CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BETTING TIPS FOR TUESDAY AUGUST 25

The 2nd leg of the Champions League qualifying fixtures kicks off today at 7:45 pm and while some of the outcomes are more or less determined already, there are several that remain totally up for grabs. It can be quite difficult to bet on some of these matches, especially the ones with the predetermined result because you can usually expect more reserve players and tactics meant to avoid risk-taking as opposed to running up a scoreline. Additionally, a team with a reasonable margin to chase (2 goals or less) will generally push late into the game and begin conceding goals. Anderlecht vs LyonOlympique Lyon absolutely pounded Anderlecht in the first leg with a 5-1 margin. You'll find Lyon listed as the favourites again with a 7/5 price against Anderlechts 9/5. The draw pays 9/4 and I'm inclined to favour the draw in this one as Lyon effectively have this wrapped up, barring some type of total disaster. Atletico Madrid vs PanathinaikosThis one is completely wide open with Atletico Madrid holding a distinct advantage. They won 3-2 and boast three vital away goals. I think Madrid have Panathinaikos outclassed here, but if the Greek side open up well in the first 15 minutes and manage to get on the scoresheet, I think this one could go either way. It could be one for the in-play punters, but I'll favour Madrid who are listed at 2/5 against Panathinaikos' 7/1. The draw is 7/2.Debrecen vs Levski SofiaThe Turkish side Debrecen carry a 2-1 advantage into their match against Levski Sofia. Those two goals are also away goals, for the record. Qualification looks solid for Debrecen who will enjoy the support of their vocal home crowd. I can't back Sofia here and I'm actually favouring something like a 1-1 draw. The draw pays out at 11/5 with Debrecen at 6/4 and Levski Sofia well-priced at 17/10. Zurich vs VentspilsZurich more or less have this one in the bag and their 1/4 listing doesn't lie. They put together a very solid away performance and I can't see Ventspils taking this one, much less qualifying. Ventspils is the long-shot of the day with a 9/1 price. The draw is 9/2. Maccabi Haifa vs SalzburgMaccabi Haifa are the favourites to win the match and the favourites to secure qualification with a 2-1 result in Salzburg. The Israeli's are listed at 6/4 with the draw paying out at an enticing 23/10. Red Bull Salzburg are 21/10 and I actually fancy them to win this one. I think they've got more to play for and I think they got a bit unlucky in the previous leg. My accumulator tip: Salzburg x Zurich x Draw x Atletico Madrid x Lyon @ 41.66