The international break is finally over, and club football is back with a bang!
From huge Premier League clashes to heavyweight encounters in Spain and Italy, there’s plenty to look forward to this weekend. But one fixture stands above the rest…
Here are the 10 biggest matches to watch as club football returns, counting down to our number one.
10. Alavés vs Atlético Madrid – Saturday 15:15
Atlético Madrid return to La Liga action with a tricky trip to Alavés, where Diego Simeone’s side will be looking to avoid an upset.
Atlético are coming off a huge win in the Madrid derby, but Alaves have a habit of upsetting Atletico in home meetings, unbeaten since 2021 with two wins and two draws.
Can Atletico continue their strong form before the break and make it four La Liga wins in a row on Saturday?
9. Sunderland vs Brighton – Saturday 15:00
Two clubs with plenty to prove meet at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland welcome Brighton.
Third place Brighton finished out their break in fantastic manner, with wins in the Carabao Cup over Man Utd at Old Trafford before a 3-0 thumping of champions Arsenal – while Sunderland are looking to kick start their season after a spluttering start. With Brighton’s attacking approach and Sunderland’s home support, it could be a very entertaining contest.
8. Aston Villa vs Brentford – Saturday 15:00
Aston Villa have endured a difficult start to the Premier League campaign, making Brentford’s visit an important opportunity to build some momentum.
Brentford’s 3-0 win over Chelsea before the break demonstrated just how well they can compete with bigger clubs, so Villa cannot afford to take anything for granted. Can Unai Emery’s side turn their season around?
7. Barcelona vs Getafe – Saturday 17:30
Barcelona return to La Liga action against Getafe, with Lamine Yamal and his team-mates looking to maintain their challenge at the top of Spanish football.
Getafe have a reputation for making life uncomfortable for their opponents, and Barcelona will need to be patient if they are to break down their visitors.
6. Chelsea vs Bournemouth – Saturday 15:00
Chelsea welcome Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge in a fixture that could provide a huge test of their consistency.
Despite being without a win in EPL this season, Bournemouth have already shown they can cause problems for established Premier League sides, while Chelsea will be determined to make home advantage count.
With both teams capable of producing attacking football, this could be one of the weekend’s more entertaining games.
5. Como vs Roma – Sunday 11:30
One of the standout fixtures in Serie A sees Cesc Fàbregas’ Como take on top of the table Roma.
Como’s ambitious project has made them one of Italian football’s most interesting clubs, and a meeting with Serie A leaders Roma provides another opportunity to measure their progress against established opposition.
4. Arsenal vs Leeds United – Saturday 12:30
Mikel Arteta has committed his future to Arsenal with a new contract until 2030, and the Gunners return to Premier League action against high flying Leeds.
Arsenal will be determined to bounce back after defeat to Brighton last time out, but Leeds will arrive looking to spring a surprise, after a brilliant start to the season that sees them in fifth place.
3. Real Madrid vs Villarreal – Saturday 20:00
Real Madrid face a potentially difficult La Liga test when Villarreal visit the Santiago Bernabéu.
Madrid’s attacking quality makes them favourites against most opponents, but Villarreal are capable of making this a competitive encounter.
With the title race already taking shape, neither side will want to lose ground immediately after the international break.
2. Manchester United vs Tottenham – Saturday 17:30
Two of English football’s biggest clubs meet at Old Trafford in a fixture that rarely disappoints.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham have endured frustrating starts to the campaign, increasing the pressure to deliver a statement performance.
It’s an opportunity for one side to kick-start their season, but defeat would only raise more questions.
1. Liverpool vs Manchester City – Sunday 16:30
Sunday’s showdown at Anfield was already one of the biggest fixtures in English football. Following the dramatic developments surrounding Manchester City’s financial charges, it has become an even bigger occasion.
Reports that City have been found guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League charges have sent shockwaves through English football, with the club facing the possibility of severe sanctions.
A huge points deduction, relegation and even expulsion from the Premier League have all been discussed as potential punishments.
Liverpool and City have been involved in some of the Premier League’s greatest title battles in recent years, but this meeting comes with an extraordinary backdrop.
Can City block out the off-field noise and deliver a statement victory? Or will Liverpool pile on the pressure at a time when the champions are already under intense scrutiny?
Whatever happens, all eyes will be on Anfield this Sunday.
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