Wednesday's Champions League predictions including Ludogorets vs. Ljubljana

Sheriff Tiraspol vs. Maccabi Haifa (Wednesday, 6.00pm)

Vying for a place in the Champions League's third qualifying round, Sheriff Tiraspol and Maccabi Haifa meet for the first leg of their second-round tie on Wednesday.

The Israeli champions are ultimately seeking a return to the group stage after tussling with several European giants last year, but their hosts also boast plenty of recent continental experience.

We say: Sheriff Tiraspol 1-2 Maccabi Haifa

With recent experience of the group stage under their belt and a comprehensive first-round win behind them, Maccabi Haifa can build on their Super Cup success and seize a first-leg lead. In-form forwards should ensure the away side score at least once; putting them in the box seat for next week's return in Israel.

Aris vs. BATE (Wednesday, 6.00pm)

Entering the Champions League qualifiers at the second round stage, Cypriot champions Aris Limassol host BATE Borisov of Belarus at Alphamega Stadium on Wednesday.

While Aris will make their debut in Europe's top club competition, BATE are regulars on the continental scene and have already seen off one challenger for a group-stage place this summer.

We say: Aris Limassol 2-1 BATE Borisov

Something of an unknown quantity at continental level, Aris have invested wisely over the past few years and could be poised to make progress in Europe. While BATE have the advantage of being deep into their domestic season, the hosts' small but passionate support - and a smattering of quality players - should prove enough to secure a handy first-leg lead.

Rakow vs. Qarabag (Wednesday, 7.15pm)

Rakow Czestochowa will be hoping to secure a first-leg lead when they play host to Qarabag FK in the second round of the Champions League qualifiers at Miejski Stadion Pilkarski Rakow on Wednesday evening.

The hosts won their opening Champions League qualifying tie, overcoming Estonian outfit Flora 4-0 on aggregate, while the visitors eased past the champions of the Gibraltar National League Lincoln Red Imps 6-1 on aggregate in the opening round.

We say: Rakow Czestochowa 1-1 Qarabag FK

Both these sides come into this match carrying solid domestic league form and managed fairly convincing wins in their first-round matches. We expect this to be a close-run encounter between two well-matched sides and fancy that they will cancel each other out and head into the second leg level.

Ludogorets vs. Ljubljana (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

Ludogorets Razgrad welcome NK Olimpija Ljubljana to Bulgaria for the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie on Wednesday evening.

The winners of this two-legged contest will take on either Lithuanian side FK Zalgiris or Turkish giants Galatasaray in the third qualifying round next month.

We say: Ludogorets Razgrad 2-1 NK Olimpija Ljubljana

Ludogorets boast a strong home record heading into Wednesday's game, winning each of their last four games on Bulgarian turf by an aggregate score of 12-0, and although Olimpija Ljubljana will fancy their chances of claiming a positive away result, we believe that the hosts will come out on top to claim a first-leg advantage.

KI vs. Hacken (Wednesday, 7.45pm)

In an action-packed midweek of Champions League round two qualifiers, KI Klaksvik will be looking to keep their incredible unbeaten streak going when they welcome Hacken to Djupumyra Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The hosts come into this match after defeating the 34-time Hungarian champions Ferencvaros 3-0 on aggregate in the first round, while the visitors overcame Welsh league champions The New Saints 5-1 in their two-legged tie.

We say: KI Klaksvik 1-2 Hacken

While the visitors come into this encounter as the massive favourites, this could be a much closer game than the odds suggest. KI's perfect league record and results in the previous round cannot be overlooked, and while we feel the visitors should win the match, it will likely be by the slenderest of margins, while a draw result would not be a huge surprise either.