It is the 165th league meeting between the two sides since the foundation of LaLiga in 1929; El Derbi Madrileño also known as Madrid derby has returned to its former glory as one of Europe’s premier fixtures thanks to the efforts of Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. In England, this fixture used to be a top of the table clash or a title decider, however, the duel between Manchester United and Arsenal in recent times has become a derby of two former champions. Can Victor Osimhen keep his impressive lethal form in front of goal at the Allianz Riveira?
We begin in France;
BORDEAUX v PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN – SAT. 28 SEPT 2019, 16.30HRS
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VS
Thomas Tuchel heavy rotation failed to yield result as the champions suffered a rare home defeat on Wednesday which end their impressive run of five straight wins in all competition. PSG travel south to face in-form Bordeaux who are unbeaten in the last six Ligue 1 matches. Former PSG youngsters Yacine Adli struck twice in Bordeaux’s victory over Amiens at Stade de la Licorne. The stylish midfielder would hope to get one over his former employers at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.
VERDICT – PSG suffered their first home defeat in 22 matches under Tuchel’s guidance and we expect the German coach to demand an immediate reaction on Saturday evening. In spite of their good form, Les Girondins have a poor home record against the visitors. Paulo Sousa’s team have scored in every league match this season therefore we believe there would be goals in this one. Over 2.5 goals
OGC NICE v LILLE OSC – SAT. 28 SEPT 2019, 19.00HRS
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VS
After winning at Rennes at the beginning of the month, Nice have suffered back-to-back defeats on the road at Montpellier and a derby loss at Monaco. Patrick Vieira’s Eaglets will be eager to return to winning ways on home turf when the league joint-top scorer Victor Osimhen and co arrive at the Allianz Riveira. LOSC have been perfect at home but their form on the road requires improvement if they aim to repeat the success of last season.
VERDICT – There has been no middle ground for Nice this campaign so far, it’s either hit or miss. Les Aiglons have not lost at home in the last three meetings against Lille, they would be a full throttle for this game while LOSC might have one eye on the Chelsea game next week. This could swing either ways but Nice might have the edge because they play in front of their fans.
To Germany;
RB LEIPZIG v SCHALKE 04 – SAT. 28 SEPT 2019, 14.30HRS
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VS
Leaders RB Leipzig continue to set the pace in the Bundesliga and Julian Nagelsmann has an almost full squad to select his team. At the moment, RBL look like genuine contenders but it is still early days and they are just two points above perennial winners – Bayern Munich. The visitors, David Wagner’s Schalke are enjoying their best run in the league in 18 months, winning three games in a row but a trip to the Red Bull Arena is a different kettle of fish.
VERDICT – Both teams come into this game on the back on a winning series. Schalke will be inspired by recent results as they target a fourth unbeaten game in the league. However, giving Leipzig class and quality, they are position to deliver at home.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND v WERDER BREMEN – SAT. 28 SEPT 2019, 17.30HRS
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VS
Borussia Dortmund need to keep pace with RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich at the top end of the table if the aim is to win the title this season. BVB have scored in each of their last 27 league home games, one short of the club record achieved under Jürgen Klopp. Injuries has hampered Florian Kohfeldt’s team this season; the River Islanders have five first-team players out of this game including Ludwig Augustinsson, Niclas Fülkrug and Yuya Osako. The positive for Bremen is the availability of former BVB man, Nuri Sahin who will be eager to play at his old stomping ground.
VERDICT – Dortmund have axe to grind against their weekend opponent who ended their domestic silverware on two fronts last season. The home team has won seven of the last eight at home so they are favorites against an injury ravaged visitor. Regardless of the situation, Bermen under Kohfeldt’s love to attack which will leave loads of space to attack. Home win and over 2.5 goals in this game.
To Italy;
SAMPDORIA v INTER MILAN – SAT. 28 SEPT 2019, 17.00HRS
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VS
It’s just five games into the new Serie A season but Eusebio Di Francesco is leading the sack race already; the new Samp coach has lost four of his first five matches with his team shipping 11 goals. League leaders Inter could not have wished for a better start to the season, Antonio Conte’s team sit pretty comfortable at the top of the table with their 100% record intact in the 2019/20 season. The Blucerchiati are at the wrong end of the table and without Jeison Murillo who is suspended for this game, Di Francesco task of securing a result is much tougher.
