Angers vs Marseille

Stade Raymond-Kopa is the venue as injury-hit Angers take on high-flying Marseille in a handsomely-looking Ligue 1 showdown.

Following an underwhelming six-game winless Ligue 1 start (D2, L4), Angers have found their feet, racking up back-to-back league wins via a single-goal margin. But despite ensuring they spent September’s international break outside the relegation zone, ‘Les Scoistes’ are not off the hook. Sitting only two points clear of 16th-placed Reims, Gerald Baticle’s men seem to be bracing themselves for a season-long fight against the drop. Scoring has been one of Angers’ main problems in 2022, as they’ve failed to get on the scoresheet in 11 Ligue 1 outings, with only one European top-five league side drawing a blank on more occasions this calendar year. The hosts’ problems stretch far beyond their scoring woes, considering they’ve registered just one victory in their last 13 top-flight meetings with Marseille (D7, L5).

In the meantime, visiting Marseille have experienced contrasting fortunes to their hosts, heading into the international break as one of only three Ligue 1 clubs yet to lose a league game this season (W6, D2). With table-toppers PSG only two points clear, ‘Les Olympiens’ have emerged as the only genuine candidates to spoil Paris’ bid to become the most successful French club in history. Despite all the positives, a 1-1 home draw with Rennes last time out places Marseille in a position to go winless in back-to-back Ligue 1 games for the first time since March. Yet Igor Tudor’s men are heavily fancied to avoid that scenario after winning their last two away league outings by 2+ goals ‘to nil.’

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Portugal vs Spain

It all comes down to this all-Iberian showdown between Portugal and Spain to determine the winner of Group A2 of the Nations League at the Estádio Municipal de Braga.

Scoring precisely twice on either side of halftime catapulted Portugal to a mammoth 4-0 victory away to the Czech Republic last time out, firing them to the top of the table in Group A2. With two points separating them from second-placed Spain ahead of the kick-off, avoiding defeat will do the trick for the ‘Selecao.’ That’s not beyond the realm of possibility, as they’ve not lost any of their last six H2Hs against ‘La Furia Roja’ inside 90 minutes (W1, D5). On top of that, Portugal’s high-flying Nations League form has seen them pick up three victories in their last four outings in the competition (L1), all of which came via 2+ goals ‘to nil.’ Additionally, since a shocking 2-1 home defeat to Serbia in November 2021, Fernando Santos’ men have racked up four successive home wins, all of which yielded a 2+ goal margin.

On the other hand, Spain succumbed to a dreadful 2-1 home defeat to Switzerland in the previous Nations League round, ending their four-match unbeaten start to Group A2 (W2, D2). Nothing less than a victory will do for the Spaniards, who have won four of their five internationals on foreign soil (D1) since a 2-1 loss in Sweden in their first post-Euro 2020 away match. But Spain’s current position is reminiscent of the last Nations League campaign when ‘La Furia Roja’ thrashed Germany 6-0 on the final matchday to seal the progression. Replicating that feat looks far-fetched, though, as they have failed to get on the scoresheet in two of their three previous visits to Portugal (D2, L1).

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Jamaica vs Argentina

Home of the New York Red Bulls, the Red Bull Arena, plays host to Argentina’s penultimate warm-up clash ahead of the 2022 World Cup, with a lowly Jamaica standing on the other side.

After yet another failed attempt to qualify for their first World Cup finals since 1998, Jamaica have blown hot and cold across their last six international fixtures (W1, D3, L2), including a hat-trick of winless matches in the build-up to this encounter (D2, L1). A lack of scoring prowess has seen the ‘Reggae Boyz’ net one goal or fewer in five of their last six outings, suggesting the Argentina backline should have a field day in New York. That may sound a bit surprising, considering head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson boasts a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, with four Premier League stars boosting his frontline, including West Ham’s Michail Antonio and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey. The electric duo should lead the line as Jamaica bid to defy their three-game losing H2H record against Argentina.

On the other hand, inspired by Lionel Messi’s double, high-flying Argentina brushed Honduras aside with an overwhelming 3-0 win last time out, extending their phenomenal unbeaten streak to 34 consecutive matches (W24, D10)! Three fixtures away from equalling Italy’s world-record 37-game run, Lionel Scaloni’s men conquered Copa America and Finalissima trophies during that sequence, bolstering their confidence ahead of the Qatar World Cup. Speaking of Argentina’s imperious run of form, they have racked up four wins from five internationals since the start of March (D1), all of which came by 3+ goals ‘to nil,’ summing up their purple patch in a nutshell. Nothing should change here as ‘La Albiceleste’ have won their three previous H2Hs against Jamaica by an aggregate score of 8-1.

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Police Tero vs Port

The continuation of the interrupted Thai League 1 matchday-four clash between Police Tero and Port takes place at the Boonyachinda Stadium this midweek.

Despite being a man down, Police Tero were 1-0 up in the first half before a heavy downpour stopped the play in the 39th minute when the initial showdown took place a fortnight ago. The ‘Silver Shield Dragon’ have since gone winless in back-to-back league matches (D1, L1) after conceding the opening goal on each occasion. Police Tero’s abysmal Thai League 1 start has seen them lose three of their first four top-flight fixtures (D1) via an aggregate score of 8-2. But it’s worth noting that four of the eight league goals they’ve conceded this term came in a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Buriram United last time out. That doesn’t change the fact that Rangsan Viwatchaichok’s men head into proceedings pinned to the relegation zone, three points adrift of safety.

In the meantime, visiting Port have blown hot and cold in the early stage of the season, though they’ve only lost once in their opening five league outings (W2, D2). But the visitors have gone from back-to-back top-flight triumphs to consecutive matches without winning (D1, L1), including a tepid goalless draw away to Nong Bua Pitchaya last time out. Another share of the spoils may not be a disappointment from Port’s point of view, considering they’ve lost all of their six league visitors to Police Tero since a 2-0 win in 2012. With four of those six defeats yielding multi-goal margins, there’s no doubt the ‘Port Lions’ would settle for a draw without thinking twice. Adding to this sentiment, they’ve lost eight of their ten away league games in 2022 (D2).

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Hungary vs Italy

A place in the 2022/23 Nations League semi-finals is on the line as Hungary and Italy lock horns in a top-table Group A3 six-pointer at the Puskas Arena.

It all comes down to this fixture for the Nations League surprise package Hungary, who eked out a crucial 1-0 victory in Germany last time out to move to the top of Group A3. Despite entering this season’s tournament as outsiders, Marco Rossi’s men have defied the odds numerous times, including a thumping 4-0 win away to England on matchday four. Though the ‘Magyars’ deserve the benefit of the doubt after reeling off a series of eye-catching showings, it’s worth noting that their solitary Group A3 defeat came at the hands of Italy. In fact, the Hungarians have failed to win any of their seven historic meetings with ‘Gli Azzurri’ across various competitions (D2, L5). But after going unbeaten in both doubleheaders against Germany and England (W3, D1), they’ll be confident of turning their H2H fortunes around.

In the meantime, visiting Italy claimed an all-important 1-0 triumph over England a few days ago, courtesy of Giacomo Raspadori’s moment of brilliance midway through the second half. Not only have the Italians secured their elite Nations League status, but a victory in Budapest would catapult them into the semi-finals, which was unthinkable ahead of September’s international break. Indeed, Roberto Mancini’s men have hit a rough patch after lifting the Euro 2020 trophy, with their lacklustre form culminating with another failed attempt to qualify for the World Cup finals. Desperate to redeem themselves to the devastated nation, ‘Gli Azzurri’ will be out to defy their indifferent Group A3 form (W2, D2, L1) and settle the nerves of those at home.

