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Derby in England, Germany and Italy
Derby in England and Germany against the backdrop of the exit to the Champions League of the new season. Derby at the Olimpico in Rome, with Lazio welcoming the champions Inter. City has no margin.
Liverpool FC welcomes Chelsea FC to Anfield (9/5) in a crucial game for the battle for the European places, with the two teams going into the clash with several match problems.
Liverpool have significant absences, as Alisson Becker, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitique and Wataru Edo are out, while Giorgi Mamardashvili and Alexander Isak remain doubtful. Despite the problems, the goal is to win that will keep them on track for Europe.
On the other hand, Chelsea is facing issues mainly in the "ace", with Robert Sanchez doubtful due to concussion protocol, while Esteveo and Jamie Gittens are out. There are also questions about Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho.
With both teams looking for stability and points, the game is expected to be decided in the details.
Stuttgart welcomes Bayer Leverkusen in a match with strong scoring interest in the battle for European places, where both teams are chasing an exit to the Champions League.
The hosts are facing significant problems, especially in their defensive line. Captain Atakan Karazor is suspended, while Amen Al Dahil, Finn Yelc, Lazar Jovanovic and Dan-Axel Zagandu are also out, with defensive cohesion being a big question mark. Despite the absences, Stuttgart relies on their attacking dynamics, with Udav and Llewelling in good shape.
On the other hand, Leverkusen appears more stable, although there is no shortage of problems. Martin Terrier remains out with a long-term injury, while Lucas Vazquez and goalkeeper Flecken are doubtful. Nevertheless, the team maintains depth and quality, aiming to take another step towards securing a European presence.
The game is expected to be balanced, with Stuttgart looking for a reaction through the attack and Leverkusen trying to take advantage of the defensive weaknesses of the hosts.
Lazio welcomes Inter to the "Olimpico", in a match with different motivations for the two sides, but also significant competitive problems mainly for the hosts.
Lazio enters the game with a particularly burdened medical report. Ivan Provedel and Alessio Fourlanetto, who are concerned with the goalkeeper position, remain out, while Mario Gila, Danilo Cataldi and Samuel Gigo are also facing problems. Daniel Maldini, Noslin and Marius Marusic are doubtful, with the situation clarifying just before kick-off.
On the other hand, Inter goes into the game more "full", but not without question marks. Hakan Calhanoglu remains doubtful due to injury, while Luis Enrique and Lautaro Martinez are facing minor problems and will be judged at the last minute. Nevertheless, the "Nerazzurri" retain the first say, being at the top and with a clear goal of maintaining the lead in the league.
The match also functions as a dress rehearsal in view of the Cup final a few days later, while the attitude of the organized fans of both teams, who have boycotted, leaving the "Olimpico" with a limited atmosphere, also causes a special sensation.
MANCHESTER CITY-BRENTFORD (19:30)
Manchester City welcomes Brentford to the "Etihad", aiming to stay close to the top and not lose more ground in the title battle.
The "citizens" go into the game with significant competitive problems, mainly in defense and midfield. Rodri and Ruben Dias are extremely doubtful and will go through readiness tests, while Gvardiol remains out. Despite the absences, City relies on their home ground and attacking quality, with Erling Haaland always being the point of reference.
On the other hand, Brentford travels to Manchester with its own problems, but also with a good psychology, as it appears dangerous in transition. Henderson and Yanel are doubtful, while Rico Henry, Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milabo are out.
City are the favorites, however their absences leave room for Brentford to look for the surprise, especially if they find spaces on the counterattack.