Some of Europe's top teams will battle it out tonight for a place amongst the continent's elite. At stake is pride of their countries - but also a huge amount of Champions League revenue.

Dynamo Kiev look far too strong for European minnows FC Sarajevo. I was surprised to see the Bosnian team get through the last round where they defeated Belgian league runners-up FC Genk. Kiev have already won the away leg 1-0 and Ukrainian teams are usually so dominant on their home turf that I would be surprised if we don't see a 3-0 or 4-0 scoreline. Kiev have much more flair and will reach the group stages where they could cause the odd shock.

Ajax lost at home to Slavia Prague in the first leg and have it all to do when they visit the Czech league's runners-up. However, I feel the Dutch giants have the power to dominate this game and international striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar will be a powerhouse up front alongside Luis Suarez. Ajax have scored 12 goals in two league matches this year and this promises to be an exciting game against the more defensive Prague team. Ajax to qualify - but only just.

'Spartak are in very good form in the Russian league - however, they were defeated 3-1 away from home by Rubin at the weekend, whereas Celtic had a confidence-building 5-0 victory over Hearts'


Portuguese giants Benfica have their work cut out against Danish champions Copenhagen.  So dominant at home, Benfica struggled in the first leg, maybe due to the Danish league starting earlier than the Portuguese and therefore the players are more match fit. However, Nuno Gomes and the rest of Benfica expect big things this season and a defeat in the away leg tonight would be disastrous. I predict a draw with Benfica scraping through due to that first-leg win.

Celtic against  Spartak Moscow is a very interesting match-up. Spartak are in very good form in the Russian league - however, they were defeated 3-1 away from home by Rubin at the weekend, whereas Celtic had a confidence-building 5-0 victory over Hearts. I think Shunsuke Nakamura will be the key player at Parkhead and I think the game will be very open with lots of goals. If Pavylushenko is on form for the Russians then anything can happen. I will go for a high-scoring game with Celtic just coming out on top. I hope!

Valencia had a comfortable 3-0 win over Swedish champions Elsborg two weeks ago but they were humiliated 3-0 by local rivals Villarreal in the opening game of La Liga on Sunday - and had their star striker David villa sent off as well. But I see the Spanish side winning again tonight by 3-0 or 4-0.

Arsenal, having won the away leg against Sparta Prague 2-0, should have no problems when the Czech champions arrive at the Emirates Stadium.  Robin van Persie and Co are unbeaten in the Premier League and should have too much fire power upfront and too strong a strong defence for Sparta. Arsenal to win 2-0 at the very least to join Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool in the group stages.

Norway's Rosenberg will take a 3-0 lead into their home match with Scandinavian rivals Tampere of Finland. The experience in Champions League football showed in the first leg with Stefan iversen and Nigerian Kone taking the Finns apart.  Although Rosenberg are having a moderate league season at home and are only in fifth position, I think they could cause a surprise in the group stages with all the pressure off them this year.

FC Zurich and Besiktas battle it out for another group stage spot. Zurich have a good home record in the Swiss league but could only manage a last-minute draw with the Turks two weeks ago. Besiktas have made a great start in the Turkish league with three wins from three and  should use their home advantage to win narrowly. Bobo, Nobre and Brazilian hitman Richardinho will dominate play and Istanbul will be celebrating this evening. Besiktas look certain to join Fenerbahce in the group stages.

Home territory should be enough for Shakter Donetsk to overturn a 1-0 deficit to Red Bull Salzburg. Although the Austrians have developed a strong team over the last few years, financed by Red Bull, I think the weather in the Ukraine and the experience of Shakter will prevail in the early evening.

Steaua Bucharest will have no problems in defeating BATE Borisov of Belarus to save Romanian pride after Dinamo's defeat to Lazio last night. And Werder Bremen should make it a trio of German sides in the group stages with qualification over Dinamo Zagreb. I predict a draw in Croatia tonight. 

Lastly, Belgian champions Anderlecht take on Fenerbahce this evening needing to overcome a 1-0 loss in Istanbul a fortnight ago. Although Anderlecht have the strikers to score goals against any team, they concede too many  and Roberto Carlos and company can take advantage of this. I feel a draw will be the result with the Turks going through on aggregate.