Player to score – Ousmane Dembele (Cadiz v Barcelona)
Ousmane Dembele looks like a player reborn for Barcelona this season with the French winger in exceptional form for Xavi Hernandez’s team. Indeed, Dembele has registered four assists in his last two appearances for the Catalan club and has become a key part of the way Barca like to play in the attacking third.
Behind Robert Lewandowski, Dembele has the highest Expected Goals (xG) value of any Barcelona player this season. The 25-year-old was in hot scoring form in pre-season and it’s only a matter of time until he translates that into goals during the season itself. Priced at 5/2, he’s a good bet to find the net against Cadiz.
Player to be carded – Ferland Mendy (R Madrid v Mallorca)
Real Madrid are the only team in Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues to still boast a 100% record and the Spanish and European champions will fancy their chances of continuing that record at home to Real Mallorca this weekend.
However, Mallorca are a team that like to use wing backs to channel attacking play which could put some pressure on the Real Madrid full backs. Pablo Maffeo is particularly dangerous for Mallorca and so Ferland Mendy will be forced to defend more than he is normally comfortable doing. This could force him into some difficult positions.
Match to be a draw – RB Leipzig v Borussia Dortmund
Defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League during the week prompted RB Leipzig to sack manager Domenico Tedesco. They might have started the season poorly, but RB Leipzig still boast one of the strongest squads in the Bundesliga and will be hopeful of a new manager bounce this weekend.
Borussia Dortmund, however, won’t be beaten easily. The Black and Yellows have won six of their last seven matches in the league. On the flip side, RB Leipzig are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 home Bundesliga matches. RB Leipzig won both meetings with Dortmund last season, but a battling draw looks to be a solid bet here.
Both teams to score – Real Betis v Villarreal
Real Betis have become a formidable force under Manuel Pellegrini with the Seville side winning three of the four La Liga matches they have played so far this season. On top of this, Real Betis have been winning at half time and full time of five of their last seven home matches in the league. They have also won their last three home games at the Benito Villamarin.
What a goal from Chukwueze for Villarreal
— Tom (@Tom1000j) September 8, 2022
Villarreal are also a formidable force under Unai Emery and have similarly started the season well, taking 10 points from a possible 12. The Yellow Submarine are the third top scorers in La Liga after four fixtures, although Arnaut Danjuma is still an injury doubt ahead of this match. This one should produce goals.
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AC Milan claimed victory in last weekend’s Milan derby to boost their chances of retaining their Serie A title and Stefano Pioli’s side will be favourites to claim another win over Sampdoria this weekend. However, while AC Milan have started their season well, they aren’t renowned for scoring freely.
Rafael Leao will be the Rossoneri primary threat in the final third with the Portuguese attacker scoring three times and assisting three times in his last four matches in all competitions. His quick dribbling and direct running will make him difficult to defend against this weekend and will give AC Milan the cutting edge they need to win.
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