Tuesday's Champions League predictions including Monaco vs. PSV Eindhoven

Sheriff Tiraspol vs. Plzen (Tuesday, 6.00pm)

Sheriff Tiraspol and Viktoria Plzen will both aim to take one step closer to the Champions League group stages during Tuesday's qualifying third round first-leg tie at the Zimbru Stadium.

The hosts scraped past Maribor to make it this far, while the Czech giants ran out 7-1 aggregate winners over Finland's HJK Helsinki.

We say: Sheriff Tiraspol 1-1 Viktoria Plzen

Sheriff may not have dazzled and delighted on the attacking front so far, but their steadfast defending is sure to serve them well against a Plzen side whose own talents certainly lie in the final third.

Both sides may be carrying a bit of fatigue after returning to league action at the weekend, and Plzen were very fortunate to even come away with a point in their game, so we can anticipate the resilient Moldovans holding on for a first-leg draw.

Monaco vs. PSV (Tuesday, 7.00pm)

Two continental heavyweights will collide in the third round of 2022-23 Champions League qualifying on Tuesday night, as Monaco welcome PSV Eindhoven to the Stade Louis II for the first leg.

Philippe Clement's side managed to clinch third place in Ligue 1 last season, while their Dutch counterparts enter the game having come out on top in a thrilling Johan Cruijff Schaal clash with Ajax.

We say: Monaco 2-2 PSV Eindhoven

Goals have been the theme for these two sides all summer, but with PSV weary from their Super Cup exploits and struggling with injuries up top, Monaco can take full advantage.

It is difficult to imagine Clement's side shutting up shop completely after a couple of poor defensive showings in pre-season, and as such, we are backing an entertaining first leg to finish all square.

Union SG vs. Rangers (Tuesday, 7.45pm)

Rangers will be looking to claim an advantage when they head to Belgium on Tuesday evening for the first leg of their third qualifying round Champions League contest with Union SG.

The Gers just missed out on automatic qualification for this season's European Cup by losing the 2021-22 Europa League final to Eintracht Frankfurt, while Union SG secured their spot in the third qualifying round of this season's tournament by finishing second in the champions playoff in Belgian First Division A in 2021-22.

We say: Union SG 1-1 Rangers

Rangers will be the favourites to triumph over the two legs, but Union SG must be respected due to their impressive 2021-22 campaign. We are expecting the spoils to be shared in the first match on Tuesday but believe that Rangers will ultimately have enough to progress over the two legs.

Benfica vs. Midtjylland (Tuesday, 8.00pm)

Benfica will be looking to secure an advantage when they welcome FC Midtjylland to Portugal for the first leg of their third qualifying round Champions League contest on Tuesday night.

The Eagles finished third in Portugal's top flight last term, which saw them book their spot in the third qualifying round, while Midtjylland overcame Larnaca in the last round, ultimately winning on penalties after the two sides had played out back-to-back 1-1 draws.

We say: Benfica 2-1 FC Midtjylland

Midtjylland are certainly capable of making this an uncomfortable match for Benfica, but we are struggling to back the visitors with any real confidence. Benfica should do enough to claim an advantage ahead of the second leg, but we are expecting the tie to still be open heading into the return fixture.