Round 1: Cull The Herd : Accumulator Tip For July 09

The Qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League begins, with the globe at a standstill for Les Bestien, best among their counterpart rivals for the famed silverware. Round one begins and this accumulator covers three selected events, which through thorough analysis, should help maximize profits for fans of the beloved game. For now, winning helps to cull the herd.

FK Zalgiris vs Hamrun Spartans.

For the first time ever, Hamrun Spartans of the Maltese League will cross paths with Lithuania domiciles, Zalgiris, who finished in the top spot last season, clipping a spot in the first qualifying round. The Spartans of Hamrun were bold in their exploits last season, clinching the best seat in the league to earn their spot in this competition. 

Zalgiris has struggled through the last seven games to accrue two wins, four stalemates and one loss. To make it worse, the Zalgiris derby in May saw them brutally knocked to a 3-0 shambles. Following two recent victories against Banga (1-0 and Panevėžys, morale is hot for this fixture, which the loyal fans expect to turn their way. 

Hamrun’s league focus saw them sacrifice the Maltese Cup as an opportunity cost against Hibernians, in a 2-1 pitch encounter. Other than that, they have been unbeaten since March 31st ( eight league games)

Putting it bluntly, it is difficult to score against Hamrun and whereas complexities in the dynamics of both leagues differ, It is difficult to see three goals in this game. 

My strict bet is for Under 2.5 goals, irrespective of the odds.

• Bet: U2.5

Ludogorets vs Dinamo Minsk

For Round 1 of the qualifiers, Bulgarian side Ludogorets will clash horns with Belarus toppers Dinamo Minsk with both sides looking to gain advantage in the early embers of the draw. 

The piss-poor performances of Ludogorets in the Club Friendlies has not spurred confidence in the hearts of the fans. Since May, there has not been a recorded case of victory for The Eagles, who are still searching for their masterstroke. 

Dinamo Minsk on the other hand are wrapped in a juxtaposed mix of win-losses. Nothing too fancy, but they have recorded five wins, three losses and one stalemate in the last nine games. The hosts will with a clean sheet to claim a decisive victory, but it will come in the second half - preferably a late goal. My bet is a BTTS -NO, with big bias for the Bulgarians to triumph at home.

The marginal quality in the lineups makes this a lopsided match for me. 

• Bet: BTTS-NO

Shelbourne vs Linfield FC

Shelbourne plays against Linfield FC in the opening round of the UEFA Qualifiers. The two sides have been in a roller coaster ride in their distinct leagues and while the game remains open to either side, conviction remains for the two sides to maintain parity in this contest. Shelbourne’s home form has not been very reassuring, coupled with a streak of inconsistency in recent exhibitions, two wins, two losses and one stalemate .

The last three league games for Shelbourne produced one win and two stalemates for the side who managed to accrue three wins, four stalemates and two losses in the last nine league games - indicating that some work may be needed in the attack quarters.

In my opinion, A Home Win is the most probable outcome which should play out at full-time

• Bet: W1