Bursaspor v Trabzonspor Turkish Super Cup’‘Saturday’’
For the first time since 1981, none of the big three will be involved in the Turkish Super Lig’s precursor the Super Cup. Instead, it’ll be surprise 2009/2010 league champions Bursaspor against Kupasi winners Trabzonspor.
Bursaspor have managed to retain most of the quality which led them to the Super Lig title last term including boss Ertuğrul Sağlam, whilst bolstering their squad with Fenerbahce’s Brazilian defender Gokcek Vederson and Argentina international midfielder Federico Insua.
For Trabzonspor, who finished the Super Lig in fifth last term, have had to let go several players including skipper Rigobert Song and shot-stopper Tony Sylva, but they’ve hold onto key men like Gustavo Colman and Umut Bulut.
Benfica v FC Porto Portuguese Super Cup’‘Saturday’’
Portugal’s Liga Sagres is a week ago, so to usher in the new campaign is the annual Super Cup contested between league champions Benfica and cup winners FC Porto. The Lisbon outfit broke Porto’s run of four titles in a row to claim their first league championship since 2005 last term, while Os Dragoes finished down in third.
Since last term, though, Benfica have lost Argentina international Angel Di Maria (who lead the Liga assists charts last season) in a big-money deal to Real Madrid, along with Ramires who has headed for Chelsea. But young World Cup star Fabio Coentrao remains in Lisbon, along with attacking talent such as Oscar Cardozo and Pablo Aimar, plus they’ve added Nicolas Gaitan from Boca Juniors.
For Porto, their off-season saw club stalwart Bruno Alves depart for Russia to join Zenit St Petersburg in a major deal and replacing him in defence won’t be easy. They have added Portugal international midfielder Joao Moutinho from Sporting Lisbon, but the challenge is there for Porto to get back to the top of the Portuguese game. Benfica appear stronger again this term.
FC Groningen v Ajax Amsterdam Dutch Eredivisie’‘Sunday’’
It’s the opening weekend of the Dutch Eredivisie new campaign with the arguable title favourites Ajax Amsterdam travelling to FC Groningen in Sunday’s big game.
What makes the game all the more exciting is the fact several Ajax stars had excellent World Cups, including Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and Dutch pair Maarten Stekelenburg and Gregory van der Wiel. As well, Martin Jol resisted Fulham’s lures and will coach Ajax into the new season.
Groningen, who finished last term in eighth, will be tricky, but Ajax scored 106 goals last season and bolstered their stocks with striker Mounir El Hamdaoui. Ajax, though, have had some unconvincing form recently in Europe, but should win well here.
Montpellier v Bordeaux French Ligue 1’‘Sunday’’
Montpellier surprised everyone by finishing fifth last term and the 2008/2009 champions Bordeaux were relegated down to sixth as a result. Without a European campaign to worry about, you fancy Girondins will be keen to focus on Ligue 1 beginning Sunday.
Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc has, of course, moved on to join the French national team, so Jean Tigana takes the reins. On the playing side the only major addition was Serbian defender Vujadin Savic. But with the French title race appearing wide open, they’ll be focused with star Yoann Gourcuff leading the way.
For Montpellier, it’ll be hard to repeat last season’s success, but impressive boss Rene Girard remains at the helm to lead them ahead. They’ve lost some stars, but gained Turkish striker Hasan Kabze from Russia and will be typically plucky.
Chelsea v Manchester United English Community Shield’‘Sunday’’
England’s Premier League is almost upon us again, so the usual precursor is set to take place this Sunday at Wembley Stadium when double winners Chelsea host runners-up Manchester United.
The Blues have allowed midfielders Michael Ballack and Joe Cole to move on, but they’ve added livewire Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool. A lot of their squad had disappointing World Cup campaigns too and will be keen to put that behind them.
For Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson will be plotting an assault on the title after surrendering it last term. There’s been no major changes for the Red Devils, so the Community Shield should provide some insight into the gaffer’s plans.