Portal Eurofootball.com briefly reviews the most interesting and anticipated matches of this weekend in Europe.
"Paris Saint-Germain" - "Bordeaux", September 11, 21.30h
Teams' form this season:
"PSG": 4 matches, 4 wins (1st place in the league)
"Bordeaux": 4 matches, 1 loss, 2 draws, 1 win (10th place in the league)
It's hard to imagine that anyone could dethrone Paris Saint-Germain's footballers from the French champions' throne this year. At the start of the season, the Parisians didn't show much fireworks, but they demonstrated their teeth in the fourth round when they crushed Monaco away.
Bordeaux's task is hindered by the fact that PSG players hardly have any injury problems, and their big summer signing Angel Di Maria is already warming up.
Meanwhile, Bordeaux will definitely miss Clement Chantome and defender Cedric Yambere. The availability of other players for this evening's match is still questionable.
"Everton" - "Chelsea", September 12, 14.45h
Teams' form this season:
"Everton": 2 draws, 1 win and 1 loss (9th place in the league)
"Chelsea": 2 losses, 1 draw, and 1 win (13th place in the league)
Chelsea's disappointing start to the season will see them face yet another tough task on Saturday - overcoming Everton away.
Comments:
Roberto Martinez: "Our upcoming opponents have not reached the winning momentum they had last season. This is obvious. You can have the same players, tactics, and skill level, but you still need to step up and this happens by achieving results. I hope for a strong Chelsea team, playing with the right attitude, just like last season when they confidently triumphed in the Premier League. We will have to do everything to prevent the opponents from gaining momentum in the upcoming match."
Jose Mourinho, after the failure against Crystal Palace, promised that the match against Everton will look completely different: "If you ask me whether I expect good results by crossing my arms and sitting on a nice chair, I can tell you - definitely not. I will analyze and react - if I see that players are not in good shape, I will make corrections. What's important for me is whether they are ready to fight against their bad athletic form or not."
"Manchester United" - "Liverpool", September 12, 19:30
Teams' form this season:
"Manchester United": 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss (5th place in the league)
"Liverpool": 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss (7th place in the league)
For the first time in Premier League history, this match between these teams will not feature a local player. However, this match will still be full of charm and interesting aspects.
First of all, it should be Anthony Martial's debut. It is unlikely that we will see him from the first minutes, but the young Frenchman is expected to take to the field in the second half of the match.
It will also be interesting to see if Martial's arrival will have an impact on Wayne Rooney's struggling game. The all-time top scorer of the England national team has had a tough start to the season, so perhaps the sudden competition in the striker position will help him improve his game.
And finally - what will happen with Liverpool? Beginning the season reasonably well, Brendan Rodgers' pupils faced humiliation at home by losing 0-3 against West Ham before the international break. For the Reds in turmoil, facing one of their toughest opponents is a great way to bounce back from the fourth round fiasco.
Comments:
Ryan Giggs: "The match against Liverpool is a great way to extend the season after the international break. All our players are eagerly awaiting the match, and I am sure the fans are too. Matches against Liverpool representatives of the city are always special and they become even more memorable when we secure a victory."
Nathaniel Clyne: "One of the reasons I chose Liverpool - such matches. Playing at Old Trafford stadium last season and fighting for victory together with Southampton was a particularly pleasant feeling. We deservedly won and in such matches you must demonstrate your best form if you want to score three points. We cannot afford to let opponents pass the ball freely and give them enough space."
Madrid "Atletico" - "Barcelona", September 13, 21.30h
Teams' form in the league:
"Atletico": 2 wins (3rd place in the league)
"Barcelona": 2 wins (4th place in the league)
When we think of clashes between these teams, the legendary 2013/14 season final immediately comes to mind, when Atletico claimed the Spanish champions title in Barcelona's fortress in the final matches of that season.
However, times have changed drastically, as have the teams. Last season, Barcelona was already dominant, while Atletico had almost no chance of defending their title.
But this year, the capital team has again assembled a very strong lineup that can scare almost any team in Europe. Whether they can challenge Real and Barcelona in the fight for the title is still unclear, but on paper, this club looks stronger than last year. The key question is how long it will take for Diego Simeone to integrate new players into the team and adapt them to his playing style.
Meanwhile, Barcelona has not shown particularly impressive play so far - two hard-fought 1-0 wins in both rounds. However, we all know that this is Barcelona, and they can switch to a higher gear at any time.
Comments:
Antoine Griezmann: "We will give everything to win. Barcelona always keeps the ball longer and we will try to press them, actively defend, and try to score. We have prepared well for the season and it now helps us. Each time we feel more united in the field and playing becomes easier."
Gerard Pique: "It is always hard to play when coming back from the national team. We will need to be prepared against Atletico both physically and psychologically."
"Inter" - "Milan", September 13, 21.45h
Teams' form in the league:
"Inter": 2 wins (3rd place in the league)
"Milan": 1 loss and 1 win (9th place in the league)
The dessert of the week - the Milan derby.
The mood in the city's teams is different. Inter has started the season well and has yet to drop points. The Nerazzurri fans are undoubtedly pleased with the summer transfer work, as the team has been bolstered by a number of high-level players, and they have strengthened positions that were problematic last year.
Geoffrey Kondogbia and Stevan Jovetic have integrated well into the team, while the defensive duo of Jeison Murillo and Miranda could be what Inter has been looking for for years.
Meanwhile, Milan fans are not happy with the club. A hopeless loss in the opening round to Fiorentina forced a rethink of the team's composition. The inexperience of central defenders and a lack of balance in the defensive midfield were exposed.
Since then, little has been done - Genoa full-back Juraj Kucka was acquired. This did not bring joy to Milan fans.
