5 goals on seven occasions in that sequence. On the bright side, Levir Culpi’s men have avoided defeat in both of their previous top-flight trips to Tosu (W1, D1) despite scoring precisely one goal apiece across those H2Hs. Lapses of concentration beyond half-time have seen Cerezo record 11 of their 12 away league goals conceded this season come in the second half of play. Five (55.56%) of Cerezo’s nine J1 League trips this term have seen a goal scored beyond the 75th minute, highlighting the potential for plenty of late action.

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Qatar vs El Salvador

The 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup knock-out stage gets underway as Qatar and El Salvador go head-to-head at the State Farm Stadium in the quarter-final showdown.

Qatar have qualified for the 2021 Gold Cup knock-outs as Group C winners, having racked up back-to-back group stage wins following a 3-3 draw with Panama on Matchday 1. As a result, Félix Sánchez’s men go into this quarter-final showdown unbeaten in 11 consecutive international games, friendlies included (W9, D1). The ‘Maroon’ have been relentless in front of goal at the tournament thus far, netting 2+ goals in all three Gold Cup fixtures on an average of 3.00 goals per match. Indeed, they have bagged over 2.5 goals in three of their last five internationals, keeping three clean sheets in the process. Qatar’s defense has been up to the task lately, registering two consecutive Gold Cup shutouts after letting in three goals against Panama in their tournament curtain-raiser.

On the other hand, El Salvador started the competition with back-to-back 2-0 wins over Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago. Curiously, three of their four goals scored across those triumphs came beyond the 80th minute. However, a narrow 1-0 loss to Mexico on Matchday 3 saw them progress into the quarter-finals as Group A runners-up. ‘La Selecta’ have qualified for the Gold Cup quarter-finals six times in their ten tournament appearances in the 21st century. Unfortunately, each of their previous five attempts to reach the semi-finals fell flat. Interestingly, just one of El Salvador’s last ten international matches has ended level (W6, L3), with nine of those games seeing one or both sides fail to get on the scoresheet. Additionally, each of their last four fixtures featured under 2.5 total goals.

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Pohang Steelers vs Seoul

Pohang Steel Yard is the venue as Pohang Steelers take on rock-bottom Seoul in a K League 1 match they have to win to boost their play-off chances.

Pohang return to domestic football after securing a place in the AFC Champions League knock-outs, looking to post back-to-back K League 1 triumphs for the first time since mid-April. Nonetheless, the hosts have suffered just one defeat in their last ten league matches (W5, D4). A low-scoring theme highlighted that ten-game sequence, with 80% of those fixtures featuring under 2.5 goals. Having that said, each of the last four H2H meetings between these adversaries in all competitions has seen over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet. Even though they are not overwhelming favorites here, the ‘Steelers’ can take confidence from going unbeaten in their last seven competitive home games on the trot (W4, D3), conceding under 1.5 goals on each occasion. But a lack of firepower in the attacking third has seen Pohang score one goal or less in nine of their last 11 competitive home matches.

In the meantime, the visitors are having a torrid time as they take the field on the back of a horrendous 12-game winless streak in K League 1 (D5, L7), last claiming a league victory in mid-March. Away from home, they have gone from back-to-back league defeats to four successive stalemates, three of which yielded a goalless half-time score. Park Jin-sub’s men have struggled for goals on the road this term, netting 2+ goals in just two of their ten away top-flight fixtures on an average of 0.9 per game. At the other end of the pitch, a vast majority (75%) of Seoul’s away K League 1 goals conceded this season have arrived in the second half of play (9/12). But, they have kept two clean sheets in their last four league trips to Pohang, conceding over 1.5 goals once in the other two (W2, D1, L1).

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Mexico vs Honduras

Mexico and Honduras are set to trade tackles at the State Farm Stadium in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals.

Following an underwhelming scoreless draw with Trinidad & Tobago in their Gold Cup opener, Mexico outscored Guatemala and El Salvador by an aggregate score of 4-0 to finish top of Group A. Warm favorites to reach the semi-finals, the Mexicans have successfully negotiated each of their last seven Gold Cup quarter-final ties. Going back to 1991, ‘El Tri’ have suffered just one loss in their six Gold Cup meetings with Honduras (W3, D2). Additionally, they have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight H2H encounters in all competitions (W4, D3, L1), barring a 3-2 away defeat in a World Cup qualifier back in October 2017. Gerardo Martino’s men have put together six internationals without losing (W4, D2) since going down to the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League final via penalties.