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Austria vs Croatia

Ernst Happel Stadion is the venue as Austria and Croatia go head-to-head in the ultimate round of the 2022/23 Nations League group stages.

Since an overwhelming 3-0 win away to Croatia on matchday one, the Austrians have gone winless in four consecutive Nations League games (D1, L3), including a 2-0 defeat in France last time out. Austria’s inability to end their dismal run of form would result in demotion to League B, and there’s every reason for fear in the home camp. Before the abovementioned triumph in Osijek, Austria had lost five consecutive H2Hs against Croatia, failing to get on the scoresheet on three occasions. Unfortunately for ‘Das Team,’ now even a win would suffice to keep them in League A if France amass maximum points in Denmark. Going into this must-win clash, Ralf Rangnick’s men have failed to win five of their last seven Nations League home outings (W2, D3, L2).

In the meantime, Croatia’s 2-1 home triumph over Denmark a few days ago took their winning Nations League streak to three matches, cancelling out their disappointing two-game winless Group A1 run (D1, L1). The Croats will take the field top of the group, one point clear of second-placed Denmark, meaning a failed attempt to claim all three points combined with the Danes’ win over France would leave them out of the playoffs. Despite Croatia’s ongoing three-match winning streak, the fact each of those three victories yielded a single-goal margin suggests Zlatko Dalic’s men lack conviction. But on the bright side, the ‘Blazers’ have suffered just one defeat in 14 internationals since exiting Euro 2020 (W9, D4), fuelling the nation’s bid to reach their first-ever Nations League playoffs.

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Cyprus vs Greece

High-flying Greece take a trip to the AEK Arena to take on out-of-sorts Cyprus in an exciting Nations League showdown.

Cyprus’ hopes of extending their League C status for the third time are hanging in the balance following their abysmal four-match winless Group C2 start (D2, L2). The hosts have to better Northern Ireland’s results on the final two matchdays to secure salvation. After drawing a blank in their opening three Group C2 outings, Cyprus scored on either side of halftime in a 2-2 stalemate away to Northern Ireland last time out. That’s perhaps the only encouragement for head coach Temur Ketsbaia as his men have failed to win five times in the six previous internationals on home soil (D2, L3), drawing a blank on four occasions. If that’s not enough to ring the alarm bells, a six-game losing H2H run against Greece should.

In the meantime, the Nations League has never been kind to Greece up until this season, as Gus Poyet’s men have won all four Group C2 fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-0! As a result, the Greeks are the only side in this season’s tournament to ensure promotion ahead of matchday four, having taken part in League C since the Nations League’s inception. However, while both home triumphs during that stretch yielded multi-goal margins, a pair of narrow 1-0 victories away to Northern Ireland and Kosovo suggests they lack conviction on the road. Seeking five wins on the trot for the first time in almost nine years, the visitors won’t lack motivation. With their last six away internationals seeing the winner keep a clean sheet (W4, L2), scoring first could prove crucial for either side.

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Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Montenegro

Bilino Polje is the venue as Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro go head-to-head in an all-Balkans Nations League showdown.

Following a busted attempt to ensure their first World Cup appearance since 2014, Bosnia & Herzegovina can make a decisive step towards reaching the Nations League playoffs should they win here. The Bosnians head into proceedings as leaders in Group B3 after alternating between winning (2) and drawing (2) in their opening four group stage outings. Despite going unbeaten in all four Nations League matches this term, the ‘Dragons’ have netted precisely one goal per game on three occasions, suggesting scoring could be an issue. Adding to this sentiment, Ivaylo Petev’s men had failed to get on the scoresheet in back-to-back meetings with Montenegro (D2) before being held to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in June.

On the other hand, visiting Montenegro claimed an overwhelming 3-0 win away to Romania last time out, arresting a run of consecutive Nations League matches without winning (D1, L1). One point adrift of pacesetters Bosnia, the visitors will be out to defy their indifferent form on hostile turf that’s seen them suffer four defeats on their last six international travels (W2). Interestingly, cagey starts have highlighted Montenegro’s Nations League games on the road, with none of their previous five away clashes in the competition seeing a goal score before the 30th minute. But after earning promotion from Group C in the last Nations League edition, the ‘Brave Falcons’ will feel confident about turning things around in this group come the weekend.

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Slovakia vs Azerbaijan

Underperforming Slovakia will take on Azerbaijan in a must-win Nations League Group C3 encounter at the City Arena Trnava.

Slovakia have been the epitome of the inconsistency of late, alternating between winning (3) and losing (4) across their last seven internationals, including all four matches in the ongoing Nations League campaign (W2, L2). The home side’s indifferent spell of form contributes to the fact they head into the final two matchdays four points adrift of Group C3 leaders Kazakhstan with minimal chances of reaching the promotion playoffs. While a victory over the lowly #128 ranked Azerbaijan should be a foregone conclusion, at least on paper, Slovakia’s morale-damaging defeat to a Kazakhstan side ranked just 14 places better than the visitors suggests this could be a tricky affair for the ‘Falcons.’ Yet after racking up eight wins across their nine H2Hs against Azerbaijan (L1), the Slovakians should thrive in Trnava.

As for Azerbaijan, an all-important 2-0 home triumph over Belarus last time out didn’t only snap their dismal three-game winless Group C3 start (D1, L2). It also helped the visitors move two points clear of the foot of the table and bolster their hopes of avoiding the dreaded relegation playouts. What’s more, that victory cast end to Azerbaijan’s embarrassing 13-match winless streak in international football (D3, L10) dating back to June 2021. But their celebrations may be short-lived, as they’ve lost all four previous visits to Slovakia by an aggregate score of 12-2, making their bid to upset the apple card virtually impossible. Yet knowing that bettering Belarus’ result at a minimum would keep them away from relegation, the ‘Milli komanda’ will be on a mission in Slovakia.

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Poland vs Netherlands

The high-flying Netherlands take a trip to the PGE Narodowy to encounter out-of-sorts Poland in a handsomely-looking Nations League game.

Poland’s 2-1 home win over Wales in a curtain-raising Group A4 fixture looks like a distant memory as Czeslaw Michniewicz’s men have since gone winless in all three Nations League matches (D1, L2). Heading into the final two rounds, the ‘Eagles’ can only hope for League A survival, and a win here would do the trick. However, that could be easier said than done, as they are winless in their last nine meetings with the Netherlands, including friendlies (D3, L6). Yet a ‘goal-friendly’ 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture on hostile turf may inspire Poland’s bid to claim their first H2H victory since 1979 and maintain their decent home run in the post-Euro 2020 period (W4, D1, L2). But since the inaugural Nations League edition, the Poles have only won two of their seven games in the competition (D1, L4).

