Both teams are coming off defeats. The hosts are winless in their last four official and friendly games. Two of the last five head-to-head meetings between the two sides on this ground have ended in draws.

Laval defeated Nantes 2-1 in the previous round, while Metz only drew 0-0 with Grenoble. Metz won 3-2 in their most recent league meeting with Laval. I'm expecting the away team to get their revenge.

Valencia recorded mixed results in the preseason. Celta Vigo are unbeaten in their last seven official and friendly games. Celta Vigo were among the teams with the most draws last season.

Marítimo secured two narrow wins in the first two rounds. They are unbeaten in their last six official and friendly games. Académico de Viseu drew 2-2 in their most recent away league game against Benfica B.

Aluminij defeated Radomlje 3-1 in the previous round, with all four goals scored in the first half. The last league game between Aluminij and Grosuplje produced six goals, with three goals scored in each half.

FC Minsk have recorded five wins and one loss in their last six competitive games. One of those victories ended 4-3.

Al Ittihad have recorded one win and one draw in the last two rounds. Zamalek have suffered two losses in their last five consecutive games. The two teams split the wins in their last two encounters, but Al Ittihad won more convincingly.

Sporting Cristal have won twice and drawn once in their last three league games. They scored four goals in the previous round. They defeated Alianza 3-1 in their last encounter.

The odds are evenly balanced for the first leg, so I do not expect either team to dominate. OFI Crete's most recent match ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Both teams secured narrow wins in the previous round, but both sides suffered defeats in the opening round. I'll go with a draw.