There’s a blockbusters galore in the top European leagues this weekend, headlined by El Clasico, Le Classique and Derby della Mole along with a clash with Liverpool and Manchester City.
Saturday 6pm European time - Italian Serie A
The first Derby della Mole of the season comes with intense pressure on Juventus as well as head coach Massimiliano Allegri. Juventus lost to Maccabi Haifa in midweek, while they are down in eighth in Serie A. Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli publicly backed Allegri after the midweek defeat. Torino are only two spots behind the Bianconeri on the table in 10th, but they are winless in four games.
Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid
Saturday 9pm European time - Spanish La Liga
El Clasico takes centre stage in Spain this weekend but there’s also a clash between third and fourth on Saturday. Bilbao have started the season well, claiming 17 points from their past eight games to sit third, while Atletico are one point behind Los Leones. Both sides will hope to remain in top-four contention to qualify for the Champions League where Bilbao haven’t been since 2014-15.
Sunday 4:15pm European time - Spanish La Liga
Spanish champions Real host La Liga leaders Barcelona in an appetizing Clasico on Sunday afternoon. Real and Barca are both locked on 22 points from eight league games this term, with the Blaugrana only conceding one goal all campaign. But Barca have had their issues in Europe, facing a premature UEFA Champions League exit after their 3-3 draw with Inter Milan adding some tumult. More subtext is Barca’s 4-0 Clasico win at Real last term.
Sunday 5:30pm European time - English Premier League
Last season’s Premier League top two do battle on Sunday, although the circumstances this term are very different with Liverpool struggling down in 10th with 10 points from eight games. Meanwhile, City are flying with 23 points from nine games with new signing Erling Haaland banging in 15 goals already. But Liverpool’s 7-1 midweek win over Rangers, that included a record Mohamed Salah hat-trick offers hope.
Paris Saint-Germain v Olympique Marseille
Sunday 8:45pm European time - French Ligue 1
Traditional French rivals PSG and OM headline the Ligue 1 action on Sunday evening. Only three points separate the two clubs after 10 games this term, with Marseille impressing so far. PSG have 26 points from a possible 30, but OM have 23 points to sit third. PSG’s firepower is plain to see with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. OM have been tight at the back while Alexis Sanchez offers attacking quality. Marseille have only once in the past 25 encounters with PSG.
