Champions League Qualifying Predictions, Odds & Best Bets for August 4-5

We present our betting insights, predictions and best bets ahead of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first legs on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 4-5, 2026. This week’s selection highlights four intriguing matchups from across Europe, combining current form, important team news, tactical prospects and the betting picks we believe offer the strongest value.

For a full betting preview of Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia’s clash with Kairat Almaty, including predicted lineups, tactical breakdown and our best bets, be sure to check out our dedicated match preview.

Mjallby vs Slovan Bratislava

Swedish champions Mjallby have enjoyed one of the most remarkable rises in Scandinavian football, but their form has cooled considerably since lifting a historic first Allsvenskan title. Under the guidance of new head coach Karl Marius Aksum (Anders Torstensson became technical director following the title-winning campaign), Mjallby progressed comfortably past Lincoln Red Imps in the second qualifying round, yet that 3-0 aggregate success remains their only victory across the last nine competitive matches.

Slovan Bratislava travel to Sweden with a far more settled outlook. Led by legendary Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Touré, the Sky Blues opened the Slovak First Football League with back-to-back victories and remain unbeaten in competitive action this season after eliminating Georgian champions Iberia 1999 3-1 on aggregate.

Furthermore, continental experience also firmly favors the Slovaks. While Mjallby are navigating uncharted territory in what is their first-ever Champions League campaign, European pedigree firmly favors Slovan Bratislava. The Slovak champions have become familiar faces in UEFA competitions over the past decade, while Mjällby are only beginning to build their continental reputation.

Although Mjallby have generally looked more comfortable on home soil, Slovan’s composure in two-legged European ties makes the visitors difficult to oppose.

Mjallby vs Slovan Bratislava Best Bet: Slovan Bratislava or Draw (Double Chance) (-141 at EveryGame)

Hapoel Be’er Sheva vs Red Star Belgrade

Neutral Hungarian soil once again hosts Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s European campaign, but the venue arguably works in Red Star Belgrade’s favor as much as it does for the Israeli side. Rather than travelling to Israel, the Serbian champions face a considerably shorter trip to neighboring Hungary, where weather conditions are expected to be very similar to those in Belgrade after another week of intense summer heat across the region.

That logistical advantage, combined with Red Star’s outstanding start to the season, only strengthens our confidence in the 1991 European Cup winners. Dejan Stankovic’s side have already scored 17 goals while conceding just once across four competitive victories, including a dominant 9-0 aggregate success over Northern Ireland’s Larne in the second qualifying round.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva deserve enormous credit for overturning their tie against Víkingur Reykjavík, but Zvezda represents a substantial jump in quality. The Camels can bear the heat, for sure. However, with greater squad depth, considerably more European experience and no demanding trip to Israel awaiting them, Red Star appear well positioned to take a valuable first-leg advantage back to Belgrade.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva vs Red Star Belgrade Best Bet: Red Star Belgrade (-120 at EveryGame)

Sparta Prague vs Lyon

On paper, Lyon remain the bigger club and would most likely be clear favorites if the tie was played later in the season. However, early August presents a completely different picture.

The French side are entering a new cycle following a summer of significant changes both on and off the pitch. Several key players have departed, new arrivals are still adapting and the squad appears to be undergoing a broader rebuild that is unlikely to deliver immediate results. Their preparations have also raised questions after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Real Betis in their final pre-season friendly.

Further uncertainty surrounds Lyon playmaker Pavel Sulc. The Czech international has been heavily linked with a Premier League move in recent weeks, leaving his availability for this tie far from certain.

The Maroons have never beaten Lyon in six previous meetings, yet the timing of their Champions League qualifier arguably gives them their best opportunity to challenge the French side. Unlike Lyon, Sparta have already begun their domestic season and responded immediately to an opening-day defeat against Brno by defeating Zlín 3-1 on Friday. New striker Jonatan Braut Brunes wasted little time announcing himself, scoring on his league debut after arriving from Polish side Rakow, where he netted 30 Ekstraklasa goals over the previous two seasons.

Sparta Prague may have their best opportunity in years to produce a positive result against Lyon. The return leg in France will almost certainly be a different challenge, but with Lyon still searching for cohesion, Sparta Prague have every reason to believe they can seize the initiative in the Czech capital.

Sparta Prague vs Lyon Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-143 at EveryGame)

Sparta Prague vs Lyon Value Bet: Over 1.5 First Half Goals (+155 at EveryGame)

Aarhus vs Sabah

Few teams enter the third qualifying round carrying more momentum than Danish champions Aarhus, whose extraordinary comeback against Lech Poznań will be remembered for years to come. After trailing 4-1 in Poland, Jakob Poulsen’s side produced a remarkable turnaround before eventually progressing on penalties to keep their Champions League dream alive.

Their reward is a first-ever meeting with Azerbaijani champions Sabah, another club enjoying a historic European campaign after winning the domestic title for the first time under Valdas Dambrauskas. The Owls have already eliminated The New Saints and KuPS while conceding only once across four qualifying matches.

There are, however, a couple of factors worth considering. Aarhus will once again play away from their usual home, hosting this match at Cepheus Park in Randers as their own stadium does not meet UEFA requirements. Despite that inconvenience, the Danish champions have consistently found the net, with both teams scoring in six of their last seven competitive outings.

Sabah’s defensive record deserves respect, but their attacking threat, led by Veljko Simic, who has contributed three goals and one assist in four qualifiers, suggests they are capable of troubling the hosts as well.

Aarhus vs Sabah Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes (-133 at EveryGame)