Manchester City kick-start their 2024-25 Champions League campaign with an enticing showdown against Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

The two teams butt heads for the first time since the 2023 Champions League final – their only previous European encounter – when Rodri scored the decisive goal in a narrow 1-0 victory in Istanbul to help the Citizens complete a historic treble.

---

Match preview

Man City are the only Premier League team who boast a 100% record after four matches, but their perfect start to the new campaign was put to the test by a cohesive, hard-working Brentford side on Saturday.

The Etihad faithful were left stunned when Yoane Wissa capitalised on a mishap from John Stones to head the Bees in front after just 22 seconds, and although the visitors had numerous chances to extend their advantage, Erling Haaland’s ruthless finishing before the break was ultimately the difference in a 2-1 victory for the Citizens.

Haaland’s double turned the contest on its head just after the half-hour mark, increasing his impressive goal tally for the season to nine – breaking a new Premier League record in the process – as well as moving him onto 99 goals for Man City in just 103 games across all competitions.

Pep Guardiola’s side have now extended their exceptional unbeaten record at the Etihad to 46 games (W39 D7) and are now gearing up for three more home fixtures across three different competitions in the space of just seven days, following up Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Inter with Premier League and EFL Cup games versus Arsenal and Watford respectively.

Man City will be keen to make a strong start in the newly-expanded Champions League and secure a statement win over Inter; they head into their midweek showdown having not lost any of their last 23 Champions League matches and if they avoid defeat in their opening two fixtures of this season’s competition (against Inter and Slovan Bratislava on October 1), they will equal the longest unbeaten streak in the competition’s history set by rivals Manchester United (25) between 2007 and 2009.

After beating Lecce and Atalanta BC by an aggregate score of 6-0, Inter Milan were unable to claim their third successive Serie A victory last weekend, as they were forced to rescue a 1-1 draw away against Monza.

The Nerazzurri looked on course to suffer their first defeat of the campaign when Dany Mota headed the hosts into a surprise 81st-minute lead, but Denzel Dumfries came to the rescue for the visitors and netted an equaliser just seven minutes later to salvage a point for the reigning Italian top-flight champions.

Head coach Simone Inzaghi was “disappointed” with the result and rued the number of missed opportunities that his side had, particularly in the first half. His players are now tasked picking themselves up for a huge double-header this week against Man City in the Champions League and against bitter rivals AC Milan in Serie A.

Inter head into Wednesday’s contest having lost only three of their last 20 Champions League matches (W11 D6). However, the Italian giants have only started one of their last nine campaigns in the competition with a victory.

Seeking revenge against Man City following their 2023 Champions League final heartache, Inter travel to Etihad having previously won away at four different English clubs in the competition (Newcastle United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool), and they are bidding to become the fourth team after Barcelona (seven), Real Madrid and Bayern Munich (both five) to win on the road against at least five different English teams.

---

Team News

Man City are still having to cope without attacker Oscar Bobb (leg fracture), while defender Nathan Ake has been ruled out until after the next international break in mid-October with a muscle injury.

Guardiola is expected to hand star lynchpin Rodri his first start of the season after he gained 45 minutes of action under his belt in the win over Brentford, while Phil Foden will also be pushing to start after watching on as an unused substitute last time out.

While few would be surprised to see Haaland – who has remarkably scored 41 goals in just 39 Champions League games – lead the line once again, it remains to be seen whether Guardiola will stick with Kyle Walker at right-back or move Rico Lewis over from left-back and recall Josko Gvardiol, while Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and John Stones all battle for a start at centre-back.

As for Inter, Federico Dimarco (muscle) and Marko Arnautovic (unspecified) did not take part in first-team training on Tuesday and will subsequently miss the trip to the Etihad along with Tajon Buchanan, who is still recovering from a fractured tibia sustained on international duty with Canada at the Copa America this summer.

Inzaghi is expected to recall a number of key players including defender Alessandro Bastoni and midfield duo Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolo Barella, the latter of whom watched on as an unused substitute last time out not long after undergoing sinus surgery, while the absence of Dimarco will likely see Carlos Augusto handed a start at left wing-back.

Marcus Thuram has contributed with four goals and two assists in four Serie A games and is set to retain his place up front alongside captain Lautaro Martinez, who is yet to score in three appearances so far this season.

Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland

Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Augusto; Thuram, Martinez

Two teams seeking to return to winning ways after suffering defeats prior to the international break square off at St Mary’s on Saturday lunchtime, as Southampton play host to Manchester United.

The last time these two sides faced each other was in March 2023 when they played out a goalless stalemate in the top flight at Old Trafford.

---

Match preview

Southampton were one of only two Premier League clubs, along with Everton, who entered the international break without a single point on the board after losing their opening three matches of the new season to Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford.

Back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Newcastle and Forest were followed by a 3-1 away loss to Brentford in their most recent fixture a fortnight ago; Bryan Mbeumo (2) and Yoane Wissa got their names on the scoresheet before summer signing Yukinari Sugawara netted a consolation strike for the Saints in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Southampton boss Russell Martin, who steered the club to Championship promotion via the playoffs last season, now finds himself under pressure to turn the club’s fortunes around, with recent reports claiming that the 38-year-old could lose his job if results do not improve by the end of September.

The Saints have four games to prepare for this month and Martin will be targeting positive results from each of those, with Saturday’s clash at home to Man United – who have been far from convincing at the start of this term – followed by fixtures against basement club Everton, newly-promoted Ipswich Town and South Coast rivals Bournemouth.

Southampton are seeking to avoid becoming the first Premier League team to lose each of their opening four matches in three different campaigns in the division (previously doing so in 1998-99 and 2012-13). That could prove challenging on Saturday, though, as they are winless in their last 14 top-flight meetings with Man United since a 1-0 away win in January 2016.

After suffering two disappointing defeats in their opening three Premier League matches, it is fair to say that Man United have shown no signs of a major revival under the tutelage of manager Erik ten Hag since he was spared the axe by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co in the summer.

The Red Devils followed up an unconvincing 1-0 opening win at home to Fulham with a last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion, before suffering a 3-0 defeat to bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford in their most recent match prior to the international break.

With pressure beginning to mount on Ten Hag once again, the Dutchman has insisted that the outside noise “doesn’t impact” him and that Man United’s season should be ‘judged in May next year’ and not after just three league games in August.

Ten Hag will hope that his Red Devils side can put things right in Saturday’s favourable-looking fixture at St Mary’s where they are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League visits since a narrow 1-0 loss back in August 2003.

Man United have only lost one of their last 30 Premier League games against newly-promoted sides (W22 D7), including 15 wins in their last 17 such matches, but a run of just one win in six away league games – conceding 16 goals in the process – leaves a little to be desired.

---

Team News

Southampton are still having to cope without long-term absentee Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), so Aaron Ramsdale will continue between the sticks, while Kamaldeen Sulemana is also unavailable due to an ankle injury.

Ben Brereton Diaz’s early withdrawal in Chile’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on Tuesday was a tactical decision and not a fitness one, so he is ready to start for the Saints up front with either Adam Armstrong or Cameron Archer. Ross Stewart, meanwhile, has returned to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is only lacking match fitness.

Flynn Downes, Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo all started in midfield last time out, but Martin may consider handing either Mateus Fernandes and Adam Lallana, two new recruits over the summer, a place in his first XI.

As for Man United, Ten Hag has confirmed that Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring) and Luke Shaw (calf) both remain sidelined with injuries, while Leny Yoro (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Victor Lindelof (toe) and Mason Mount (muscle) are also in the treatment room.

Summer signing Manuel Ugarte recently admitted that he was feeling slightly under the weather prior to playing the full 90 minutes for Uruguay on Monday. Ten Hag has, however, since confirmed that the midfielder is available to make his debut against the Saints.

Ugarte could therefore start at the expense of Casemiro, who had an afternoon to forget against Liverpool, while captain Bruno Fernandes is also fit to feature after revealing that the knock he sustained in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League win over Scotland was only a minor one.

Southampton possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Sugawara, Fernandes, Downes, Smallbone, Walker-Peters; Brereton Diaz, Archer

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee

Real Betis will be aiming to secure their first victory of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign when they welcome Leganes to Estadio Benito Villamarin on Friday night.

The hosts have picked up two points from their three league games this season to sit 17th in the table, while Leganes are ninth, having collected five points from their opening four games of the campaign.

---

Match preview

Real Betis’ start to the 2024-25 La Liga season has been underwhelming at best, drawing two and losing one of their three matches, scoring just once in the process.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side drew their opening two league fixtures of the campaign against Girona and Alaves, before suffering a 2-0 defeat to the champions Real Madrid before the international break, but they have managed to post two European wins early in the season.

