Champions League Predictions Today: Best Picks for Tuesday, August 18, 2026

August 18, 2026 — The UEFA Champions League returns today with the first legs of the 2026/27 play-off round, as six clubs battle for an advantage in their quest to reach the league phase.

According to UEFA's official fixture schedule, today's matches include Fenerbahçe vs Lyon, Levski Sofia vs AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking FK.

Here are my predictions and the key factors behind each pick.

Fenerbahçe vs Lyon

Prediction: Fenerbahçe Win or Draw (1X)

Main pick: Fenerbahçe to win

Correct-score prediction: 2-1

Estimated probabilities: Fenerbahçe 45% | Draw 29% | Lyon 26%

This is arguably the most attractive fixture of the night.

Fenerbahçe have assembled a squad containing several high-profile names, including Mason Greenwood, Nathan Aké, Ederson, N'Golo Kanté and Marco Asensio. Romelu Lukaku is also part of the squad, although reports suggest he could miss the first leg through injury.

The Turkish side should also benefit significantly from home advantage in Istanbul.

Lyon, meanwhile, are trying to return to the Champions League after several seasons away from Europe's top competition. The French club will know that avoiding defeat in Turkey would put them in a strong position before the return leg.

Best betting angle: Fenerbahçe Draw No Bet

Riskier pick: Fenerbahçe to win

Levski Sofia vs AEK Athens

Prediction: Levski Sofia Win or Draw (1X)

Main pick: Levski Sofia Draw No Bet

Correct-score prediction: 1-0

Estimated probabilities: Levski 42% | Draw 31% | AEK 27%

Levski Sofia have already navigated several qualifying rounds and now face one of their biggest challenges against Greek champions AEK Athens.

Their home form is one of the reasons to give the Bulgarian side the advantage. Recent qualifying performances have demonstrated that Levski can be difficult to break down in front of their supporters.

AEK will provide a serious test, but their lack of competitive rhythm compared with Levski could be important.

TalkSPORT's betting preview also selected Levski Sofia Draw No Bet as its best bet for Tuesday's Champions League qualifying action.

Best betting angle: Levski Sofia Draw No Bet

Safer alternative: Under 3.5 goals

Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking FK

Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb Win

Main pick: Dinamo Zagreb to win

Correct-score prediction: 2-1

Estimated probabilities: Dinamo Zagreb 55% | Draw 24% | Viking 21%

Dinamo Zagreb have a major advantage going into this first leg because of their home record and European experience.

The Croatian giants should be expected to control possession and create the majority of the opportunities at Maksimir Stadium.

Viking are capable of causing problems, particularly on the counterattack, so this may not be a straightforward victory. Dinamo's defensive concentration will be important.

The match is also one of the three Champions League qualifiers highlighted by talkSPORT's betting analysts, who expect Dinamo's home advantage to play a major role.

Best betting angle: Dinamo Zagreb to win

Safer alternative: Dinamo Zagreb Draw No Bet

My Strongest 3 Picks Today

Match Prediction Confidence

Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking Dinamo Zagreb Win 72%

Levski Sofia vs AEK Athens Levski Sofia DNB 70%

Fenerbahçe vs Lyon Fenerbahçe DNB 68%

Best Conservative Combination

Dinamo Zagreb — Draw No Bet

Levski Sofia — Draw No Bet

Fenerbahçe — Draw No Bet

For anyone looking for a more aggressive three-leg selection:

Dinamo Zagreb Win + Levski Sofia Win + Fenerbahçe Win

However, the latter carries considerably more risk because all three teams must win.

Final Verdict

Today's Champions League qualifying fixtures should produce closely contested games because these are first-leg play-off matches, meaning neither side needs to take excessive risks early in the tie.

My strongest outright prediction is Dinamo Zagreb to beat Viking, while Fenerbahçe vs Lyon looks like the most difficult match to call.

Today's Top Predictions

🥇 Dinamo Zagreb to win — 72% confidence

🥈 Levski Sofia Draw No Bet — 70% confidence

🥉 Fenerbahçe Draw No Bet — 68% confidence

Predicted scores:

Fenerbahçe 2-1 Lyon

Levski Sofia 1-0 AEK Athens

Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 Viking

These are analytical predictions, not guaranteed results. Football outcomes are unpredictable, so bet responsibly and only stake money you can afford to lose.