In the meantime, the Netherlands could mathematically seal their second appearance in the Nations League finals with a win here, provided second-placed Belgium fail to beat Wales in the other Group A4 match-up. In addition to securing their first appearance at the World Cup finals since 2014, Louis van Gaal’s men are unbeaten in all four Nations League outings this term (W3, D1), netting 2+ goals on each occasion. There’s every reason for optimism in the visiting camp, as the ‘Oranje’ have only lost one of their last ten Nations League group stage fixtures (W6, D3) while winning three consecutive away games in the competition ahead of this trip! Unbeaten in 13 straight internationals, the Netherlands are four matches short of equalling their 17-game undefeated streak from 2013, meaning they’ll take this clash seriously.

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Italy vs England

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza forms the backdrop for a repeat of the Euro 2020 grand final as Italy and England go head-to-head in a high-stakes Nations League encounter.

After failing to qualify for back-to-back World Cup finals for the first time in the nation’s history, losing their League A status would land a knockout blow on Italy. ‘Gli Azzurri’ fell to a morale-damaging 5-2 defeat at the hands of Germany in their most recent Group A2 outing, ending a run of three unbeaten Nations League fixtures (W1, D2). But Roberto Mancini’s men still hold a three-point lead over bottom-placed England and could mathematically assure another League A season with a win here. Adding to Italy’s confidence, they’ve not lost any of their last five international H2Hs on home soil (W3, D2). That derails their chances of losing consecutive matches for the first time during Mancini’s tenure, though an underwhelming record of two wins from nine games (D4, L3) may dampen the optimism.

On the other hand, England may have sealed their berth at the upcoming World Cup, but Gareth Southgate’s future with the national team is hanging by a thread. Winless after their opening four Group A2 outings (D2, L2), the ‘Three Lions’ face imminent danger of suffering relegation to League B should they slump to another defeat at Meazza. Starring down the barrel of five straight winless internationals for the first time since 2014, the beaten Euro 2020 finalists come into September’s international break having lost just two of their last 26 matches (W18, D6). However, a lack of firepower up top has seen England fail to find the net from open play in all four Nations League contests this season. Indeed, Harry Kane’s late penalty in a 1-1 draw with Germany remains their solitary strike thus far.

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France vs Austria

Stade de France is the venue as France and Austria lock horns in a bottom-half Nations League Group A1 six-pointer.

Defending world champions France have already lost any hope of reaching the Nations League semi-finals only one year since lifting the crown in the newest international competition. Winless in their opening four Group A1 matches (D2, L2), ‘Les Bleus’ face the prospect of being demoted to League B should they produce another sub-par display. Despite boasting some of Europe’s most intimidating forwards, Didier Deschamps’ men have netted under 1.5 goals in all four Nations League outings this term, including a 1-1 draw with Austria in the reverse fixture in June. On top of that, following an eye-catching run of four consecutive home victories across all competitions, the hosts have lost back-to-back internationals on home turf. With a risk of entering the winter’s showpiece as a downtrodden team, Deschamps’ men will be keen to maintain their four-game winning home streak against Austria.

On the other hand, visiting Austria claimed an overwhelming 3-0 win away to Croatia on matchday one but have since gone winless in three consecutive Nations League fixtures (D1, L2). Another potential defeat in Paris would push them to the bottom place in Group A2 and expose them to a genuine risk of dropping to League B next term. With Denmark already safe from relegation and Croatia just one point away from doing the same, the Austrians will be desperate to defy their abysmal six-game form in international football (W1, D2, L3). With no World Cup action on the horizon following a heartbreaking playoff defeat to Wales (1-2), ‘Das Team’ can afford to go all-out to preserve their League A status only one year since their League B triumph of 2020/21.

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Croatia vs Denmark

Croatia and Denmark are set to face each other in a tasty-looking Nations League Group A1 top-table six-pointer.

Croatia’s hopes of reaching the Nations League semi-finals are hanging by a thread as a potential failed attempt to beat Denmark here would make that prospect almost unreachable. With two points separating the sides ahead of the kick-off, the Croats come into proceedings in high spirits after turning a two-game winless Group A1 start (D1, L1) into back-to-back victories, including a morale-boosting 1-0 triumph on French soil last time out. The ‘Blazers’ are one point away from extending their League A status for another season, so head coach Zlatko Dalic could be forgiven for deploying a conservative approach. Despite going winless in their last four Nations League home outings (D1, L3), Croatia can draw inspiration from their positive overall H2H record against upcoming rivals Denmark (W4, D1, L2).

As for Denmark, a comfortable 2-0 home triumph over Austria last time otu helped Kasper Hjulmand’s side bounce back from a 1-0 home loss to Croatia and put their third Nations League win on the board this term. After already securing another League A season, the ‘Danish Dynamite’ will feel optimistic about their prospects in Zagreb, especially given their impressive form on the road. Indeed, Hjulmand’s men have suffered just four defeats on their last 22 international travels (W12, D6). Enthralling affairs have been a common theme in Denmark’s away matches in 2022, as all three have seen both teams on the scoresheet in games garnering over 2.5 total goals. Denmark’s rise to stardom since reaching the Euro 2020 semi-finals has seen them pick up ten wins from 13 internationals in the post-European Championships period (L3).

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Belgium vs Wales

Belgium and Wales are set to square off at the King Baudouin Stadium in a high-stakes Nations League showdown.

Since falling to an embarrassing 4-1 defeat to the Netherlands on day one, FIFA’s #2-ranked Belgium have racked up a three-game unbeaten Nations League streak (W2, D1) to maintain their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. With Group A4 leaders ‘Oranje’ three points clear ahead of their matchday-six six-pointer, ‘De Rode Duivels’ can ill-afford a mistake against Wales, whom they’ve defeated only once in their last seven international H2Hs (D4, L2). Although they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture, the home crowd won’t expect an identical outcome, knowing none of Belgium’s seven Nations League home outings have ended level (W6, L1). High scoring has been a common theme in Belgium’s recent Nations League contests on home turf, with four of the last five featuring over 4.5 total goals.

In the meantime, visiting Wales are on the cusp of being relegated to League B following an underwhelming four-game Group A4 start (D1, L3), including an action-packed 3-2 defeat at the Netherlands last time out. Except for the abovementioned draw with Belgium, the ‘Dragons’ have conceded 2+ goals in all three remaining Nations League fixtures this season, suggesting the home strikers could have a field day. The only bright spot in Wales’ otherwise abysmal form over the past few months is their all-important home triumph over Ukraine that propelled them to the World Cup for the first time since 1958. With several experienced first-team stars missing out to injury, Wales’ bid to post their first-ever win on Belgian soil at the eighth time of asking looks far-fetched (D3, L4).

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Scotland vs Ukraine

Hampden Park forms the backdrop as Scotland and Ukraine go head-to-head in a revenge-poised UEFA Nations League showdown.

Keen to avenge a heartbreaking World Cup playoff elimination at this venue, Scotland will take the field to leapfrog Ukraine into the top of Group B1 by exacting their vengeance. The ‘Tartan Terries’ have bounced from their busted attempt to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998 by picking up two wins from their three Nations League fixtures (L1). With just one point separating the two sides ahead of the kick-off, the continuation of Scotland’s 100% unbeaten home record in the Nations League (W5, D1) would fire them past Ukraine and into the summit. By extension, Steve Clarke’s men have only lost one of their last 14 home outings across various competitions (W9, D4), courtesy of a 3-1 defeat to non-other than Ukraine.

