B/R Experts' Big-Game Predictions, August 15-17

European football is back in the spotlight, with places in the Champions League and Europa League up for grabs.

Liverpool travel to Germany to face TSG Hoffenheim, while AC Milan and Napoli have first legs on home soil.

If that's not enough, we also have the second Clasico of the week, as Real Madrid host Barcelona in the return leg of the Spanish Super Cup.

Read on for our experts' views on the games.

Hoffenheim vs. Liverpool

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Dean Jones says

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp heads back to Germany for a tricky test on Tuesday. This is probably the toughest draw the Reds could have got in the Champions League play-off round.

Hoffenheim are managed by Julian Nagelsmann, who is considered one of the most forward-thinking coaches in the game. The 30-year-old has had the Bundesliga side punching above their weight, and they will make life hard for Liverpool.

It was clear from the first game of the Premier League season that Liverpool have defensive frailties, and we should expect Hoffenheim to find the net.

Of the men who have travelled, Klopp cannot afford to rest too many star names—if any. Roberto Firmino joined the Reds from Hoffenheim two years ago and will surely get an outing, even if Klopp decides not to play him from the start.

Prediction: 2-2

First goalscorer: Sadio Mane

Istanbul Basaksehir vs. Sevilla

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Karl Matchett says

Istanbul Basaksehir might not be a familiar name for too many fans around Europe, but their players will be: Gael Clichy, Aurelien Chedjou, Emmanuel Adebayor and Eljero Elia, among others.

Together with a clutch of experienced Turkish players such as Mevlut Erdinc and Emre Belozoglu, an interesting side has been put together—but they don't have the experience of Sevilla in European competition.

There's so much at stake that the composure and knowledge the Spanish side have gained over the last five years on big European nights might have a big part to play, especially if the tie is not over after 90 minutes.

Prediction: 1-1

First goalscorer: Nolito

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

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Karl Matchett says

Real Madrid, as expected, were comfortably better than Barcelona as a team unit in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup—though a two-goal lead is a surprise.

The scoreline highlights just how much work Barca still have to get through before the transfer window shuts if they want to catch their archrivals, otherwise Real will be looking at a lot more domestic silverware come May.

For now, Madrid will be happy to reassert their dominance in Spain by doing the double over Barca in each leg of the Super Cup, and a home victory will be assured if they play with the same clinical edge as they did at the Camp Nou.

Prediction: 2-1 (5-2 agg)

First goalscorer: Sergio Ramos

Napoli vs. Nice

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Adam Digby says

Napoli and Nice will go head-to-head on Wednesday, with both sides looking to end long waits for a place in the Champions League group stage.

The French side have never qualified for the group stage, while their hosts are seeking to end the abysmal record of Serie A teams in the play-off round; AC Milan (2013) are the only club to progress in the last eight years.

However, the Partenopei have prepared long and hard for this clash, beginning pre-season training early and retaining every important player in Maurizio Sarri's squad. That will allow the coach to maintain his possession-based system and 4-3-3 formation, while the French side will be buoyant following their victory over Ajax in the previous round.

Whatever the overall outcome of this tie, it is worth noting that Napoli have lost just two of their previous 21 European fixtures at the Stadio San Paolo.

Prediction: 2-1

First goalscorer: Marek Hamsik

Panathinaikos vs. Athletic Club Bilbao

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Karl Matchett says

Athletic Club have plenty to sort out amid worries over whether this is going to be a season of regression, but they shouldn't have too much of a problem seeing off Panathinaikos over two legs in the Europa League play-off round.

Away from home on Thursday, it will probably be a slog for the La Liga side, as they try to stay compact and strike on the counter with Inaki Williams and perhaps Markel Susaeta as outlets. But even if they don't score in the first leg, there's no reason to panic.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is a tremendous last line of defence for Athletic Club and could make a real claim to be Spain's No. 3 goalkeeper this season.

Prediction: 0-0

AC Milan vs. Shkendija

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Adam Digby says

Having splashed the cash this summer, AC Milan will be looking to make a statement when they take on Macedonian side Shkendija in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Rossoneri will be further boosted by the availability of Leonardo Bonucci, with the defender set to be a key figure in coach Vincenzo Montella's plans after his contentious move from Juventus this summer.

The presence of the Italy international will allow the Milan boss to play a three-man defence should he choose to do so, which represents a tactical versatility the San Siro giants have lacked for some time.

Milan are perhaps still missing a striker, but it will be Andre Silva and former Liverpool man Suso who are expected to grab the goals this week, while Giacomo Bonaventura remains a constant threat.

Prediction: 3-0

First goalscorer: Giacomo Bonaventura

Everton vs. Hajduk Split

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Dean Jones says

Everton are off to a winning start in the Premier League, and confidence will really be flowing if they can win against their Croatian opposition in this Europa League play-off.

The new-look Toffees seem most dangerous in a 4-3-3 formation, but manager Ronald Koeman is likely to tinker with the lineup slightly from the one that beat Stoke City 1-0 on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney, however, will be desperate to get out there again. He joined Everton for a new lease of life and seems to be enjoying every minute of his return. Only Morgan Schneiderlin covered more ground than the 31-year-old at the weekend—so there is life in the old boy yet, as his brilliant header to win the season-openet proved.

Hajduk Split have been scoring their goals from close range or one-on-ones, but Everton should have enough nous in their back line to keep them out.

Prediction: 2-0

First goalscorer: Kevin Mirallas