Meanwhile, Honduras put 3+ goals past both Grenada and Panama across their opening two group stage fixtures (W2) before succumbing to a 2-0 loss to Qatar on Matchday 3. Actually, that defeat to Qatar brought Honduras’ three-game winning streak in all competitions to a halt, a sequence that saw them score 2+ goals on each occasion. Getting off the mark first could be of the essence here, considering that each of Honduras’ last nine internationals won/lost saw the victor benefit from breaking the deadlock. After advancing to the Gold Cup quarter-finals for the seventh time in 11 tournament appearances in the 21st century, ‘Los Catrachos’ are looking to break into the semi-finals for the first time since 2013. Worryingly, though, Honduras’ last appearance in the Gold Cup quarter-finals saw them bow out precisely to Mexico.

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Gamba Osaka vs Kashima Antlers

Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers go head-to-head at the Panasonic Stadium Suita in an exciting J1 League clash.

Gamba’s 2-1 home defeat to Vissel Kobe last time out ended a run of four J1 League matches without losing (W3, D1). The hosts head into this round sitting three points adrift of safety, though they have five games in hand on 16th-placed Tokushima. Curiously, after playing out back-to-back goalless home draws at the beginning of the season, none of Gamba’s subsequent six home league games have ended level (W2, L4). Five of those six home fixtures won/lost saw the winner on the day benefit from scoring the first-half opener. There’s been plenty of first-half action in Gamba’s home matches this term, with 11 (61.11%) of their home J1 League goals scored/conceded so far coming in the first half of play. Tsuneyasu Miyamoto’s haven’t lost any of their last three top-flight H2Hs as hosts (W1, D2), with each encounter producing precisely two match goals.

On the other hand, Kashima had been on a three-game unbeaten J1 League streak (W1, D2) before succumbing to a 2-1 away loss to Kashiwa Reysol last time out. Away from home, Naoki Soma’s men have gone winless in four consecutive league fixtures (D1, L3) since outscoring Nagoya Grampus 2-0 in mid-May, with each of those three reverses yielding the identical 2-1 scoreline. Yet, delivering action from the get-go, the visitors have registered a clear majority (66.67%) of their away league goals scored so far in the first half (8/12). However, they might not be a way back into this showdown for Kashima if they fall behind as they have lost all four J1 League trips in which they conceded first this term.

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Internacional vs Olimpia

There is everything to play for between Internacional and Club Olimpia as they meet at the Estádio José Pinheiro Borda in the return leg of their Copa Libertadores qualifying tie. The first leg yielded a goalless stalemate.

A narrow 1-0 home victory over domestic rivals Juventude brought some light at the end of the tunnel, halting Internacional’s disappointing six-game winless streak in all competitions (D4, L2). A low-scoring theme has highlighted Internacional’s recent competitive fixtures, with each of the last four seeing one or both teams failing to trouble the scoreboard in the matches garnering under 2.5 total goals (W1, D2, L1). A lack of ruthlessness in front of goal could pose a problem for the hosts, as they’ve netted one goal or less in each of their last six competitive games on home soil (W1, D1, L4). Additionally, Diego Aguirre’s men had been on a disastrous eight-match winless home streak (D3, L5) before claiming the abovementioned triumph over Juventude. On the bright side, the Brazilians have never lost a Copa Libertadores encounter to Olimpia (W2, D1).

On the other hand, a trip to the Estádio José Pinheiro Borda may stir some painful memories within the Olimpia faithful, considering their only previous visit to this venue yielded a 6-1 defeat. Indeed, Internacional have been a formidable opposition to Olimpia, with the Paraguayans drawing a blank in their last two H2H meetings. ‘El Decano’ will have to defy the odds to overcome the Brazilian powerhouse, but they cannot draw confidence from their recent form. Ahead of the kick-off, Sergio Orteman’s men have gone from three consecutive victories in all competitions to back-to-back competitive outings without winning (D1, L1). Yet, there’s been plenty of action in Olimpia’s recent road trips, as each of their last four competitive away fixtures saw over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet (W2, L2).

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Flamengo vs Defensa y Justicia

Defensa y Justicia head to the famous Maracanã to take on Flamengo in the return leg of their Copa Libertadores qualifying tie, hoping to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.