On the other hand, Ukraine’s bid to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 2006 fell apart in the playoffs final as Wales overcame them 1-0 to send a morale-crippled nation into further disarray. But the resumption of the Ukrainian Premier League in the face of war has brought smiles back to the visiting team’s faces as they aim to maintain their unbeaten Group B1 start (W2, D1). One of Ukraine’s victories in this season’s Nations League came on the United Kingdom’s soil, with Oleksandr Petrakov’s side defeating Ireland 1-0 on matchday one. That success forms part of Ukraine’s decent overall record in the Nations League (W7, D1, L4). It’s worth noting that Roman Yaremchuk & Co only failed to score once in those 12 matches, suggesting Hampden Park could be in for another upset.

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AC Milan vs Napoli

Stadio San Siro is the venue as defending champions AC Milan and high-flying Napoli go head-to-head in a mouth-watering Serie A top-table six-pointer.

Going into this fixture, Milan thumped Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 in midweek Champions League action to move to the top of Group E ahead of the international break. Back to domestic proceedings, Stefano Pioli’s men are looking to maintain a 100% unbeaten start to their Serie A title defence (W4, D2) and extend an outrageous 22-game undefeated streak in Italy’s top flight (W15, D7), spanning back to January. ‘I Rossoneri’ have been too hot to handle at San Siro lately, racking up a six-game winning Serie A streak at home, their best such run six eight consecutive triumphs in 2013. But there’s no room for complacency, considering the reigning champions have lost both previous home league meetings with Napoli via an identical 1-0 scoreline.

In the meantime, Luciano Spalletti’s men put three unanswered goals past fellow Champions League Group A rivals Rangers at Ibrox in midweek to prove a day-one 4-1 drubbing of Liverpool was no fluke. Though it’s uncertain whether extra mileage will take its toll, Napoli fans hve every reason to dream big as ‘I Partenopei’ have yet to lose a single Serie A fixture this season (W4, D2). Moreover, they have been victorious in three of their four away matches across all competitions (D1). Unfazed by the departures of long-serving stalwarts Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne, the visitors have netted 2+ goals in all but one of their four competitive travels, something they’ve failed to achieve on their last five league visits to San Siro.

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Brentford vs Arsenal

Brentford Community Stadium is the venue as Brentford and Arsenal go head-to-head in an all-London Premier League match-up.

Brentford pulled off an overwhelming 5-2 home triumph over Leeds United before the postponement of the Premier League fixtures to halt a three-match winless league streak (D2, L1) and tuck themselves in mid-table comforts. Seeking their first top-half finish in England’s top flight since 1937/38, Thomas Frank’s men are no strangers to massive upsets, having thumped Manchester United 4-0 at home on matchday two. On top of that, the ‘Bees’ have racked up an eye-catching five wins from their six previous home league meetings with Arsenal (L1), including a 2-0 win in this corresponding fixture last term. You don’t have to look beyond the fact only Manchester City (18) netted more Premier League goals than Brentford (15) across the opening six rounds to understand the ‘Bees’ mean business this term.

On the other hand, Arsenal succumbed to a demoralising 3-1 defeat at Man Utd in the previous Premier League round, as their five-match winning league start went out of the window. Mikel Arteta’s bounced back by beating Zurich 2-1 on the road in their curtain-raising Europa League group stage outing before the cancellation of their last two competitive matches due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Interestingly, none of Arsenal’s 23 previous Premier League games have ended as a draw (W16, L7), the longest ongoing such run amongst current top-flight tenants. That streak is likely to go on, considering the ‘Gunners’ have registered five victories in their last eight away London derby matches in the Premier League, losing the other three.

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Udinese vs Inter Milan

Dacia Arena forms the backdrop as Udinese and Inter Milan meet in a top-six Serie A six-pointer.

Udinese picked themselves up from a 1-0 halftime deficit to thrash Sassuolo 3-1 on the road last time out and extend their winning Serie A streak to four matches. Seeking their fifth top-flight victory in a row for the first time since December 2017, the ‘Friulians’ are enjoying their joint-best Serie A start in history. However, there’s no room for complacency as they’ve won none of their last nine league meetings with Inter (D2, L7) since a 3-1 triumph at Giuseppe Meazza in 2017. Moreover, Andrea Sottil’s men failed to get on the scoresheet in seven of those nine H2Hs, which has been the case in four of their last five league encounters at the Dacia Arena. Inspired by a 4-1 thumping of Roma in their most recent Serie A home outing, they could change their fate this weekend.

In the meantime, Inter Milan followed up a narrow 1-0 home win over Torino in the previous Serie A round with a 2-0 away victory over Viktoria Plzen in midweek Champions League action. But ‘I Nerazzurri’ have been the epitome of inconsistency of late, alternating between winning (3) and losing (2) across their last five Serie A outings. What’s more, Simone Inzaghi’s men have lost back-to-back away league matches in the build-up to this trip, conceding precisely three goals in each. On the bright side, last season’s Serie A runners-up have only lost two of their 19 previous top-flight visits to Udinese (W11, D6), most recently succumbing to a loss at Friuli in 2013.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City

Defending Premier League champions Manchester City take a trip to Molineux Stadium to encounter bottom-half underachievers Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Following an underwhelming five-match winless Premier League start (D3, L2), Wolverhampton eked out a 1-0 home triumph over Southampton last time out, reigniting their hopes of clawing their way back into the European qualification race. However, Wolves’ scoring woes from last season continue to trouble Burno Lage’s side this term, with the ‘Wanderers’ netting a mere three goals in their opening six league outings, an average of 0.5 per game. Diego Costa’s unexpected arrival could turn Wolves’ fortunes around as the Brazilian striker proved to be a talismanic figure during his time at Chelsea. He only lost three out of 45 scoring Premier League appearances for the ‘Blues’ (W37, D5) and will look for more of the same at Molineux. Adding to the home side’s confidence, they’ve not lost any of their last four Premier League outings at this venue (W1, D3).

In the meantime, Erling Haaland’s outrageous late winner against his former employers Borussia Dortmund helped Manchester City pull off a come-from-behind 2-1 win over the Germans in midweek Champions League action. Back to domestic proceedings, the back-to-back Premier League champions are keen to extend their six-game unbeaten league start (W4, D2) and temporarily leapfrog pacesetters Arsenal at the summit. Despite squandering a narrow second-half lead in a 1-1 draw away to Aston Villa last time out, the ‘Cityzens’ have taken their unbeaten Premier League streak on the road to 21 matches (W15, D5). That run includes an overwhelming 5-1 victory in this corresponding fixture last season. Indeed, after losing consecutive top-flight H2Hs three years ago, Pep Guardiola’s men have won four league meetings with Wolves via an aggregate score of 13-3.

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Leicester City

Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City are set to face each other at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in contrasting Premier League circumstances.

Tottenham conceded two stoppage-time goals in an underwhelming 2-0 Champions League defeat at Sporting Lisbon in midweek as their unbeaten 2022/23 start went out of the window. Desperate to bounce back immediately, ‘Spurs’ return to the Premier League, where they’ve not lost a single fixture this term (W4, D2). Antonio Conte’s side claimed a hard-earned 2-1 win over fellow London rivals Fulham last time out, taking their winning home streak in the Premier League to six matches. Tottenham’s longest winning league run at the new stadium is likely to go on as the Londoners have come out victorious in seven of their previous nine top-flight meetings with Leicester, including the last three in a row. Another success would see them win four consecutive league matches against this opposition for the first time in history.

