This weekend there’s a host of top-of-the-table clashes around Europe with a juggernaut showdown in England providing the arguable headline act, while there’s plenty on the line for Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.
Saturday 1:30pm European time - English Premier League
Early Premier League pace setters Everton have lost their past two matches and collected only one point from their past three, so this is a critical match to get their bright start back on track. On the flipside, Manchester United have struggled in the league, managing only seven points from six games to sit three spots above the drop zone in 15th. Both sides welcome back key players from suspension in Lucas Digne and Anthony Martial, but James Rodriguez missed Everton’s last start and is a doubt. Everton’s Richarlison is serving the final game of his three-game ban too.
Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich
Saturday 6:30pm European time - German Bundesliga
It’s a top-of-the-table Der Klassiker in the German Bundesliga on Saturday night, with second-placed Borussia Dortmund hosting the irrepressible leaders Bayern Munich. Both sides have started the season with five wins and one loss, while Dortmund have been exceptional defensively, only conceding twice, while Bayern have been unstoppable in attack, netting 24 goals in six games (that’s four per game!). This will be a clash of styles and of quality. Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski are both in top form. Dortmund have a poor recent record against the Bavarians, winning only three of their past 14 league encounters and copping some big defeats.
Paris Saint Germain v Stade Rennais
Saturday 9pm European time - French Ligue 1
Ligue 1 champions and current leaders Paris Saint Germain play host to one of their major challengers on Saturday night, with third-placed Stade Rennais heading to the capital enjoying another strong start to the season. In saying that, Rennes have won just one of their past six matches in all competitions, going down 3-0 in midweek to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. They may be missing keeper Edouard Mendy who left for the Blues in late September. Rennes are no flash in the pan, finishing third in 2019-20. PSG have been having a tough time in Europe, losing in midweek to Leipzig, so they’ll see this as some form of salvation. Neymar and Kylian Mbappe may both miss with injury too.
Sunday 3pm European time - Italian Serie A
Atalanta and Inter Milan finished third and second respectively last season, going on a long battle to be runners-up to Juventus in the latter stage of the Serie A campaign. It’s early to say but this season’s Scudetto feels more open, with Juve copping a few draws while AC Milan have jumped out of the blocks. All the while, Atalanta are fourth and Inter are sixth, both in the mix but yet to convince. With that in mind, Sunday’s meeting is a huge stage for either to put their case forward. Atalanta’s free-flowing attacking style has won plenty of plaudits, already netting 17 goals this term but conceding 13. Inter have scored 15, led by Romelu Lukaku, but also conceded 10, so we can expect goals.
Sunday 5:30pm European time - English Premier League
There’s a heavyweight showdown on Sunday evening in England’s top flight with last season’s runners-up Manchester City hosting last season’s champions Liverpool. The two sides have won the past two Premier League titles too. City are currently 10th having had a shaky start, by their standards, while the Reds are top but have conceded an alarming 15 goals, only worsened by struggling West Brom. City have welcomed back Gabriel Jesus to fitness, scoring in midweek, while this game will likely come too soon for Fabinho, impacting Liverpool’s already depleted backline.
