PREMIER LEAGUE: ARSENAL 3, CRYSTAL PALACE 1
GOAL Verdict: One of the most in-form sides in the Premier League, Arsenal haven’t lost a game since their defeat to Liverpool in August. Since then, the Gunners have gone on an impressive eight-game unbeaten run across all competition. That puts them in a strong position heading into this clash, while Crystal Palace are feeling the strain of balancing league and European commitments. Their unbeaten run came to an end recently, followed by a chaotic 3-3 draw with Bournemouth. On current form, Arsenal hold the clear advantage, but Palace have shown they can still make things difficult.
LA LIGA: REAL MADRID 3, BARCELONA 3
GOAL Verdict: The gem of the weekend, El Clasico. Few fixtures in world football carry as much weight, and both sides enter this clash with plenty to prove. Real Madrid have been in fine form, losing just once in their last five matches - a 5-2 hammering by Atletico Madrid that appears to have been just a minor blip. Barcelona, meanwhile, have mirrored that record, with their only defeat a heavy 4-1 loss to Sevilla. However, inconsistency and injuries have plagued the Catalan side, leaving them more vulnerable. All signs point to an evenly poised encounter where either team could walk away victorious, but the likelihood is a hard-fought draw.
PREMIER LEAGUE: TOTTENHAM 2, EVERTON 0
GOAL Verdict: As league starts go, Everton’s could certainly be worse, with the Toffees sitting mid-table. However, just one win in their last five league outings - a narrow victory over Crystal Palace - doesn’t inspire much confidence. That stretch also includes two draws and two defeats, leaving plenty to be desired. The North London side, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last five league matches, winning three of them, albeit by fine margins. On current form, Spurs look likely to take three points, even if Everton make them work for it.
SERIE A: BOLOGNA 2, FIORENTINA 1
GOAL Verdict: Bologna have had a solid start to the season, especially when compared to a struggling Fiorentina side. Unbeaten in their last four games, including three victories and a 2-2 draw against Lecce, they look in fine form. Fiorentina, meanwhile, have endured a miserable beginning to their campaign, managing just three draws and four losses. Their poor run of results leaves them low on confidence and in desperate need of a turnaround. But facing an in-form Bologna side, it’s hard to see them taking anything from this clash.
SERIE A: JUVENTUS 3, LAZIO 1
GOAL Verdict: Much like Fiorentina, Lazio have endured a rough start to the season, particularly when measured against a strong Juventus side. The Old Lady sits just four points behind league leaders AC Milan, with only one loss in seven matches. Their six-game unbeaten run was snapped by Cesc Fabregas’ Como in a 2-0 loss, but they remain in far better form than Lazio, who have drawn two and lost three. While the hosts might show some resistance, Juventus’ consistency and quality should see them comfortably overcome any challenge.
