Ajax v Lille

After winning the hearts of pretty much everybody, Ajax will be keen to repeat (or better) the exploits of last season – and I’m backing them to start their campaign with a flourish against Lille.

Erik ten Hag remains with the club, which is a huge boost, and I’m confident they’ll not let standards drop too much, as they’ve retained most of last season’s squad – with the obvious exceptions of Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong.

Lille have had a mixed start to their season—losing their opening two Ligue 1 away games against Amiens and Reims—and it’s a tall order to get anything from a savvy Ajax side on the road.

Ajax - 1pt @ 1/2

Benfica v RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig look ominously good this season, and I have them beating Benfica away from home.

The Portuguese side have already tasted defeat at home this campaign—a 2-0 loss to Porto—while Leipzig sit top of the Bundesliga.

A 3-1 away win at a good Borussia Monchengladbach outfit a couple of weeks ago is evidence of Leipzig’s prowess on the road, and I’m confident about their chances on Tuesday.

RB Leipzig - 1pt @ 17/10

Salzburg v Genk

Finally, I have RB Salzburg beating Genk.

Genk have struggled domestically this season, winning just one away game so far and losing to KV Mechelen, Zulte Waregem and Sporting Charleroi.

Salzburg have absolutely dominated proceedings domestically, and last season showed their prowess on the European stage, winning all six Europa League group matches against Celtic, Leipzig and Rosenborg, before eventually succumbing to Napoli in the knockouts.

This is home side’s to lose.

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Salzburg - 1pt @ 4/7