The 2025/26 season is now underway, and already the big leagues are throwing up talking points. Super Cups, first-round battles, early title markers… It’s all on the table. Some games are about tactics, some are sheer quality, and a few could already shape the season’s mood.
Here’s what’s coming.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Tottenham Hotspur (13-08-25 19:00 GMT+1) – PSG have the firepower, Spurs have a more measured approach under Thomas Frank. This won’t be the all-out chaos of the Postecoglou days. Expect something tighter, more tactical. Still, with big names everywhere, one moment could flip it. Goals for both sides? Feels likely.
VfB Stuttgart vs FC Bayern München (16-08-25 18:30 GMT+1) – Bayern should see most of the ball here, working it around and probing the spaces. Stuttgart will keep things compact, cut off passing lanes, and scrap for every clearance. The numbers will probably tell the story; Bayern on top in shots and possession, Stuttgart ahead in tackles and fouls.
Manchester United vs Arsenal (17-08-25 15:30 GMT+1) – A Premier League blockbuster. Manchester United’s tactical flexibility and squad depth, especially with new signings Cunha and Mbeumo with Sesko, face Arsenal’s pressing game and a Gyokeres-led attack. Look forward to intense, individual duels and strategic adjustments. Expect attacks to take prominence in this match with devastating effect. Both teams should get on the score sheet.
Mallorca vs Barcelona (16-08-25 17:30 GMT+1) – Mallorca’s defensive discipline will be tested by Barcelona’s possession dominance and Rashford’s debut. We could see early pressure, wide overloads, and tactical control from the visitors. Mallorca will be compact and solid, play narrow to close down spaces, and spring to fast transition attacks when winning the ball. Expect Barcelona to dominate every matrix and keep a clean sheet.
Real Madrid vs Osasuna (19-08-25 19:00 GMT+1) – Real Madrid’s attacking rhythm and midfield control face Osasuna’s compact shape and counter threat. We should see dominance from the hosts, but the visitors could frustrate in phases. Real are still adjusting to Xabi Alonso’s style of play, which could present frustrations in the match. They’ll have the edge, so expect them to get the three points.
Stade Rennais vs Olympique de Marseille (15-08-25 18:45 GMT+1) – Stade Rennais’ pace and youth meet Marseille’s experience and tactical discipline. A Ligue 1 opener with wide play, pressing battles, and strategic depth. Both sides should get on the score sheet.
Girona FC vs Rayo Vallecano (15-08-25 17:00 GMT+1) – Girona’s vertical play and home support face Rayo’s disciplined transitions. A tactical La Liga opener with emphasis on midfield control and defensive shape. This will probably be cagey, likely to morph into a low-scoring event.
Villarreal vs Real Oviedo (15-08-25 19:30 GMT+1) – Villarreal’s possession game and tactical depth will see Real Oviedo’s compact structure. Expect the hosts to control the tempo and recycle the ball patiently through their midfield. Real Oviedo will be compact and wait for the right opportunities to counter-attack. The contrasting approaches will make for a dynamic approach with jeopardy for either team.
Lens vs Lyon (16-08-25 15:00 GMT+1) – Lens’ pressing intensity and home advantage face Lyon’s technical midfield and attacking transitions. The hosts’ high press means they will be on the front foot straight away, forcing their visitors back and dominating the early exchanges. This, however, comes with a risk of counterattacks given the space behind and the high line. We could see Lyon’s pace in wide areas cause the hosts significant headaches. Look forward to a Ligue 1 clash with strategic adjustments and midfield duels.
AC Milan vs Bari (17-08-25 19:15 GMT+1) – In the Coppa Italia Round of 64, AC Milan’s squad depth and attacking variety should overwhelm Bari’s defensive setup. Rotation, tactical experimentation, and early dominance will play out. Milan should dominate the ball and dictate game tempo. Maximiliano Allgeir’s side are aggressive in pressing and winning the ball back. Their rivals will be reactive and compact. Expect an attack-versus-defence set-up, with Bari setting up to frustrate.
Viktoria Plzeň vs Rangers (12-08-25 17:00 GMT+1) – Plzeň’s direct style and home edge will battle Rangers’ European experience and press. Leading 0-3 from the first leg in Scotland, expect Rangers to be strategic, playing on the counter, and taking the sting out of the match. Victoria Plzen will try to play with urgency and on the front foot.
Club Brugge vs Red Bull Salzburg (12-08-25 17:30 GMT+1) – Look forward to Brugge extending their narrow 1-0 lead from the away leg. Their possession game faces Salzburg’s high-octane pressing and vertical play. Both teams boast attacking talent, making this a potential goal-fest.
Benfica vs Nice (12-08-25 19:00 GMT+1) – Benfica’s fluid transitions and attacking depth will test Nice’s compact Ligue 1 shape. Leading 2-0 from the first leg in France, expect Benfica to press home their advantage. Nice will play with tempo and urgency to turn things around. This dynamic will expose the away side to the offensive cutting edge of the home squad. We anticipate a tactical chess match with European stakes and set-piece importance.
Fenerbahçe vs Feyenoord (12-08-25 17:00 GMT+1) – Feyenoord won the home leg 2-1, which means this clash is finely poised ahead of the second. Fenerbahçe’s aggressive wing play and home crowd edge will see Feyenoord’s disciplined Dutch structure.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Panathinaikos (14-08-25 18:00 GMT+1) – These two teams cancelled each other 0-0 in the first at home to Panathinaikos. In the second leg, Shakhtar’s fluid attack and technical edge will face the Greeks’ defensive shape and counter threat. A balanced Europa League qualifier with strategic adjustments is in store.
Liverpool vs AFC Bournemouth (15-08-25 19:00 GMT+1) – Arne Slot’s side will want to move past the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace and get three points on the board. With new signings Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz joining Salah and Gakpo in attack, Liverpool should offer plenty of threat going forward. Bournemouth will try to stay tight, frustrate the hosts, and break up their rhythm.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United (16-08-25 11:30 GMT+1) – Aston Villa’s possession game and home edge will fight Newcastle’s direct transitions and physicality. A Premier League opener with pressing experiments and tactical variety. Each team should get on the score sheet.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley (16-08-25 14:00 GMT+1) – Spurs’ ball-playing tendencies face Burnley’s compact, counter strategy. Thomas Frank’s Tottenham will be much more compact and employ a lower defensive line compared to the Spurs side under Postecoglou. The result could be a defensively sound host with a potent attack. We’ll see tactical rotations, pressing phases, and moments of attacking flair.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (17-08-25 13:00 GMT+1) – Chelsea’s revamped squad will come against Palace’s disciplined transitions. Fresh from winning the Community Shield against Liverpool, Palace may be bullish and confident at Stamford Bridge. Expect Chelsea to dominate the lion’s share of possession and Palace to hit on the counter. They’ll pick their moments to attack and exploit gaps behind Chelsea’s line..
AS Monaco vs Le Havre (16-08-25 20:00 GMT+1) – Monaco’s crisp passing and attacking rhythm will be tested against Le Havre’s stubborn, well-drilled defence. The hosts will come out lively, holding plenty of the ball and setting the pace from kickoff.
That said, breaking Le Havre down won’t be easy. They’ll keep things compact, cut off passing lanes, and make Monaco work for every opening. Out wide might be the best route in, but even then, space will be at a premium. Feels like one of those matches where a single goal, if it comes at all, could settle it.
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