However, visiting Leicester City will be motivated to prevent that from happening and potentially take advantage of the fatigue that’s catching up with Tottenham these days. Pinned to the foot of the Premier League table, the ‘Foxes’ have lost five league matches on the trot since being held to a 2-2 home draw to Brentford on the opening weekend. With Leicester experiencing their worst six-game start to a new league campaign in the Premier League era, manager Brendan Rodgers should fear for his job. The Northern Irishman’s longest run of league defeats in his managerial career has brought him under heavy scrutiny and this weekend’s trip to London could spell the end of his tenure in the East Midlands. With Leicester losing four of their last five Premier League games away to Tottenham (W1), the immediate future looks dark from Rodgers’ point of view.

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Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04

Signal Iduna Park is the venue as Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 go head-to-head in the 99th Bundesliga edition of the famous Revierderby.

Commonly known as ‘the mother of all derbies’ in Germany, the Revierderby has historically been an evenly-contested fixture, with Dortmund’s tally of 36 Bundesliga wins beating Schalke’s record of 32 by a slim margin (D30). Edin Terzic’s men will hope to extend the gap and bounce back from a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat away to Manchester City in midweek Champions League action. A somewhat expected failure at the Etihad Stadium followed up an abysmal 3-0 league defeat at RB Leipzig that saw Dortmund fail to produce a single shot on target in a league game for the fourth time since 2004! Despite coming into this encounter as pre-match favourites, ‘Die Borussen’ can ill-afford to underestimate Schalke after losing back-to-back Bundesliga meetings with newly-promoted sides. Yet after scoring in 37 consecutive league outings at home, they may get complacent.

On the other hand, promoted Schalke scored on either side of halftime to beat Bochum 3-1 on home turf last weekend and put an underwhelming five-match winless Bundesliga start to bed (D3, L2). Since a 3-1 defeat at Cologne on the opening weekend, the ‘Royal Blues’ have racked up consecutive league draws on the road, both of which featured under 2.5 total goals. Don’t let Schalke’s two-game unbeaten away streak trick you into believing they stand a chance here. They have failed to win any of their last 31 Bundesliga fixtures on hostile turf en route to setting an unwanted club record. Winning here would see Schalke claim back-to-back Bundesliga wins for the first time since November 2019, so the motivation shouldn’t be lacking.

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Barcelona vs Elche

The Spotify Camp Nou plays host to Barcelona’s seemingly straightforward La Liga task against dead-last Elche.

Barcelona’s redemption path following a disappointing 2-0 defeat at arch-nemesis Bayern Munich in midweek Champions League action starts against traditional whipping boys Elche. In addition to going unbeaten in their last 19 La Liga games against this opposition (W15, D4), the Catalans haven’t lost any of their 23 historic top-flight H2Hs at Camp Nou (W16, D7). On top of that, Xavi Hernandez’s men have enjoyed a stellar league start, racking up a four-match winning streak since an underwhelming scoreless home draw with Rayo Vallecano on the opening weekend. Unrelentless in the attacking third, the ‘Blaugrana’ netted precisely four goals in three of those four victories. Another high-scoring affair is well on the cards as Barcelona have scored 2+ goals in each of their last six La Liga encounters against Elche.

By contrast, the visitors have experienced a faltering start to the new La Liga campaign, picking up just one point from the opening five matches (D1, L4). Nailed to the bottom of the standings, ‘Los Franjiverdes’ are staring down the barrel of a four-game losing top-flight streak for the first time since December 2014. Elche’s poor entries see them come into proceedings as the only La Liga side alongside Cadiz yet to take the lead in Spain’s top division this term. Head coach Francisco could be on the verge of sacking unless he turns his team’s fortunes around, yet Elche’s top-flight record at Camp Nou in the 21st century spells trouble. Indeed, the Valencian minnows have lost all four La Liga visits to this venue from 2014 onwards, conceding 3+ goals on each occasion.

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Augsburg vs Bayern Munich

Out-of-form Bayern Munich head to the WWK Arena to take on underachieving Augsburg in a must-win Bundesliga clash.

Augsburg goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz saved a stoppage-time penalty at Werder Bremen last weekend to hand his side a first Bundesliga clean sheet in nine matches and arrest their abysmal run of three straight league defeats. Back at the WWK Arena, the perennial Bundesliga strugglers are desperate to halt a three-match losing league start on home turf and steer themselves further away from the relegation zone. Unfortunately for the ‘Fuggerstädter,’ Bayern won’t take the field to make friends after racking up eight victories from their 11 top-flight H2Hs at this venue (D1, L2). On top of that, goals have been hard to come by for Augsburg this season, with Enrico Maaßen’s men netting a league joint-low four goals in their opening six Bundesliga outings.

As for Bayern Munich, a morale-boosting 2-0 home triumph over Barcelona in midweek Champions League action has calmed fans’ nerves a bit following the Bavarians’ uneventful three-game winless Bundesliga form (D3). Another failed attempt to land all three points would see the record-time German champions go four consecutive top-flight games without winning for the first time since 2001/02. But under-pressure manager Julian Nagelsmann has every reason for optimism. Before slumping to a 1-1 draw at Union Berlin on their most recent Bundesliga travel, Bayern had won their opening two away league fixtures via 5+ goal margins, netting 13 goals in the process! Delivering action from the get-go, the reigning German champions have scored within the opening 15 minutes on all three Bundesliga travels this season.

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Sheriff Tiraspol vs Manchester United

Sheriff Tiraspol and Manchester United are set to trade tackles at the Stadionul Zimbru in a must-win Europa League match-up for the visitors.

Sheriff Tiraspol got their Europa League Group E campaign off to a flyer, courtesy of a 3-0 thumping of Omonia in Cyprus on matchday one. The perennial Moldovan champions will be out to prove last season’s 2-1 win at Real Madrid in the Champions League group stages was no fluke and stage another European upset. That could prove easier said than done, as the ‘Yellow-Blacks’ have lost both previous UEFA-sanctioned matches against English opponents via an aggregate score of 4-1. But head coach Stjepan Tomas can draw confidence from Sheriff’s impressive home run in the Europa League as they are unbeaten in their last five such fixtures (W3, D2), including victories ‘to nil’ in the most recent two.

On the other hand, Manchester United’s effort to win their second Europa League trophy and ensure an alternative route into the Champions League faltered on day one as Real Sociedad claimed a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. By contrast, Erik ten Hag’s men, who were handed an extra rest period in the Premier League, are enjoying a four-game winning streak in England’s top flight. The ‘Red Devils’ are looking to translate their high-flying domestic form to Europe, and playing outside Old Trafford may come in handy. Indeed, Man Utd have found the net on their last 15 European travels, netting 28 goals in total since drawing a blank away to AZ Alkmaar in October 2019. Adding to travelling fans’ confidence, ten Hag has only lost two of his 20 European road matches as a manager (W12, D6).

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Roma vs HJK

Roma’s bid to get off the mark in the 2022/23 Europa League group stage season pits them against Group C minnows HJK at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma’s start to their third Europa League group stage campaign in four years was the one they’d rather forget as Ludogorets defeated them 2-1 in their Group C opener. But after a brace of high-scoring failures (L2), last season’s Europa Conference League winners clawed their way back to winning paths, courtesy of a 2-1 midweek Serie A win at Empoli. Jose Mourinho’s men head into proceedings as odds-on favourites having gone unbeaten in a club-record 19 consecutive home matches across major European competitions (W13, D6), a running spanning back to February 2019. If that’s not convincing enough, you’d have to go back to January for Roma’s last competitive home loss, with ‘I Giallorossi’ putting together 14 straight home encounters with losing since (W9, D4).

