PREMIER LEAGUE: MANCHESTER UNITED 3, BRENTFORD 2
GOAL verdict: Even with a 2-1 win over Chelsea, Man Utd appeared unsteady, struggling as the Blues applied pressure in the second half. Brentford, meanwhile, have found life difficult after losing key players over the summer, managing only one win in their first five games. While a Red Devils victory seems likely, the Bees could still create challenges for Ruben Amorin’s side.
PREMIER LEAGUE: BOURNEMOUTH 3, LEEDS UNITED 1
GOAL verdict: Competing in the Premier League is never easy for newly promoted teams, but Leeds United have started reasonably well. With two wins and a draw from their first five matches, the Peacocks have shown promise. However, their next challenge is Bournemouth, one of the standout sides this season, beaten only by Liverpool. All signs suggest a win for Andoni Iraola’s team.
LA LIGA: REAL MADRID 3, ATLETICO MADRID 1
GOAL verdict: Five wins from five, 10 goals scored and only two conceded - Real Madrid look as dominant as ever and this fixture should be straightforward for their star-studded squad. Xabi Alonso’s side have made a superb start, while Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid have struggled, managing just one win and three draws from their first five matches - and conceding five goals. This is far from vintage Atleti, and Los Rojiblancos could face a difficult Madrid derby.
BUNDESLIGA: EINTRACHT FRANKFURT 2, BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH 1
GOAL verdict: Two draws and two defeats in their first four matches cost Gerardo Seoane his job, leaving Gladbach winless in their last 10 league outings and stuck in the relegation zone. Frankfurt, meanwhile, have had a mixed start under Dino Toppmöller, winning their first two games before losing the next two. Even so, they still look well placed to take three points.
MLS: NEW YORK CITY FC 2, NEW YORK RED BULLS 1
GOAL verdict: With New York City FC in strong form, the Hudson River Derby looks tilted in their favor, leaving the Red Bulls with slim hopes. The Red Bulls have managed just two victories in their last five matches, while NYCFC have lost only twice since mid-July. It’s a stark contrast heading into the derby, though a win could push RBNY back into playoff contention. Even so, it’s hard to look past NYCFC.
MLS: NASHVILLE SC 2, HOUSTON DYNAMO 1
GOAL verdict: Nashville have been solid at home all season and head into this clash with a real momentum. Their defense remains one of the stingiest in the league, while their attack has begun to click. Houston, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency on the road and have picked up just a handful of wins away from home. It paints two very different pictures going into this matchup, and while Houston can be dangerous on the counter, go with Nashville.
MLS: LOS ANGELES FC 3, ST LOUIS CITY 1
GOAL verdict: St. Louis City have struggled to find their rhythm lately, with inconsistent results and a defense that’s leaked goals. LAFC, meanwhile, are hitting their stride with a potent attack and several standout performances in recent weeks. It sets up a tough challenge for St. Louis, especially given LAFC’s ability to punish mistakes and dominate possession. The pick here is LAFC.