Indeed, the Seville outfit beat Kryvbas 2-0 away and 3-0 at home to record a 5-0 aggregate success in the playoff round for the Conference League, so the La Liga team will be present in the league stage of that competition this term.

Real Betis actually now have three straight home league games against Leganes, Getafe and Mallorca, and they will be looking to put some wins on the board in order to rise up the table, with the team currently in 17th.

Pellegrini’s team finished seventh in Spain’s top flight last term, which was slightly disappointing considering that they were sixth, fifth and sixth between 2021 and 2023.

Leganes, meanwhile, secured a return to La Liga as 2023-24 Segunda Division champions, with El Lega back at this level of football for the first time in five seasons.

Borja Jimenez’s side have made a solid start to the campaign, picking up five points from their four matches, which has left them in ninth spot in the table ahead of their return to the field.

Leganes opened their season with a 1-1 draw against Osasuna, before recording a 2-1 victory over Las Palmas to post their first top-flight success since July 2020.

The promoted outfit then drew 0-0 with Real Valladolid, but they entered the international break off the back of a 1-0 home loss to Mallorca, so the visitors will be aiming to bounce back in this contest.

Leganes have won three of their last seven La Liga games against Real Betis, while they held the Seville outfit to a goalless draw when the two teams last locked horns in February 2020.

---

Team News

Real Betis have a relatively lengthy injury list for this point of the season, with Marc Roca, Juanmi, Marc Bartra, Nobel Mendy, Cedric Bakambu and Isco all unavailable for selection.

Vitor Roque made his debut the Green and Whites as a substitute against Real Madrid before the international break, and the on-loan Barcelona attacker is pushing to be introduced into the starting XI, but he might have to spend at least a couple more weeks coming off the bench.

Aitor Ruibal could again lead the line for the home side on Friday night, but there will be no Rodri, who has made the move to Qatar, so there could be an appearance out wide for Giovani Lo Celso, with the Argentine returning to the club from Tottenham Hotspur in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

As for Leganes, Renato Tapia is unavailable due to a muscular problem which he suffered last time out, but the visitors are otherwise in strong shape heading into their fifth game of the new La Liga campaign.

Yvan Neyou is likely to be the player to benefit from Tapia’s absence, with the 27-year-old in line for his fourth league start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Juan Cruz has scored twice in La Liga this season, and the Spaniard could be introduced into the XI here, while there is also expected to be a starting role for Munir El Haddadi.

Real Betis possible starting lineup:
Silva; Sabaly, Llorente, Natan, Perraud; Cardoso, Carvalho; Lo Celso, Fornals, Ezzalzouli; Ruibal

Leganes possible starting lineup:
Soriano; Alti, Saenz, Gonzalez, Hernandez; Neyou, Brasanac; Cruz, Rodriguez, El Haddadi; D Garcia

Seeking a fourth straight win across all competitions, Doncaster Rovers will visit Harrogate Town at the Exercise Stadium on Thursday evening.

Rovers moved top of the League Two table with their latest success at the weekend, while their hosts have struggled at the start of the new season.

---

Match preview

Following a third defeat from five league games last time out, Harrogate Town occupy 20th place in League Two, with just four points on the board so far.

The Sulphurites lost 1-0 to Cheltenham Town on Saturday, despite going into second-half stoppage time with a point apparently secured; Tom Bradbury’s late strike ultimately saw them head home empty-handed.

Now in their fifth consecutive season in England’s fourth tier, Harrogate are aiming to improve on last term’s 13th-placed finish, but their only league win thus far came against Colchester United last month.

Since then, Simon Weaver’s side have been beaten three times without scoring a single goal, including a 5-0 thumping by Preston North End in the EFL Cup.

Yet to pick up a point on home soil, Harrogate will now hope to replicate last season’s 3-1 win over Doncaster Rovers at Wetherby Road, when Sam Folarin, James Daly and Abraham Odoh were all on target for the hosts.

Despite their respective positions at this stage of the 2024-25 campaign, Doncaster have failed to get the better of Harrogate in recent times, going without a win in the clubs’ last four League Two meetings.

Losing three times during that run, Rovers trail 8-3 in terms of goals scored; however, current form suggests they will expect to end that trend on Thursday.

