Dinamo Zagreb vs. Auxerre: Maybe the most interesting match for us. The Croatian champion, who were eliminated by Arsenal in the CL, are facing the number six of the French Ligue 1 of last season. Dinamo could take revenge for OFK Beograd, who were kicked out by Auxerre in the previous UEFA Cup qualification round. Dinamo is at least one class stronger comparing with OFK, so things won’t be that easy for the French side this time. Dinamo will start with a home game which they are eager to win.
JS tip: Dinamo Zagreb will advance on away goals
Official website Auxerre
Slovan Liberec vs. Crvena zvezda Beograd: A fair draw for the Serbian champion who will start with an away match against the champion of the Czech Republic. Both teams started the European season at the Champions League where they were eliminated. Crvena zvezda lost twice against AC Milan, while Slovan Liberec didn’t make it against Spartak Moscow. Earlier on in August, both teams played a friendly pre-season match which was easily won (3:0) by the Serbian giant.
JS tip: Crvena zvezda Beograd will advance to the next round
Official website Slovan Liberec
Partizan Beograd vs. FC Groningen: The second Serbian team which participate in the UEFA Cup is FK Partizan. The 'Crno-Beli' defeated NK Domzale
from Slovenia in the 3rd qualification round in order to advance to the final tournament. Their Dutch opponent finished on the 5th place last season which gained them a place in the play offs in the Eredivisie. Groningen even managed to reach the final of the play offs where they lost with a minimal difference against Ajax. Almost a CL spot for the attacking minded Dutch side! Partizan must make the difference in their own stadium, because FC Groningen is almost unbeatable at home.
JS tip: FC Groningen will make it to the next round with a minor difference
Official website FC Groningen
FC Basel vs. Rabotnicki Skopje: The good run of the Macedonian champion in the CL was stopped in the 3rd qualification round by OSC Lille. Nevertheless, Rabotnicki definitely showed their potential during their six matches’ campaign in the CL qualification tournament. Their opponent FC Basel qualified themselves for the final UEFA Cup stages with a narrow away goal difference win against FC Vaduz from Liechtenstein. The last years’ Swiss runner up neither has a good start of the season in their dominestic league. FK Rabotnicki surely have a realistic chance to beat FC Basel. The final difference can be made in Macedonia as the first match will be played in Switzerland.
JS tip: Rabotnicki Skopje will advance to the next round
[uredio d]