On the other hand, HJK’s first Europa League group stage appearance since 2014/15 comes as a reward for qualifying successes over Maribor and Silkeborg. Yet the defending Finnish champions slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to Real Betis in their opening Group C fixture, living up to their status as prospective whipping boys in this section. Moreover, Toni Koskela’s side lost all three away matches in their most recent Europa League group phase participation, conceding precisely twice in each defeat while scoring only once in return. If there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, it’s the fact that HJK won their most recent European game against Italian opponents after losing each of their previous five in a row.

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Rangers vs Napoli

Ibrox Stadium is the venue as Rangers and Napoli meet in contrasting circumstances in this exciting Champions League Group A encounter.

These are uncertain times for Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst as his men take the field off the back of consecutive defeats via an aggregate score of 8-0, including a 4-0 thumping to Ajax in their Group A curtain-raiser. The ‘Gers’ hoped for a more promising start after dispatching PSV Eindhoven in the playoffs to secure their first appearance in the Champions League group stages since 2010/11. Despite their underwhelming spell of form, you’d be silly to underestimate Rangers at Ibrox, where they’ve won five of their six competitive outings this term (D1). Moreover, last season’s Scottish Premiership runners-up have been unbeaten in eight of their nine previous European home fixtures against Italian visitors (W5, D3), including victories of non-other than AC Milan and Juventus.

In the meantime, Napoli could not have hoped for a better Group A start as they humiliated last season’s Champions League finalists Liverpool in an overwhelming 4-1 home victory on matchday one. Luciano Spalletti’s men needed Giacamo Raspadori’s late winner to beat Spezia 1-0 at the weekend and extend their 100% unbeaten start to the new season to seven matches (W5, D2). ‘I Partenopei’ are now on the lookout for what would be their first back-to-back Champions League victories since September 2016 in their first European clash against Scottish sides since 1967. But the Italians can ill-afford to rest on their laurels, knowing they have never won a UEFA-sanctioned game in the United Kingdom (D4, L7). Napoli’s ‘United Kingdom hoodoo’ is unlikely to go away, as they’ve won just once in their last ten Champions League road matches (D4, L5).

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Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig

High-flying Real Madrid entertain struggling Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in a handsomely-looking Champions League showdown.

Real Madrid’s bid to defend the Champions League crown and take home a record-extending 15th title has been off to a flying start as Carlo Ancelotti’s side thrashed Celtic 3-0 in their Group F curtain-raiser. Despite losing star striker Karim Benzema to injury, ‘Los Merengues’ came from a goal down to dismantle fellow La Liga rivals Mallorca 4-1 at the weekend and maintain their 100% start to the new competitive season (W7). All signs are pointing to another Madrid triumph, with the reigning La Liga holders going unbeaten in their last 11 European fixtures against German opponents (W7, D4) while netting 2+ goals on each occasion. Thursday’s clash could be a career-defining achievement for Ancelotti, who could become the second manager ever to win 100 Champions League matches. Motivation should not be lacking, therefore!

On the other hand, RB Leipzig suffered an embarrassing 4-1 home defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday one and in turn sacked Domenico Tedesco. Led by newly-appointed manager Marco Rose, ‘Die Roten Bullen’ picked fierce Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund apart in a morale-boosting 3-0 home win at the weekend. But facing Madrid will be a different type of challenge, even though the German heavyweights are unbeaten in their last three European meetings with Spanish adversaries (W2, D1). Connoisseurs of action-packed football must be looking forward to this fixture, knowing none of Leipzig’s 31 Champions League matches have ended goalless. With three of the visitors’ four competitive away games this season featuring over 2.5 goals, that’s likely to stay that way.

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Shakhtar Donetsk vs Celtic

The Stadion Wojska Polskiego, home of Polish side Legia Warsaw, is the venue as Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic face each other in an exciting Champions League encounter.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s bid to progress beyond the Champions League group stages for the first time since 2017/18 received a massive boost after the Ukrainian powerhouse thumped RB Leipzig 4-1 in their curtain-raising Group F outing. Playing this ‘home’ game in Poland should not trouble the ‘Miners,’ considering each of their three home league matches this term took place upwards of 700km away from Donetsk, with Shakhtar going unbeaten in all three (W2, D1). Adding to Shakhtar’s confidence, they have won both previous Champions League home meetings with Celtic by 2+ goals ‘to nil.’ Keen to open a new Champions League campaign with back-to-back wins for the first time since 2010/11 and potentially register three consecutive victories against an opponent in European competition for the third time.

In the meantime, Celtic put on a promising first-half display against Real Madrid on matchday one but eventually ended up on the wrong side of a 3-0 scoreline. A disheartening defeat to the reigning Champions League holders halted the Scottish champions’ 100% seven-game start to the 2022/23 season, derailing their hopes of making it out of the competition’s group stages for the first time since 2012/13. Thursday’s trip to Warsaw will mark Celtic’s first away game in the Champions League since a 7-1 thumping at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in November 2017. In fact, the ‘Hoops’ have only kept one clean sheet in their 33 Champions League fixtures on hostile turf, courtesy of a 3-0 beating of Anderlecht in 2017/18. Topically, Ange Postecoglou’s first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart has registered just one shutout in his last 13 Champions League away appearances.

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Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund

Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are set to trade tackles at the Etihad Stadium in a mouth-watering Champions League showdown.

Inspired by Erling Haaland’s brace, Manchester City swept Sevilla aside with an overwhelming 4-0 win in Andalusia to get their Group G campaign off to a flying start. After being handed an extra rest period in domestic action, Pep Guardiola’s men are looking to maintain their two-game winning Champions League streak against Dortmund. Man City won both legs in their 2020/21 quarter-final tie via an identical score of 2-1, while they’ve racked up eight consecutive Champions League home matches against German visitors by an aggregate score of 30-9. On top of that, the ‘Cityzens’ are unbeaten in their last 20 Champions League outings at the Etihad (W18, D2) and are one game away from equalling the British record in the 21st century. That’s more than expected as they come into this encounter undefeated in eight straight competitive matches (W5, D3).

On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund eased past Copenhagen 3-0 in their Group G curtain-raiser but collapsed in the Bundesliga at the weekend, falling to a morale-damaging 3-0 defeat at RB Leipzig. Before falling apart at the Red Bull Arena, Edin Teriz’s team had won four consecutive away matches via an aggregate score of 10-2. ‘Die Borussen’ will be out to register their first Champions League victory on English soil since October 2013 and arrest a four-game losing away streak against Premier League hosts. That could be easier said than done against one of the leading candidates to lift the crown, yet Dortmund’s unpredictability on the road suggests this match-up could go either way. Interestingly, none of the German heavyweights’ last 17 Champions League fixtures on hostile turf have ended as a draw (W7, L10).

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Liverpool vs Ajax

Anfield plays host to Liverpool’s bid to get their Champions League Group A campaign underway against a relentless Ajax side.