VERDICT – Inter are looking the path and they aim to end Juventus hegemony in the Serie A. We have to go back to October 2016 for the last time Doria beat the Nerazzurri at home. With one eye on the trip to Barcelona next week, Conte might shuffle his pack but they should still have enough to win at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Under 2.5 goals
SASSUOLO v ATALANTA – SAT. 28 SEPT 2019, 19.45HRS
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VS
Sassuolo will be looking to record their third consecutive win at home when they host Atalanta at their Mapei Stadium – Citta del Tricolore, the venue the two teams shared last season. The Neroverdi continue with their habit of producing the goods at home than on the travels and they head into this game on the back of defeat at Parma. Atalanta aim to build on their win over Roma at and given their attacking potential, they will pose a difficult challenge for Roberto De Zerbi’s team.
VERDICT – 15 goals in total have been netted in previous three meetings between the two clubs and yet another high-scoring affair is on the cards. Atalanta have won on their last three trips to Mapei Stadium. Over 2.5 goals
To Spain;
GETAFE v BARCELONA – SAT. 28 SEPT 2019, 15.00HRS
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VS
Barcelona travel to the Spanish capital to take on one of the smaller Madrid based club on Saturday. The Champions away record in this campaign has been abysmal so far; no victory for Ernesto Valverde’s team outside the Camp Nou. Getafe have started to find a bit of form; they head into this game following back-to-back home wins and a thrilling 3-3 draw in Valencia on Wednesday. José Bordalás team had an exceptional campaign last season but have had a shaky start to this one. Their recent result will boost the confidence of the home ahead of the Champions visit.
VERDICT – Barcelona are without a win in seven away games since their victory at Alaves way back in April. Getafe are unbeaten in their last six consecutive competitive games, bouncing back from an opening day loss to Atletico Madrid. It’s almost impossible to fancy Barcelona away from home at the moment, not without Messi in the side, the task just got much tougher. Under 3.5 goals
ATLETICO MADRID v REAL MADRID – SAT. 28 SEPT 2019, 20.00HRS
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VS
El derbi Madrileno is the match of the week in the Spanish top division and the entire city focus will be on Estadio Wanda Metropolitano. Less than a week ago, Zinedine Zidane was under immense pressure with the white handkerchiefs readied to be waved at the club legend but two massive results and two clean sheets will see his team will make the 14-mins trip east of the Bernabeu for the derby with calm. Atletico returned to winning ways at San Moix to stop a run of three games with a victory and will be highly motivated for the derby as they look for their first victory against their illustrious city rivals at their new stadium.
VERDICT – This is a big test for both Madrid clubs; both teams have had disappointing results in recent times and a victory here will definitely help relaunch their campaign. In spite of Atletico’s recent aggression, Real have won two of their last three visits to Atletico. We expect both teams to cancel each other out.
To England;
BOURNEMOUTH v WEST HAM UNITED – SAT. 28 SEPT 2019, 15.00HRS
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VS
One point and one place separates both teams going into this weekend’s duel as both share places in the top-six on the log. Interestingly, both teams suffered shock results midweek in the Carabao Cup to lower league opposition which would have left Eddie Howe and Manuel Pellegrini incredibly frustrated. The Cheeries have managed just one Premier League victory at home this season while West Ham are yet to suffer a defeat in the league on the road.
VERDICT – Bournemouth are targeting a third successive victory in the league while the visitors are looking for a fourth in five matches. The last four Premier League meetings between these sides at Vitality Stadium have produced 17 goals, with nine for AFC Bournemouth and eight for West Ham. Both teams to score.
MANCHESTER UNITED v ARSENAL – MON. 30 SEPT 2019, 20.00HRS
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VS
It is another meeting of two members of the Premier League top-six. These two rivals were the heavyweights of the division in the not too distant past. The first indication that both are former powerhouses is that this game will be played on Monday in a Champions League week. Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from the defeat at West Ham, a defeat that saw them drop to eight on the table while Arsenal are aiming for a consecutive win after beating Aston Villa to maintain their place in the top four.
VERDICT – A poor result for either manager will increase the pressure on them. Arsenal got the better of United in the league taking four points off them but the Red Devils knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup. Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League home matches against Arsenal, (8W, 4D) since a 1-0 defeat in September 2006. With only one recognized striker for United, this could be the time for Arsenal to earn a league win at Old Trafford in more than a decade. Over 1.5 goals is the minimum expectation in this game.
This wraps up our FESIG preview for the week. Predict and win big by visiting our Sports shop Babaijebu.ng for mouthwatering offers in all matches available in the French, German, Italian, Spanish and English leagues for the weekend.