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“The Blues looked shaky at times at Stamford Bridge – they registered fewer shots, shots on target and corners than their visitors – but used their huge squad well and showed more than enough in their 6-2 rout of Wolves on Sunday to suggest they will be playing their part in the group stage next month,” said a football betting journalist.

“Hearts, however, may not be so lucky in the Europa League. A heartbreaking own goal from Daniel Oyegoke in the 96th minute means they have a one-goal deficit to overcome against Viktoria Plzen and breaking down the Czech side could prove difficult based on the Jambos’ first-leg showing in which they managed just two shots on target,” continued the journalist.

“Larne are 2-1 down in their Conference League tie with Lincoln Red Imps while Kilmarnock have an even bigger mountain to climb as they lost 2-0 to Danish giants Copenhagen in their first leg last Thursday,” the journalist added.

“One British side who have practically booked their place in the group stage, however, are The New Saints, who are on the brink of making it through the qualifying rounds for a European competition for the first time,” noted the journalist.

“TNS convincingly won their first leg against Panevezys 3-0 and will be confident of achieving an equally dominant victory at home,” the journalist explained.

“The Welsh champions were deserved winners in Lithuania, restricting their hosts to only eight shots, none of which were on target, and backed by a big crowd, they should dominate from start to finish at Park Hall,” continued the journalist.

“Craig Harrison’s men are unbeaten in their previous five Conference League home matches and should have far too much for a Panevezys side who have won only one of their last 13 games,” added the journalist.

“It seems likely TNS will be joined in the group stage by Norwegian outfit Brann, who were utterly dominant when winning the first leg of their playoff 2-0 and should have no issues in seeing off Astana,” said the journalist.

“A 2-0 scoreline was flattering for Astana, who managed only six shots to their hosts’ 21. The side from Kazakhstan may fare slightly better at home, but a humiliating second-half showing in the first leg suggests even some support from the crowd will not be enough to stop their visitors,” concluded the journalist.