The hosts have gathered momentum ahead of this encounter, going from back-to-back competitive defeats to three consecutive victories. Curiously, four of those five matches won/lost yielded a full-time margin of a single goal, with the winner in three of them coming beyond the 50th minute. It’s been ‘all or nothing’ for Flamengo over the past couple of months, given that none of their previous 13 competitive games ended as a draw (W9, L4). But, a lack of consistency on home soil has seen Renato Gaucho’s side alternate between winning (3) and losing (2) across their last five home fixtures in all competitions, with 75% of those results (win/loss) coming by a narrow one-goal margin. Yet, the Brazilian juggernauts boast an almost perfect Copa Libertadores home record in 2021 (W2, D1), netting an average of 2.00 goals per game.

Meanwhile, the visitors head into proceedings in the midst of a rough patch having picked up just one victory in their last eight matches in all competitions (D2, L5). Moreover, a nerve-shredding 4-3 away win over Flamengo’s bitter rivals Palmeiras in their most recent Copa Libertadores trip remains Defensa’s solitary success in six competitive away games (D2, L3). They are now looking to end a run of eight straight travels without a clean sheet, having conceded 2+ goals in 50% of those trips. A lackadaisical finishing could pose a problem for the Argentinean outfit here, considering they’ve scored one goal or less in all but two of their last 13 matches in all competitions. That being said, Sebastian Beccacece’s men have found the net before half-time in three of their previous four competitive games.

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Barcelona vs Velez Sarsfield

Velez Sarsfield will be looking to defend a narrow 1-0 first-leg advantage when they take on Barcelona SC at the Estadio Banco Pichincha in the return leg of their Copa Libertadores qualifying tie.

Barcelona’s 3-0 home triumph over domestic rivals Macara last time out ended a run of three consecutive competitive games without winning (D1, L2), a sequence that saw the ‘Idolo del Ecuador’ draw a blank in both defeats. Notably, the hosts have not lost any of their 11 home matches in all competitions since the calendar flipped to 2021 (W9, D2), netting 2+ goals on 81.82% of those occasions. Additionally, they have won all three Copa Libertadores fixtures on home turf this calendar year, returning a +7 goal difference from that spread of games (GF:8, GA:1). The clean-sheet theme has highlighted Barcelona’s recent competitive matches, with ten of their last 12 outings across all competitions seeing one or both sides fail to get on the scoresheet.

On the other hand, since going down 3-1 to LDU Quito in a Copa Libertadores showdown back in late April, the visitors have gone unbeaten in their subsequent nine competitive matches if considered just 90 minutes of play (W6, D3). Low scoring has been a common theme in Velez’s recent fixtures, as four of their last five games in all competitions saw one or both teams fail to score in matches garnering under 1.5 total goals. Yet, ‘El Fortín’ have experienced mixed fortunes across their three Copa Libertadores away contests this calendar year (W1, D1, L1), with both games won/lost in that span yielding a full-time margin of 2+ goals. Encouragingly, Mauricio Pellegrino’s men have scored over 1.5 goals in three of their last five competitive road trips.

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Argentinos Juniors vs River Plate

Argentinos Juniors and River Plate go head-to-head at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona in the return leg of their Copa Libertadores qualifying tie following a 1-1 first-leg stalemate.

Argentinos Juniors’ form wobble continued with a goalless away draw with domestic opposition Independiente last time out, meaning they’ve returned just one win from their previous five matches in all competitions (D2, L2). The low-scoring theme has been the only constant in the hosts’ recent competitive games, as witnessed by the fact that 13 of their previous 14 outings have featured under 2.5 total goals, including the last seven in a row. On the bright side, ‘El Bicho’ have turned the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona into a fortress lately, suffering just one defeat in their last eight competitive home fixtures (W5, D2), a sequence that saw them register five clean sheets. Having that said, Gabriel Milito’s men are winless in three consecutive competitive H2Hs with River Plate on home turf (D1, L2).

In the meantime, the visitors have gone winless in the successive competitive games (D1, L2) since beating Santa Fe at home in mid-May, with the opening goal in each of those three fixtures coming within 25 minutes of play. Indeed, that victory remains River Plate’s solitary success in six competitive matches (D3, L2), with ‘Los Millonarios’ failing to keep a single clean sheet in that period. It gets worse away from home, where Enzo Francescoli’s men are winless in their last five encounters across all competitions (D4, L1 – 90 mins only), netting under 1.5 goals on each occasion. On the flip side, River Plate are undefeated in their previous eight away Copa Libertadores matches (W3, D5), with 62.5% of those clashes featuring under 2.5 total goals.

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