Champions League Playoff Round Day 1

Games commence in around 10 minutes. As in the previous rounds, the round is composed of aggregate series. Today's games and some interesting things to note.

Olimpiakos (Greece) at Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova). Last year in domestic competition, Olimpiakos won 9 away games, drew 5, and lost 2, for a total goal differential of 11 (17 goals scored, 6 conceded). By comparison Olimpiakos' home record was 13 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss with 33 goals scored and 8 conceded, for a goal differential of 25. Sheriff's home record last season in domestic competitions was 13 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss with a goal differential of 24. No doubt Olimpiakos is the bettter club, but Sheriff have managed some upsets, so Olimpiakos shouldn't get overconfident. Sheriff have need to do well at home considering Olimpiakos' home record. Sheriff in theory have the advantage at home, but I'd predict Olimpiakos win today by 1 or 2 goals (soccer is hard to predict, so more specific predictions will not be made; and don't be surprised if I'm wrong).

The biggest matchup is Arsenal (England) at Celtic (Scotland). Last year Arsenal's away record was 9 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses; they scored 37 goals and conceded 21. Their home record was almost identical in terms of goal differential (15 at home, and 16 away), but at home they managed 11 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses. Celtic's home record last season was 14 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss; they scored 48 goals, and conceded 13. Their road record was 10 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses; they scored 32 road goals and conceded 20. Injuries could be very important in this first match, especially for Arsenal. Arsenal for sure will not have Djouru, Nasri, Rosicky, or Walcott, and could be missing at least one of Fabregas, Sagna, and Denilson. Celtic have the advantage for this game, due to their incredible home record. However, Arsenal did open their Premier League season with a 6-1 away thrashing of Everton. I expect this will be a close game. Prediction: a draw or decided by 1 goal in either side's favor, though more likely that Celtic will get the win.

I would do more predictions, but games have started by now. I will write reaction to games afterwards, and some posts on the early stages of domestic leagues in Europe and some political posts shall follow as well.