Five Must-See Football Matches 18/8-19/8

The English Premier League and Spanish La Liga resume this weekend bringing plenty of exciting action, as we get our first glance at newlook Manchester United, Valencia and Arsenal line-ups.

Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend Everton v Manchester United English Premier League, Monday 9pm (CET)

With Robin Van Persie set to complete the switch from Arsenal to Old Trafford and be available for Monday’s game, there’s plenty of anticipation about United’s season opener. The Red Devils, who famously drew 4-4 with Everton late last season, have also added Shinji Kagawa in the off-season and appear to have plenty of new goal threats. Travelling to Goodison Park is always a tricky fixture, with Nikica Jelavic now partnered by formers Rangers team-mate Steven Naismith.

Arsenal v Sunderland English Premier League, Saturday, 4pm (CET)

Arsene Wenger’s Gunners represent another new proposition with Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski all arriving during the summer to bolster their ranks. Van Persie is the big departure, while Alex Song could follow him, but Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are fit again in a major boost. Sunderland have improved alot since Martin O’Neill’s arrival and he’ll set them out to challenge the Gunners.

Newcastle v Tottenham English Premier League, Saturday 6.30pm (CET)

It’s funny to think the Magpies and Spurs finished fifth and fourth respectively last term, as they both enjoyed exceptional campaigns. It will be hard for Alan Pardew’s Newcastle to reach those lofty heights again, but with Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse up front, they’ll certainly try. Spurs are now led by Andre Villas-Boas who could field wantaway Luka Modric in this clash.

Real Madrid v Valencia Spanish La Liga, Sunday 7pm (CET)

The new Spanish campaign begins this Saturday but on Sunday there’s a genuine clash of two giants when champions Real play host to a newlook Valencia side which could feature ex-Madrid pair Sergio Canales and Fernando Gago. Los Che finished way behind the top two in third last season, but were clearly the best of the rest. They have boosted their squad in the summer and Jose Mourinho will need to do his homework. Real haven’t made any significant changes, but have retained the core of their strong title-winning squad with interest remaining in Luka Modric.

Ajaccio v Paris Saint-Germain French Ligue 1, Sunday 9pm (CET)

Big-spending PSG begun the French season with a rather disappointing 2-2 home draw with Lorient last weekend, although they came from two goals down and had glamour new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic score twice. That’s the good news and away to newly-promoted Ajaccio this Sunday, they are expected to earn their first three points of the campaign. Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marco Verratti will be ready to fire too.