Back to continental action after the postponement of their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Liverpool will be looking to avenge a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Napoli in their Group A curtain-raiser. After equalling their worst-ever Champions League loss, the ‘Reds’ are desperate to avoid starting a new season in Europe’s elite competition with back-to-back reverses for the first time in history. With the extended rest period likely to benefit Jurgen Klopp’s injury-hit squad, Liverpool are comfortable favourites to maintain a 100% win ratio against Ajax in the Champions League (W2) and take their competitive winning streak at Anfield to three matches. That could prove paramount to their bid to secure a top-place finish in the Champions League group stages for the fourth season running.

On the other hand, a high-flying Ajax thumped Rangers 4-0 in their Group A opener to stretch their winning streak in the Champions League group phase to seven matches. Reluctant to rest on their laurels, the ‘Lancers’ put five unanswered goals past fellow domestic rivals Heerenveen at the weekend, maintaining a 100% start to their Eredivisie title defence (W6). Unfazed by a couple of high-profile summer exits, Alfred Schreuder’s men have won their last five competitive outings via an aggregate score of 16-0. Ajax’s superb domestic form translates to their European travels. Indeed, they’ve suffered just one defeat in their last 16 away games in the Champions League, courtesy of a 1-0 loss at Anfield in December 2020. That suggests the perennial Dutch champions are in a prime position to arrest their five-game winless run against English clubs in the Champions League (D1, L4).

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Empoli vs Roma

Stadio Carlo Castellani is the venue as Empoli and Roma go head-to-head in the final match-up of Serie A Matchday 6.

It’s been a disappointing season start for Empoli. Since a 1-0 loss away to Spezia on the opening weekend, ‘Gli Azzurri’ have drawn four consecutive Serie A matches, including a topsy-turvy 2-2 stalemate at Salernitana last time out. Empoli’s hopes to post their first top-flight win of the season look a bit far-fetched as they’ve won none of their 12 previous Serie A meetings with Roma (D3, L9), including five successive defeats in the build-up to this encounter. On top of that, Paolo Zanetti’s men have failed to get on the scoresheet in four of their last five league matches against Roma. But the future looks bright for the hosts, as they are the only Serie A side to boast at least three goal scorers born after 2000!

In the meantime, visiting Roma followed up a thumping 4-0 league defeat to Udinese with an underwhelming 2-1 away loss to Ludogorets in their Europa League curtain-raiser. Particularly vulnerable beyond halftime, ‘I Giallorossi’ registered five of their six goals conceded across those two games in the second half of play. Jose Mourinho’s men are keen to bounce back immediately, yet after going winless in their last three competitive away fixtures (D1, L2), that won’t be simple. There’s plenty of reason for optimism in the travelling camp, as Roma have picked up four victories in their five previous Serie A visits to Empoli (D1).

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PSG vs Brest

Reigning Ligue 1 holders and current leaders Paris Saint-Germain entertain an underperforming Brest at the Parc des Princes.

PSG’s Ligue 1 title defence has been off to a flying start, with Christophe Galtier’s men picking up five wins and a draw from their opening six league matches. Too hot to handle in the front third, ‘Les Parisiens’ have racked up an intimidating +20 goal difference across those six games (GF24, GA4), with 23 of those 24 strikes coming from inside the box. PSG passed their maiden Champions League test with flying colours as Kylian Mbappe’s quick-fire first-half brace fired them to a 2-1 home win over Juventus in midweek. Hot favourites to take home another clear-cut triumph, the reigning Ligue 1 champions have won their last nine top-flight H2Hs, including four on the trot via multi-goal margins. Furthermore, they are unbeaten in 24 successive home league matches (W20, D4)!

Meanwhile, Brest failed to take advantage of being a man up against Strasbourg last time out, drawing 1-1 at home to take their winless Ligue 1 streak to three games (D1, L2). Brest’s underwhelming six-match league start (W1, D2, L3) suggests they could be in for a season-long fight against relegation, with four sides set to wave goodbye to Ligue 1 come June 2023. Michel Der Zakarian’s porous backline has already conceded 16 goals after the opening six league fixtures, setting an unwanted record at this stage in the competition’s history. Given they’ve let in 2+ goals in four of their last five league visits to Paris, you’d be forgiven for expecting their underwhelming defensive record to get worse this weekend.

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Sampdoria vs AC Milan

Stadio Luigi Ferraris is the venue as Sampdoria and AC Milan go head-to-head in contrasting circumstances.

Sampdoria turned a 1-0 lead into a dismal 2-1 defeat at Hellas Verona last time out and will take the field as one of only three perennial Serie A tenants yet to win a single league game this season (D2, L3). Much of the hosts’ form woes have emanated from their underwhelming attacking showings, with no side netting fewer Serie A goals this term than ‘La Samp’ (2). The Ferraris powerbrokers are running out of patience for under-fire boss Marco Giampaolo, who saved them from relegation last season. The Italian’s future is up in the air, with Sampdoria losing 16 top-flight matches in 2022, the joint-worst amongst current teams across Europe’s top-five leagues. Incidentally, Giampaolo’s old employers, Milan, could put the final nail in his coffin. Indeed, ‘I Blucerchiati’ have lost all three previous home league H2Hs, trailing at halftime on each occasion.

In the meantime, visiting Milan came from behind to beat Inter Milan 3-2 in last weekend’s Derby della Madonnina to maintain their 100% unbeaten start to their title defence (W3, D2). By extension, ‘I Rossoneri’ have only lost one Serie A match in 2022, with no other side from Europe’s top-five leagues boasting a better domestic form this calendar year. However, Stefano Pioli’s team drew 1-1 with Red Bull Salzburg in midweek Champions League action, meaning they’ve shared the spoils in all three competitive away fixtures in 2022/23. Yet, home and away, the reigning Serie A champions are unbeaten in five consecutive league meetings with Sampdoria (W4, D1), keeping a clean sheet in the last two in a row.

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Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo

Metropolitano Stadium forms the backdrop as Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo meet in a tasty-looking La Liga encounter.

Atletico Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 home win over Porto, will all three goals coming beyond the 90th minute. However, things are not going well for ‘Los Colchoneros’ in La Liga as they’ve only won two of their opening four league matches (D1, L1), three of which featured under 2.5 total goals. Diego Simeone will hope to turn his side’s fortunes around against Celta since his men have gone unbeaten in seven of their last eight top-flight H2Hs (W4, D3). Furthermore, ‘Los Rojiblancos’ are unbeaten in ten consecutive home league meetings with Celta (W7, D3), racking up six clean sheets in that sequence. Yet following a 2-0 home defeat to Villarreal in their maiden 2022/23 La Liga home outing, Atleti could draw a blank in their first two home league matches for the first time.

On the other hand, visiting Celta Vigo have put a frustrating two-game winless La Liga start firmly behind (D1, L1) by winning their last two league fixtures ‘to nil.’ Another identical result would see ‘Los Celestes’ win three consecutive La Liga games without conceding on the bounce for only the third time in the 21st century. However, after letting in 2+ goals in eight of their nine previous top-flight visits to Atleti, that prospect looks a bit stretched. Though they’ll meet a vulnerable ‘Los Colchoneros’ side here, Eduardo Coudet’s men may find themselves out of their comfort zone after starting three of their four La Liga games this term as pre-match favourites. Moreover, going back to February, Celta have drawn a blank in five of their nine La Liga travels, netting precisely once in three of the other four.

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Ajax vs Rangers

Ajax and Rangers are set to trade tackles at the Johan Cruijff Arena in their opening Champions League Group A contest.

