Matchday Preview: Man City Clash with Spurs for Premier League Top Spot; Real Madrid and Barcelona Chase Back-to-Back Wins

 August 22, 8:30 PM ET – Bundesliga: Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig

Bayern Munich have gone unbeaten in their last four meetings with RB Leipzig, winning twice and drawing twice. Last weekend, Bayern claimed the German Super Cup with a 2-1 victory over Stuttgart, their first in two years. Leipzig, meanwhile, kicked off their season with a 4-2 German Cup win away at Sandhausen. This fixture marks the Bundesliga season opener, and both sides are eager to start strong.

Bayern are dealing with multiple injuries, with Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, Jamal Musiala, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Konrad Laimer all sidelined. Díaz, who debuted in the Super Cup, is set for his Bundesliga debut and will join Harry Kane as a key attacking weapon. Leipzig will also miss several players, including El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Benjamin Henrichs, Amadou Haidara, Nemanja Maksimović, and Lukas Klostermann. Last season’s standout Loïs Openda, alongside debut goalscorer Diomande, pose the biggest threat to Bayern’s defense.

August 22, 9:00 PM ET – Premier League: West Ham vs Chelsea

The two clubs have met 122 times in history, with Chelsea recording 55 wins, 23 draws, and 44 losses. The Blues are unbeaten in their last three against West Ham, with seven meetings producing just one defeat. In their league openers, West Ham were thrashed 3-0 away, while Chelsea were held to a goalless draw at home by Crystal Palace. Both teams are desperate for their first Premier League win of the season.

For West Ham, wingers Summerville and Guilherme are out injured, but summer signing Peters could make his debut. Captain Jarrod Bowen remains their most decisive attacker, having scored 10+ goals in each of the last four seasons. Chelsea, missing Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia, Benoît Badiashile, and Tosin Adarabioyo, will rely heavily on Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, and Cole Palmer to rediscover their Club World Cup form.

August 23, 2:30 PM ET – Premier League: Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur

The two clubs have met 174 times, with City winning 69, drawing 37, and losing 68. In last season’s second league meeting, City won 1-0 away to Spurs, snapping a two-match losing streak. At the Etihad, however, Spurs have had the upper hand recently, with City winning just once in the last four home clashes, including a humiliating 0-4 defeat last season.

Both sides impressed in their league openers: City thrashed Wolves 4-0 away, while Spurs cruised to a 3-0 home victory over Burnley. With both sides sitting first and second in the table on goal difference, the winner will almost certainly take the Premier League lead.

City are missing several key players, including Rodri, Mateo Kovačić, Savinho, Phil Foden, and Joško Gvardiol. Erling Haaland looked sharp with a brace in the opener, while new signing Leny Yoro scored on his Premier League debut. Spurs are also shorthanded, with Radu Drăgușin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon, and Destiny Udogie all out. Richarlison, who struggled last season, exploded with two goals in the opener, and his partnership with Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson—the “CuriNan” trio—will be crucial.

August 23, 7:30 PM ET – Premier League: Arsenal vs Leeds United

The clubs have faced each other 127 times, with Arsenal winning 53, drawing 33, and losing 41. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 against Leeds, with 12 wins and two draws. In their openers, Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0 away, reaffirming their title credentials, while newly promoted Leeds claimed a 1-0 home victory over Everton.

Arsenal will be without forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, while new signings Gyökeres and Madueke will need to step up after disappointing debuts. Bukayo Saka’s creativity will be key in helping them find the net. Leeds, meanwhile, will miss new recruits Bijol, Bornauw, and Calvert-Lewin, but another summer signing, Nmecha, scored a match-winning goal off the bench in his debut and could play a bigger role against the Gunners.

August 23, 10:30 PM ET – La Liga: Levante vs Barcelona

The two sides have met 45 times, with Barça winning 32, drawing 7, and losing just 6. Barcelona have dominated recent matchups, winning four of the last five and losing only once in their last eight. Levante, newly promoted, fell 2-1 at home to Alavés in their opener, while defending champions Barcelona cruised to a 3-0 away win over Mallorca.

Levante could hand debuts to new signings Maturro, Koyalip, Aliaga, and Olasagasti, while debutant Torrián, who scored in his first match, is expected to play a key role again. Barça will miss Robert Lewandowski through injury, but their attack remains formidable. Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres all scored in the opener, and new signing Marcus Rashford is aiming for his first La Liga goal.

August 24, 6:30 PM ET – Premier League: Fulham vs Manchester United

Manchester United have lost just once in their last 22 against Fulham and are on an eight-match winning run at Craven Cottage. In their openers, Fulham drew 1-1 away at Brighton, while United fell 1-0 at home to Arsenal. With United targeting a top-four finish this season, this is a must-win fixture.

Fulham will be without defender Antonee Robinson, but forward Muniz, who scored in the opener, poses a major threat to United’s defense, while Jiménez also offers scoring ability. For United, goalkeeper André Onana and defender Lisandro Martínez are sidelined. Their €220 million summer recruits Šeško, Mbeumo, and Cunha will join Bruno Fernandes to form a new-look attacking quartet, looking to make an impact.

August 24, 10:30 PM ET – La Liga: Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid

The two clubs have met 85 times historically, with Real Madrid winning 55, drawing 16, and losing 14. Oviedo have managed just one win in their last 12 against Los Blancos, though the two haven’t faced each other since 2002. In their openers, newly promoted Oviedo lost 2-0 away at Villarreal, while Real Madrid edged Osasuna 1-0 at home.

On paper, Madrid are heavy favorites, but their opening performance was far from convincing. Still, their attacking stars could use this match to find rhythm. Antonio Rüdiger returns from suspension, while Jude Bellingham, Endrick, and Eduardo Camavinga remain out. Kylian Mbappé could score for a second straight match, Vinícius Jr. will chase his first of the season, while Rodrygo—awaiting a transfer—is unlikely to feature. For Oviedo, new signings Frese, Alberto Reina, Dendoncker, and Eyaria are all in line for debuts.