Grant McCann’s men top the table on 12 points, one ahead of Notts County through five matches, following Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Gillingham, with veteran striker Billy Sharp proving the match winner thanks to his 30th-minute strike.

Not only are Rovers riding high in the early League Two standings, but they also saw off Huddersfield Town in their EFL Trophy opener last week, when Joe Ironside scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory.

Picking up where they left off towards the end of last season – when a 10-game winning run was followed by defeat in the playoffs – has boosted hopes of earning automatic promotion this time around, and another win in midweek would build more momentum.

---

Team News

Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver is likely to field a similar XI to that which started last week’s loss to Cheltenham, with top scorer Sam Folarin leading the hosts’ attack.

Despite being troubled by a hamstring issue, Folarin has netted three goals this season, while fellow forward James Daly (two) is also set to feature in the final third.

Anthony O’Connor and Toby Sims should join Jasper Moon in defence, after the latter made his club debut last time out, having arrived from Burton Albion on transfer deadline day.

Meanwhile, Doncaster manager Grant McCann may be tempted to rotate his resources, with Joe Ironside and Ephraim Yeboah both offering alternative options up front, but 38-year-old Billy Sharp stands in their way.

The ex-Sheffield United striker should lead the line with support from Luke Molyneux, who has already scored five goals so far this term; Sharp has four.

Though Ben Close recently returned from a long injury layoff, James Maxwell and captain Richard Wood will both be sidelined for several more weeks. Another defender, Tom Nixon, is also expected to miss Thursday’s trip across Yorkshire.

Harrogate Town possible starting lineup:
Belshaw; Moon, O’Connor, Sims; Asare, Dooley, Cornelius, Taylor; M. Daly; J. Daly, Folarin

Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:
Sharman-Lowe; Sterry, Anderson, McGrath, Fleming; Westbrooke, Bailey; Molyneux, Clifton, Gibson; Sharp

Fortaleza can reclaim first place in the Brasileiro Serie A table with a victory on Wednesday versus Internacional at Estadio Jose Pinheiro Borda.

Leao do Pici are two points behind Botafogo for the league lead after suffering a 2-0 defeat against them in their previous outing, while Colorado are 10th following a 3-1 triumph over Juventude.

---

Match preview

After a 10-day layoff, Internacional return to action in the Brazilian top flight, keen to build on a three-match unbeaten run in this competition.

Roger Machado’s men are undefeated in their last five competitive fixtures at home, winning their previous two encounters at Estadio Jose Pinheiro Borda by a single goal.

Throughout the 2024 Brasileiro Serie A campaign, this side have been consistently sharp on the back end, conceding the joint-fewest goals in the league thus far (19).

Internacional have not lost a domestic contest all year when netting multiple times, winning their last two such encounters when doing so.

This team have collected 32 points after 22 top-flight matchdays, six fewer than they managed at this same stage of the previous domestic campaign.

They have won three of their previous four home matches in this competition against Fortaleza, with the last one coming on matchday two of the 2022 season.

Leading the league by a single point heading into their previous encounter, Fortaleza looked flat against Botafogo, registering just one effort on target throughout the 90 minutes.

Eventually, Fogo made them pay, scoring twice in the final 17 minutes to bump them back down to second place, though Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s men have a game in hand.

That defeat ended a 12-match unbeaten run for them across all competitions as they suffered their first defeat in league play since early July (2-0 to Vasco da Gama).

The club from Ceara have suffered the fewest defeats in the Brasileiro Serie A this year, failing to score in all four of their losses in this competition.

They have won 11 successive encounters in this competition when scoring the opening goal, with their most recent one being a 1-0 triumph over Corinthians in late August.

Fortaleza have points in three successive league fixtures versus Internacional, winning their previous away contest against them a season ago (1-0).

---

Team News

In their victory over Juventude, the last time out, Internacional were without Ivan, who is recovering from knee surgery, Wanderson has a calf strain, Lucca is dealing with some sore muscles and Wesley will be suspended.

Because of the international window, they may not have Enner Valencia available, as he was called up to the Ecuador squad, Rafael Borre was named to the Colombian team and Sergio Rochet is with the Uruguay national team.

Borre had the opening goal in their previous league contest, with the other strikes coming courtesy of Gabriel Carvalho and Alexandro Bernabei.

