It was a fascinating weekend Premier League football – and yet how much did it really matter?
Manchester City’s ongoing battle to clear its name after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of financial regulations means there is an asterix next to everything until sanctions are announced and confirmed.
This doesn’t really apply to the Champions League, although it would highlight the level of City’s misconduct if they were to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2023.
Enzo Maresca’s side are involved in the knockout round of the match when they host two-time defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night.
Here, we take a look at the key matches of the week and offer our predictions.
TUESDAY
Arsenal – Lille (8pm)
Arsenal fought back at the weekend, needing goals in the last half hour to beat Leeds at the Emirates. Indeed, with a better finish, the Yorkshire outfit would have topped the M1 with all three points. Mikel Arteta insists he is happy with his team’s attacking performance but there is no doubt that they are not currently firing on all cylinders. Arteta is likely to make some changes for the visit of Lille and may find answers elsewhere in his deep squad. Lille are doing well in Ligue 1 and are one point behind leaders Monaco. Davide Ancelotti has shown that elite management runs in the genes, but this is a huge test for the 37-year-old.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Lille
Atlético de Madrid – Manchester United (8 p.m.)
Although he drew last-gasp against Tottenham on Saturday, a point was certainly more Manchester United deserved after another largely lifeless performance. Teams often reflect their manager and at the moment United are calm, unassuming and non-aggressive, just like Michael Carrick. Carrick have some major issues to address and the Metropolitano is not the ideal place to do it. Atlético will smell blood and Diego Simeone is not one to let this opportunity pass.
Prediction: Atlético de Madrid 2-0 Manchester United
Galatasaray – Barcelona (8 p.m.)
The real test of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will likely come in the Champions League this season. They already look set to retain La Liga for a third consecutive year, with arch-rivals Real Madrid limping along after backtracking on re-appointing Jose Mourinho in the summer. Barça have not lifted the trophy for Europe’s elite clubs since 2015, but should challenge this season. Rodri is a shrewd signing, but the lack of a world-class number nine could prove problematic. Galatasaray will be looking to make it difficult for the Catalans, as well as a boisterous home support at RAMS Park. This will not be easy, but Barça should have enough.
Prediction: Galatasaray 1-3 Barcelona
WEDNESDAY
LASK Linz – Liverpool (17.45)
Liverpool performed well for 20 minutes against Manchester City on Sunday, but you always sensed they would run out of steam. That’s exactly what happened and, aided by the unfortunate dismissal of Ryan Gravenberch, the visitors ran away with it. Liverpool have yet to solve the Florian Wirtz conundrum with the Germany international looking completely lost at the weekend. Bradley Barcola was just as poor and Reds fans have every right to expect more. LASK are also struggling having not won in the Austrian Bundesliga since September 1st.
Prediction: LASK Linz 0-1 Liverpool
Aston Villa – Fenerbahce (8 p.m.)
Like Liverpool and Manchester United, Aston Villa are stumbling through games right now. Saturday’s home draw with Brentford was a decent result after another disjointed display. Perhaps we shouldn’t expect anything more after a summer of upheaval at Villa Park and Unai Emery is likely to need time to mold this latest incarnation of Villa into a cohesive unit. Fenerbahce have plenty of Premier League experience in their ranks with the likes of Ederson, Nathan Ake, N’Golo Kante, Romelu Lukaku and former Villa loanee Marco Asensio. It remains to be seen whether the visitors are prepared to subject Mason Greenwood to a hostile return to England.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Fenerbahce
Manchester City – Paris Saint-Germain (8 p.m.)
There seems to be very little contrition at Manchester City, although that is perhaps understandable given their absolute confidence that their name will be cleared. That is likely to spark a sense of challenge at the Etihad on Wednesday night against the two-time European champions. On the pitch, City have been excellent with Enzo Maresca making a seamless transition into the hot seat vacated by Pep Guardiola. This is a huge test, though. PSG may have won only half of their games in Ligue 1, but they will still win the title. They save their best displays, and best XIs, for nights like this.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain
Roma-Real Madrid (8 p.m.)
Jose Mourinho could do with some love right now. The former Roma manager will be given a warm welcome back at the Stadio Olimpico and will relish the chance to get away from the Spanish capital after another weekend of controversy which saw him skip his post-match media duties following the 1-0 win against Villarreal. The drama that follows is considered blockbuster by some and very tedious by others. His side have looked vulnerable away from home this season with defeats to Atlético and Real Betis and will be tested again by a Roma side who are doing well in Serie A.
Prediction: Roma 1-2 Real Madrid