Despite losing several key players to former boss Erik ten Hag over the summer, three-time consecutive Dutch champions Ajax have enjoyed a 100% start to the new Eredivisie season (W5). Delivering action from the get-go, Alfred Schreuder’s men have been ahead at halftime in all but one competitive fixture this season. On top of that, the ‘Lancers’ are unbeaten in seven of their last eight matches in the Champions League proper (W6, D1), while their positive overall record against Scottish adversaries (W6, D2, L4) may inspire further enthusiasm among the club faithful. Indeed, Ajax won all six Champions League group stage outings last season, netting a staggering 20 goals in those wins. If that’s not encouraging enough, the Dutch heavyweights have won all four previous European clashes against Rangers.

On the other hand, visiting Rangers overcame Ajax’s arch-rivals PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League playoffs via an aggregate score of 3-2 to return to the competition proper for the first time since 2010/11. A narrow 1-0 win at Philips Stadion marked the Scottish side’s second consecutive victory away to Dutch opponents in major European competitions after only winning twice in their previous nine visits to the country (D2, L5). However, playing in the Champions League has never been easy for the ‘Gers,’ as witnessed by their underwhelming 19% win rate in the competition proper (12/62). Therefore, flying out of the traps in Amsterdam could prove vital to Rangers’ bid to progress beyond the Champions League group stages for only the second time at the 11th attempt.

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Red Bull Salzburg vs AC Milan

Red Bull Salzburg and AC Milan will trade tackles at the Red Bull Arena in their exciting Champions League Group E opener.

Salzburg’s fifth Champions League group stage campaign commences at home, where they won all three of last season’s group phase matches en route to reaching the competition’s knock-outs for the first time in the club’s history. ‘Die Roten Bullen’ will now be aiming at becoming the first-ever Austrian side to claim a Champions League triumph against Serie A opponents at the 11th time of asking (D2, L8). With Matthias Jaissle’s team going unbeaten in their opening-day fixture across all four previous Champions League participations (W1, D3), spirits will be high in the home camp. Adding to this sentiment, since a disappointing 2-0 away defeat to fellow domestic rivals Sturm Graz in late July, Salzburg have racked up an impressive six-game winning streak in all competitions, with five of those victories yielding multi-goal margins.

On the other hand, seven-time Champions League winners AC Milan will be looking to make it through the competition’s group stages for the first time since 2013/14, having finished bottom of their section last season. Interestingly, Milan’s 2021/22 Champions League fiasco marked their first failed attempt to reach the knock-out phase since 1999/2000. ‘I Rossoneri’ bid to bring the glory days back to San Siro, and their record of ten unbeaten matches from 11 against Austrian clubs in major European competitions (W8, D2) reinforces their optimism. Worryingly for head coach Stefano Pioli, his men have only won one of their last nine Champions League outings (D2, L6). Their solitary victory in that span came away to Atletico Madrid on last season’s Matchday 5, meaning they could win back-to-back Champions League fixtures on the road for the first time since October 2009.

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RB Leipzig vs Shakhtar Donetsk

RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk are set to square off at the Red Bull Arena in their curtain-raising Champions League Group F fixture.

Coming into their fourth consecutive Champions League group stage appearance, RB Leipzig fell to a humiliating 4-0 defeat to fellow Champions League participants Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend. An embarrassing performance against bitter Bundesliga rivals undid successive competitive wins over Wolfsburg and fourth-tier side Teutonia via an aggregate score of 10-0, casting doubt on their ability to make it out of the Champions League group stages for the third time in four seasons. Despite failing to progress from last season’s group phase, Leipzig capped off their 2021/22 Champions League participation with back-to-back victories and could now make it three wins in a row for the second time in the club’s history. The signs are positive, as ‘Die Roten Bullen’ have only lost one of their last eight home matches in the competition’s group stages (W5, D2).

As for Shakhtar Donetsk, the long-awaited return of the Ukrainian Premier League has seen the ‘Miners’ start the new season on a run of three unbeaten matches (W2, D1), all of which featured under 1.5 total goals. With all of their star players gone due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Igor Jovicevic’s men will face the uphill task of arresting an underwhelming seven-match winless streak in the Champions League (D3, L4). Indeed, Shakhtar finished last season’s group stage without winning a single game (D2, L4), doing so for the first time in the club’s history. Speaking of the pieces of unwanted history, the Ukrainian heavyweights have only won one of their previous ten Champions League clashes against German opponents (D4, L5).

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Borussia Dortmund vs Copenhagen

The 2022/23 Champions League season gets underway at the Signal Iduna Park as Borussia Dortmund and Copenhagen go head-to-head in a Group G curtain-raiser.

Drawn together with Manchester City and Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund are aware a victory in this fixture is needed to bolster their bid to make it out of the Champions League group stages following last season’s elimination. Back-to-back 1-0 Bundesliga wins have reinforced Edin Terzic’s hopes of helping Dortmund avoid consecutive Champions League group stage exits for the first time since 2001/02. Adding to the hosts’ confidence, they’ve never lost a UEFA-sanctioned encounter against Danish opponents (W3, D1). On top of that, they’ve only suffered one defeat in their last 12 home matches in the Champions League group stages (W8, D3). It’s worth mentioning that two of their three home league outings this season have seen them win via the same 1-0 scoreline (W2, L1).

On the other hand, Copenhagen’s return to the Champions League group phase for the first time since 2016/17 marks their fifth-ever appearance at this stage of the tournament, as many participations as all other Danish clubs combined. However, only once in their history have they progressed from the Champions League group stages, doing so in the 2011/12 season. Interestingly, though, the ‘Team of the City’ have yet to lose their opening Champions League across their previous four campaigns (W1, D3), suggesting they could give Dortmund a run for their money. Indeed, Jess Thorup’s men have only lost once in their last 14 away matches in major European competitions, qualifying included (W8, D5).

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Benfica vs Maccabi Haifa

Benfica and Maccabi Haifa are set to trade tackles at the Estádio da Luz in their opening Champions League Group H showdown.

Benfica will take the field in high spirits after winning all nine matches this season, including four Champions League qualifiers via an aggregate score of 12-2. New boss Roger Schmidt hopes to help the ‘Eagles’ start a new Champions League season with a victory for the first time since 2015/16, as the Portuguese heavyweights come into proceedings winless in five consecutive opening-day matches in the competition (D2, L3). Hapoel’s upcoming visit could come in handy, with Benfica winning both previous home European clashes against opponents from Israel by an aggregate scoreline of 8-0. Despite traditionally poor Champions League starts, they have progressed from last season’s group stages and could do it twice in a row for only the second time in the club’s history.

In the meantime, Maccabi Haifa overcame perennial Serbian champions Crvena Zvezda in the Champions League playoff decider to book their first group stage appearance since 2009/10 and third overall. But Haifa’s memories of their only previous meetings with Portuguese adversaries are not bright, as they lost to Sporting CP 4-0 on aggregate in the 1995-96 Cup Winners’ Cup first round. Moreover, the ‘Greens’ blew hot and cold across their three Champions League away qualifiers this season (W1, D1, L1), though it’s worth noting they scored 2+ goals in two of those fixtures. On the bright side, Barak Bakhar’s men come into this encounter with a 100% domestic record (W3), including a late 2-1 away win over Hapoel Be’er Sheva at the weekend.

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