Teams Vying for the Coveted Spot In The Group Stages: Accumulator Tip for August 21

This Wednesday, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League brace our screens as teams vie for a coveted spot in the group stages of their respective competitions. We have hand-picked the best three matches to craft an accumulator bet and help you win big.

Vitoria Guimaraes vs. HŠK Zrinjski Mostar

Vitoria Guimaraes have had a positive start to the Primeira Liga campaign, where they are currently challenging for the top spot alongside the likes of defending champions Sporting CP and FC Porto. So far, they've yet to drop a point, securing two consecutive wins to occupy fifth place in the standings. However, their motivation stretches beyond a two-match winning run as they approach this match, boasting a six-match winning streak across all competitive matches. During this run, Rui Borges' side has yet to concede a goal, outscoring their opponents 12-0.

Aware of the daunting task that lies ahead of them, Zrinjski will be hopeful about their slim chances of success in this one with the odds stacked against them. They secured their spot in the UECL play-offs by defeating Botev Plovdiv 3-2 on aggregate in the third qualifying round. Mario Ivanković's charges have won three of their last five competitive matches, and they head into this match boasting a two-match winning streak. 

Vitoria Guimaraes wants to get into the regular phase of this competition; however, to do that, they must first go past a Zrinjski side that is currently on a two-match winning streak across all competitions. Bookmakers have the home side as favorites owing to their impressive performance leading up to this match, and we anticipate supporting them in the half-time market to secure an early triumph.

• Bet Type: HT (W1)

Malmo FF vs. Sparta Prague

After 19 rounds, Malmo FF are the current leaders in the Allsvenskan league and are favorites to clinch the league title for the second consecutive time. The Blue Ones are making their fifth appearance in the UCL qualifiers, having secured this spot at the expense of Greek opposition PAOK, whom they defeated 6-5 on aggregate in the third qualifying round.

In the past two seasons, Sparta Prague has dominated proceedings in the Czech First League by clinching two consecutive league titles, which could be seen as fitting compensation for going nine years without a league title. The current season has seen them claim maximum points from their last five matches to occupy the top spot while maintaining a two-point cushion over their fierce rivals, Slavia Prague and Viktoria Plzen.

Sparta Prague has not been successful in the UEFA Champions League, especially when it comes to securing their spot in the group stages of this competition, something they have failed to achieve since 2005–06. However, they come into this match hoping to turn the tide around and secure a first-leg advantage, not to mention they have avoided defeat in their last three away matches in the UCL (W2, D1). Malmo FF have been impressive, although their backline has not been convincing in the last ten competitive matches, preserving only one clean sheet, and this could see their opponents get on the scoreboard. 

• Bet Type: BTTS

Young Boys vs. Galatasaray

The Swiss champions approach this match in search of redemption after enduring a poor start to the Super League campaign, which has seen them without a win in their last five matches, recording three losses and two draws. Their latest league match was a 2-2 draw against Yverdon away from home, although they did manage to reignite their confidence with a 10-0 thrashing of FC Printse-Nendaz in the first round of the Swiss Cup.

Despite a disastrous showing in the Turkish Super Cup against Besiktas in their first competitive match of 2024–25, Galatasaray have since buried the hatchet owing to their impressive showing in the Turkish Super Lig campaign, where their title defense has gotten off to a positive note. They have won two consecutive matches, currently occupy second place in the Turkish Super Lig standings, and will likely want to build on this momentum.

Young Boys head into this match seeking to replicate their 10-0 win over FC Printse-Nendaz in the Swiss Cup. However, considering their form at the moment, that could turn out to be an arduous task. Galatasaray has been impressive in the league. However, Okan Buruk's charges won't take motivation from that, as they will want to dig deeper into their European record against Swiss oppositions, which has seen them suffer just four defeats in 17 meetings (W11, D2) to secure a favorable outcome here. Despite being in poor form, Young Boys have been quite sharp in the final third, scoring in five of their last six competitive matches, and we expect them to get on the scoreboard against a side that has conceded a goal in eight of their last nine away matches in the UCL.

• Bet Type: BTTS