The German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A commence this weekend, while there’s plenty more action from Europe with Liverpool, PSG and Chelsea facing big matches.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend Liverpool v Manchester City English Premier League, Sunday 5pm (CET)
The Reds had an awful start to the season under new boss Brendan Rodgers, going down 3-0 to West Bromwich and they’ll be looking to bounce back instantly, although a home game against the champions is hardly ideal. City begun the campaign with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over newly-promoted Southampton but lost Sergio Aguero to injury in the game, however they’ve no shortage of options despite his absence. If Liverpool, the pressure will mount on Rodgers already.
Borussia Dortmund v Werder Bremen German Bundesliga, Friday, 8.30pm (CET)
The new Bundesliga season begins on Friday with champions Dortmund playing host to traditional title contenders Werder Bremen who have had many squad changes in the off-season, losing Marko Marin, Naldo, Tim Wiese and Claudio Pizarro but adding Eljero Elia, Kevin de Bruyne, Nils Petersen and Theodor Gabre Selassie. Dortmund, meanwhile, have lost Shinji Kagawa but bolstered with German talent Marco Reus. It promises to be a great start to the campaign.
Chelsea v Newcastle English Premier League, Saturday 6.30pm (CET)
The Blues are two from two this term after their midweek triumph over Reading with new big-money signing Eden Hazard weaving some magic with a masterful performance which will have Premier League defenders quaking in their boots. Newcastle are a strong side, having finished last term in fifth and winning at Stamford Bridge late last season, with Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse forming a strong forward line which helped them beat Tottenham on the opening day.
Juventus v Parma Spanish La Liga, Saturday 8.45pm (CET)
The Italian champions open the season at home to Parma, with newboy Sebastian Giovinco taking on his former employers on his league return for the Old Lady. Giovinco’s move from Parma to Juve was a big story in the off-season after providing 15 goals and 11 assists for a club who finished midtable last season. Juve, of course, are without boss Antonio Conte these days after his 10-month ban for his involvement in match-fixing, so everyone will be curious to see how they go without him on the sidelines.
Paris Saint-Germain v Bordeaux French Ligue 1, Sunday 9pm (CET)
It’s been a far from perfect start to the new term for big-spending PSG as they slumped to draws with lowly Lorient and Ajaccio, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival unable to get them off to the flyer. Bordeuax on the other hand are off to a great start, two from two, with Ludovic Obraniak providing goals. PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti will know now is the time for his star-studded side to beginning gelling and getting results.
What's your take? Write a comment (0 comments)