Welcome

 

Welcome to our inaugural look at world football. We’re 9-12 matches into the season and things are starting to heat up. Let’s take a look at this weekend’s matchups.

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Premier League (England)

Manchester United vs. Tottenham FC

October 28, 2017 – 7:30 AM EST

 

Overview:

 

This is setting up to be an uninspiring weekend in the Premier League. This particular match truly writes itself, as Manchester United (6-2-1) and the Tottenham Hotspur FC (6-2-1) are tied in points, but Man U (+18) has an edge over the Spurs (+13) in goal differential.

The Spurs finished second in the table last season. To get there again, they will need to pick up a victory over United on Saturday.

Manchester United benefits from a draw or better, either of which would keep the team in second place.

 

What to watch for:

 

The matchup between the posts.

Good news and bad news for the supporters of Manchester United. The good news is David de Gea is one of the very best goalies in football, allowing just four goals this season (tied for fifth in the English Premiere League). The bad news for Man U supporters is that Hugo Lloris, ranked ninth in the English Premier League with just six goals allowed, is also an exceptional goalkeeper.

 

Devon’s Final Thoughts:

 

This presumed low-scoring affair will likely end in 1-1 draw. No matter how great these goalies are, it just takes one lucky shot on goal to be the difference maker. Scoring should be at a premium, however, in what will be a fun-to-watch defensive struggle.

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La Liga (Spain)

Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal

October 28, 2017 – 12:30 PM EST

 

Overview:

 

Historically speaking, Atletico Madrid (5-4-0) has been the third team in La Liga.

Every season, there’s an unspoken agreement amongst spectators that goes along the lines of: “It doesn’t even matter, Real Madrid or Barcelona are going to take it all. Maybe there’s a 5% chance that Atletico does something special.”

A win over Villarreal (5-1-3) would move Atletico, now in fifth place, into third.

 

What to watch for:

 

Copa del Rey fatigue.

Things to take into consideration are that Villarreal laid down the lumber with a 4-0 victory over Las Palmas (2-0-7) in its last regular season match, while Atletico squeaked by with a 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo (3-2-4) on Sunday.

On Wednesday, both teams had contests in the Copa del Rey’s Round of 32. The Atletico match ended in a 1-1 draw with Elche CF (5-3-2, fourth in the Segunda División B Group 3), while Villarreal fell to SD Ponferradina (1-3-6, 20th in the Segunda División B Group 1) 1-0.

 

Devon’s Final Thoughts:

 

Lackluster results or not, Atletico Madrid has a depth to its team rivaled only by “older brothers” Real Madrid and Barcelona.

I fully expect Koke and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco to keep up their solid play in the midfield, while Antoine Griezmann works to reclaim the great form we’ve seen in years past.

I do, however, expect Villarreal to have just enough fight in them to steal a point in the results and maintain the current landscape of the table.

I’m predicting a 2-2 draw.

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Bundesliga (Germany)

Hannover 96 vs. Borussia Dortmund

October 28, 2017 9: 30 AM EST

 

Overview:

 

First place (Dortmund) takes on sixth place (Hannover) in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund (+18) has a +3-goal differential over second-place Bayern Munich (+15). A win for Dortmund (6-2-1) would maintain their current position, whereas a draw could put them at risk of falling behind Bayern (6-2-1) in less than a weeks’ time.

As for Hannover 96 (4-3-2), it’s simple. The team can only benefit from a win, as they are one point behind fifth place. A Davidian victory over Goliath can bring Hannover to as far as fourth place in the league.

 

What to watch for:

 

Schwegler.

Pirmin Schwegler, who has two assists this season, has become Hannover’s source of creativity. This should be intriguing to watch, as the Swiss midfielder will look to continue his solid play. Dortmund has struggled against competent playmaking this season, so it should be tough for them to stymie Schwegler.

 

Devon’s Final Thoughts:

 

I’m expecting an interesting match that should be tied through the first 60 minutes or so. Dortmund has depth and class that will make itself evident as the match wears on. Though the team has struggled to hold early leads, Hannover just doesn’t have enough star power on offense to outmatch Dortmund.

As for my prediction, a 3-1 victory for the first-place team.