Arsenal v Spurs and Basque derby among pick of the games from top five leagues

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 15:22 28/08/2019
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  • And we’re back!

    The top five European leagues are now well and truly in full flow to bring some colour to our weekends again.

    In what will be the final round before the first international break, there’s a lot to enjoy from of La Liga, Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

    Derbies, top-of-the-table clashes and opportunities to exact revenge – we take a look at the top games that should be on your list for the weekend.

    PREMIER LEAGUE

    Arsenal v Tottenham (North London Derby)

    After a bright start, Arsenal have stumbled under Emery.

    Venue: Emirates

    Date: Sunday, 1st September

    Time: 7:30PM, GST

    Tottenham and Arsenal will reignite one of the fiercest rivalries in Europe when they take the field at Emirates on Sunday

    This fixture promises goals, as evidenced by the shaky defences of both sides, quality strikers, the 4-2 scoreline from the last game at this venue and the pure adrenaline that follows such a big derby.

    Arsenal arrive at this fixture following a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool while Spurs slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat against Newcastle. Three points and momentum going forward are just added incentives as both teams fight for bragging rights.

    It’s almost a case of when, not if, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Harry Kane both score.

    LA LIGA

    Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad (Basque derby)

    ATHLETIC BILBAO

    Venue: San Mames

    Date: Saturday, 31st August

    Time: 12:00AM, GST

    A historic derby captures the attention in Spain as Athletic Bilbao host Real Sociedad on Friday night.

    The hosts will be desperate to assert themselves on the fixture and earn their first derby win since March 2017. Their win over defending champions Barcelona makes a good case for why they could walk away with three points on Friday.

    Sociedad are also unbeaten in the two games they have featured in this season. They followed a 1-1 draw against Valencia by edging Mallorca by one goal.

    Inaki Williams will be Bilbao’s key man while the visitors will look at youngsters Mikel Oyarzabal and Martin Odegaard for inspiration.

    BUNDESLIGA

    Borussia Monchengladbach v RB Leipzig

    Timo

    Venue: Borussia Park

    Date: 30th August, Friday

    Time: 10:30 PM, GST

    Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig feature in the curtain-raiser of blockbuster fixtures this weekend.

    The Foals start as underdogs in this fixture, merely based on Leipzig’s rampant form this season. The visitors thrashed Union Berlin 4-0 in the first game before taking all three points against Eintracht Frankfurt.

    Gladbach rode on a match-winning performance from Alassane Plea to beat FC Mainz 3-1 after a goal-less opening day draw against Schalke.

    Both teams have established quality additions to the squad, but how will the hosts respond to losing star player Thorgan Hazard?

    Breel Embolo will attempt to nullify his absence as Marcel Sabitzer and Timo Werner look to build on their fine form for the visitors.

    SERIE A

    Juventus v Napoli

    1023 Ronaldo Focus

    Venue: Juventus Stadium

    Date: Saturday, 31st August

    Time: 10:45 PM, GST

    The big one is already here in the Serie A. The top two from last season lock horns as early as the second matchday as Napoli travel to Turin.

    Juventus have dominated this fixture in recent times, winning three of the last five games and losing just one. On paper, the Turin side is favourite to build on their 1-0 win over Parma and bag all three points on Saturday.

    Napoli were involved in a seven-goal thriller against Fiorentina, with Lorenzo Insigne scoring twice and providing two more to power his team to a narrow win.

    Will Cristiano Ronaldo inspire the hosts to a win or will Insigne deliver yet again earn his team a crucial win?

    LIGUE 1

    Marseille v St Etienne

    Marseille's French midfielder Florian Thauvin (L) kicks the ball to score a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Saint-Etienne and Olympique de Marseille

    Venue: Stade Velodrome

    Date: Sunday, 1st September

    Time: 11 PM, GST

    Two teams involved in an intense tussle for a European spot last season feature in the most exciting game in Ligue 1 this season. Marseille host St Etienne as they attempt to get their first win of the season.

    The visitors will want to avoid their first defeat following a 2-1 win over Dijon and a 1-1 draw against Brest.

    Marseille have dominated this fixture at home, winning four of the last five games without conceding defeat. This should be a perfect springboard for them to kick-start their season.

    Romain Hamouma and Ryad Boudebouz are key for St Etienne, while Marseille are just hoping they can score their first goal of the season against a notoriously stingy defence.

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