The final of the Club World Cup marked the official end of the domestic 2024/25 season, but the beginning of the 2025/26 season is already underway in Europe with the Champions League qualification rounds.
The first round of qualifying began last week, and the second legs of those fixtures will be completed this week. The majority of matches are in the balance coming into this week, which means the tension of the greatest club competition in the world is already palpable.
A large set of Champions League fixtures is always worth looking at in terms of an accumulator. Below, we've compiled a treble that is well worth considering.
Champions League accumulator tips
Malmo to beat Iberia 1999 (-1 handicap) (10/11)
Malmo are one of a few teams in the first round of qualifying that will feel they already have one foot in the next round following an impressive display in the first leg last week.
The Swedish giants come into the second leg with a 3-1 advantage, but with the away goals rule no longer in play, they won't feel as if the job is quite done just yet. Therefore, manager, Henrik Rydstrom is unlikely to take any risks this week, and he should field his strongest possible XI, which is bad news for Iberia 1999.
While Malmo aren't performing to expectations so far this season, a common theme has been that when they win, they do so handsomely. Each of their last six victories in all competitions have been by a margin of two goals or more, so backing the handicap market with them is a little bit of a hack at present – if you think they'll win the game, then back the handicap market for better value.
Linfield vs Shelbourne under 2.5 goals (8/11)
The first leg of the all-Irish affair between Shelbourne and Linfield was as tense as predicted last week, with Shelbourne winning by one goal to nil.
That slender advantage could be pivotal, though, as Linfield aren't known for scoring loads of goals. In fact, across their last four competitive outings, they have only managed to score one goal, so the idea of them turning this game on its head in the second leg is almost out of the question.
Given the game state, Shelbourne have no real reason to go away from home and try anything silly. Their title-winning campaign last season was built on having the best defence in Ireland, and they should therefore lean on that over the course of the 90 minutes to get the job done while they have the advantage.
Hamrun Spartans vs FK Zalgiris BTTS No (17/20)
Hamrun Spartans have it all to do if they are to make it through to the second leg of qualifying this week, after losing the first leg 2-0 to FK Zalgiris. Spartans will feel they are capable of overturning this deficit, but they will have to play a near-perfect match.
From a defensive point of view, they are probably capable. They have managed to keep a clean sheet in six of their last nine matches, and there is every chance of them making it seven in ten, given that FK Zalgiris don't have to come to Malta and attack.
This could easily turn into a bore 0-0 draw, as Hamrun aren't known for their goalscoring exploits and FK Zalgiris will play with ten behind the ball to protect what they have.
Champions League accumulator tips: Treble
- Malmo to beat Iberia 1999 (-1 handicap)
- Linfield vs Shelbourne under 2.5 goals
- Hamrun Spartans vs FK Zalgiris BTTS No
- 5/1
Andy is tipster who has been calling Golf tournaments for several years across many different platforms. He has covered all tournaments from the Asian Tour to the Masters. He's also a keen football fan and is an expert on European football.
GambleAware