Preview of the Weekend: Anfield woe for Arsenal and perfect start for Man Utd continues?
Welcome to "Preview of the Weekend". The international break will come next week, so let's take a look at these European League matches that you cannot miss this weekend!
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Kick off: 17:00 (CET)
Date: Sun-August 27, 2017
Probable Lineups:
Focus:
Wenger has confirmed Alexis Sanchez and Laurent Koscielny are ready to return for the Gunners.
Liverpool will be without Nathaniel Clyne, Philippe Coutinho and Adama Lallana.
There have been 20 goals in the last four games at Anfield in this fixture – expect more of the same this weekend.
Prediction
Liverpool 3-2 Arsenal
Manchester United vs Leicester
Kick off: 18:30 (CET)
Date: Sat-August 26, 2017
Probable Lineups:
Focus:
Marcos Rojo is again ruled out for Manchester United, though better news sees Ashley Young and Luke Shaw come back into contention for the hosts.
All in all, Jose Mourinho will see no reason to make any changes to his XI after a stunning start to the season.
Man Utd are undefeated in 29 of their last 31 matches (Premier League).
Prediction
Manchester United 4-0 Leicester
Real Madrid vs Valencia
Kick off: 22:15 (CET)
Date: Sun-August 27, 2017
Probable Lineups:
Focus:
Sergio Ramos joins Cristiano Ronaldo in the stands for the weekend after getting sent off against Deportivo last weekend.
Raphael Varane has a knock, but is expected to start due to Nacho needing a central-defensive partner.
Zinedine Zidane isn't expected to change anything else from Los Blancos' opening day victory against Depor.
Prediction
Real Madrid 3-2 Valencia
Alaves vs Barcelona
Kick off: 18:15 (CET)
Date: Sat-August 26, 2017
Probable Lineups for Barcelona:
Focus:
Luis Suarez is sidelined for around four weeks after picking up a knee injury in the second leg of the Supercopa against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu last week.
Andres Iniesta is set to return after missing both the game against Madrid and Barca's Liga opener last week versus Betis, while Gerard Pique is also fully fit after picking up a knock at the Bernabeu and staying on the bench for the 90 minutes last Sunday.
Jordi Alba was the only Barcelona player to be booked in the win over Betis and coach Ernesto Valverde does not have any players suspended for the game against Alaves.
Prediction
Alaves 1-3 Barcelona
Chelsea vs Everton
Kick off: 14:30 (CET)
Date: Sun-August 27, 2017
Probable Lineups:
Focus:
Gary Cahill is suspended for the hosts, but Cesc Fabregas is available and could feature in the attacking duo behind Alvaro Morata should Antonio Conte revert to a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Eden Hazard has been called up to the Belgium national team, though he is still someway short of fitness and is unlikely to start.
David Luiz could drop back into defence after featuring in midfield against Tottenham last week.
Morgan Schneiderlin is suspended for Everton after his dismissal against Manchester City, with Tom Davies set to come into the XI in the middle of the park.
Idrissa Gueye is a doubt, but should be fit to start at Stamford Bridge, however Muhamed Besic is on standby to feature should the Senegal star miss out.
Prediction
Chelsea 3-1 Everton
Paris Saint Germain vs Saint-Etienne
Kick off: 20:45 (CET)
Date: Fri-August 25, 2017
Probable Lineups:
Focus:
Marco Verratti will miss out here after being sent off against Toulouse.
Lucas Moura remains unfit for the leaders.
PSG have won 10 of their last 11 matches against Saint-Etienne in all competitions.
Prediction:
Paris Saint Germain 3-1 Saint-Etienne
Bremen vs Bayern
Kick off: 15:30 (CET)
Date: Sat-August 26, 2017
Probable Lineups:
Bremen: Pavlenka, Veljkovic, Sane, Bauer, Augustinsson, Gondorf, Eggestein, Delaney, Selassie, Kruse, Bartels
Bayern: Neuer, Kimmich, Hummels, Süle, Alaba, Tolisso, Rudy, Robben, Müller, Ribery, Lewandowski
Focus:
Manuel Neuer, Javi Martinez and Thiago all returned to full training with Bayern this week, but while the Germany goalkeeper may come in for Sven Ulreich, the two Spaniards are expected to start as substitutes.
Carlo Ancelotti could hand Arjen Robben his first start of the season, in which case Arturo Vidal would likely drop to the bench.
Bayern have won their last 15 competitive games against Bremen – 13 in the Bundesliga and two in the DFB Cup – and have lost none of their last 20 meetings with them.
Prediction
Bremen 0-3 Bayern
Bournemouth vs Manchester City
Kick off: 13:30 (CET)
Date: Sat-August 26, 2017
Probable Lineups:
Focus:
With Kyle Walker suspended following a controversial dismissal against Everton on Monday, Pep Guardiola could call upon Benjamin Mendy for the first time, who has stepped up his recovery from a thigh injury.
Danilo should start on the right, while the game may come too soon for midfielders Delph and Gundogan, who are both nearing a return to fitness.
Prediction:
Bournemouth 0-3 Manchester City