The International Break is over and club football returns with mouth-watering fixtures to feed their respective fans.
TOP ENGLAND DERBIES
The Premier League returns with the North London derby and a day later, the Manchester Derby.
Arsenal and Spurs are just one point apart on the table; Arsenal is on top of the table and Spurs 3rd. This fixture last season saw Arsenal produce a fine display and came on top 3-1 winners, but the last meeting between both teams saw Arteta side thrashed 3-0 at Spurs turf. There’s always a lot in-between these teams and the bragging rights are a must for each set of fans.
Arsenal have played arguably better than they have in recent times and there’s a lot of positivity, potential and also results to back this up. But their failure to beat Manchester United brought some gloom to whether they’re good enough to compete against the “Big Six”. They played better but couldn’t get the win, as well as some poor late tactical decisions, cost the team.
On the other hand, Spurs have never played convincingly in any of their games this season, but they’re yet to be beaten. They play a bit poorly sometimes and then spring up with a goal and inevitably the 3 points. They counter against sides that hold onto the ball, and Arsenal seemed to struggle with that against Manchester United.
Both teams would want to leave a statement as to which of the London teams is ready to give a major push for the Top 4 places and arguably contend for the title. This is no pushover of a game.
Manchester City and Manchester United is a more straightforward approach. The best in the land and their neighbours are still trying to find their proper fitting with their new gaffer. United will be hoping this doesn’t end up being a high-scoring game, but at the same time, they shouldn’t be ruled out walking out of the game with something. Odds are low against them, but it’s not impossible.
We also have Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea in what is Graham Potter’s first league game for Chelsea. He couldn’t get the win against Salzburg in his first game and he would desperately want one this weekend. Crystal Palace is not the easiest team to play against and it’s not going to be an easy trip for the new-look Chelsea side heading to Selhurst Park. An upset seems on the cards, but this Chelsea side has what it takes if the right strings are pulled on the pitch.
BAYERN TO BOUNCE BACK?
Bayern has been so out of form this season and it’s hard to find the clog at the moment. One thing certain though is Sadio Mane has hit full gear yet Bayern. Understandably, it’s a new league and a whole new experience, but it certainly doesn’t take away the press from bugging Nagelsmann from providing answers.
Brought in as a replacement for Lewandowski and it hasn’t gone to plan yet. They take on a young and inspired Bayer Leverkusen side and they’ll be looking to bounce back soon to get a firm grip on the league.
OTHER TOP GAMES
Inter Milan takes on Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma side and for sure it promises firecrackers. Familiar faces will be seen and it’s a matter of how each team will handle the pressure and get to the top 4 of the table. Roma sits 6th and Inter 7th with just one point apart. We sense red cards in this game 🙂
Real Madrid and Barcelona begin their October with games they should take advantage of. Barca has been hit with a couple of injuries during the international break but they have sufficient depth to handle the situation. Osasuna and Mallorca will drop points respectively.
PSG clash with Nice as a chance to extend their good run. Messi, Neymar and Mbappe will be looking to cause damage and add more goals to their tally. PSG’s new coach will be receiving his former team to the Parc des Princes after what has been a controversial exit.