As for Fortaleza, Calebe is expected to miss this contest due to a muscle issue, Marinho has a thigh strain and Matheus Rossetto is doubtful with a calf injury.

From matchday 23 to 24, there were two changes made to their starting 11, with Bruno Pacheco and Moises replacing Felipe Jonatan and Yago Pikachu.

The last time they scored an away goal in this competition, it came courtesy of Tomas Pochettino and Breno Lopes in a 2-1 victory over Bragantino.

Internacional possible starting lineup:
Anthoni; B. Gomes, I. Gomes, Vitao, Bernabei; Romulo, Maia; Carvalho, Patrick, Tabata; Alario

Fortaleza possible starting lineup:
Ricardo; Britez, Kuscevic, Cardona, Pacheco; Hercules, Sasha; Lopes, Pochettino, Pikachu; Lucero

Indonesia will be hoping to inflict Australia’s second defeat in the AFC World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday when they host them at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

After one game, the home side are in third place with one point in their six-team group, while the visitors are fifth with no points following their 1-0 loss against Bahrain on September 5th.

---

Match preview

The hosts drew 1-1 against Saudi Arabia on September 5 in a match in which they had just 34% possession and were forced to defend for large periods.

Despite Saudi Arabia producing 18 shots, only four were on target, and they created just two big chances.

Indonesia had eight shots and two attempts on target, though manager Shin Tae-Yong will be concerned that his team failed to generate any big chances of their own.

The draw means that Shin’s side have lost just once in their last six AFC World Cup qualifying matches, winning three times and drawing twice.

However, Indonesia’s home form is concerning, especially as they have won just twice, drawn once and lost five times in their last eight home games.

Opponents Australia come into the clash having suffered a shock defeat against Bahrain, who are 80th in FIFA’s rankings of national teams, 56 places lower than Australia.

The Socceroos had 71% possession and limited Bahrain to just one shot on target, but they lost due to Harry Souttar’s 89th-minute own goal.

Boss Graham Arnold could point to the fact his side were reduced to 10 players when Kusini Yengi was sent off in the 77th minute, but this does not excuse his team’s inability to make the most of their dominance.

In fairness to Arnold, prior to his side’s loss last time out, they had won the previous four games and scored 14 goals without conceding.

Australia have only lost two of their last 14 matches, winning 11 times and drawing once in these fixtures.

The Socceroos’ away record is also impressive considering they have won their last five games on the road and have kept five clean sheets in the process.

---

Team News

The hosts are likely to be without midfielder Thom Haye, who was substituted in the 56th minute for Marselino Ferdinan due to injury.

Ivar Jenner could join Ferdinan in midfield, while centre-backs Rizky Ramadhani, Jay Idzes and Calvin Verdonk could shield goalkeeper Maarten Paes.

As for Australia, Mitchell Duke may replace the suspended Kusini Yengi, while Martin Boyle and Craig Goodwin could operate out wide as wingers.

Elsewhere, Aiden O’Neill and Jackson Irvine could play in midfield alongside Connor Metcalfe.

Indonesia possible starting lineup:
Paes; Walsh, Ramadhani, Idzes, Verdonk, Tjoe-A-On; Sulaeman, Jenner, Ferdinan, Oratmangoen; Strui

Australia possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Circati, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Metcalfe, Irvine, O’Neill; Boyle, Duke, Goodwin

Two old rivals reconvene on Monday evening, as France host Belgium in their second UEFA Nations League fixture of the new season.

While Les Bleus lost at home to Italy on Group 2’s opening night, the Red Devils claimed maximum points ahead of their trip to Lyon.

---

Match preview

Though France seized the lead inside 13 seconds of their Nations League opener, at home to Italy on Friday night, they eventually finished up empty-handed, having been undone by a resurgent Azzurri.

In-form forward Bradley Barcola recorded his nation’s fastest-ever goal, but Italy equalised in spectacular style and the two teams were level at half time.

France then conceded twice more after the break, ultimately losing at home to their Italian counterparts for the first time in 70 years.

After a sub-par showing at Euro 2024, long-serving coach Didier Deschamps was expected to produce a convincing performance for the Parisian public, but he is now under pressure to avoid defeat against another of Les Bleus’ neighbours.

Deschamps was in charge for a French victory in the 2021 Nations League finals, but his team finished a distant third in their group last time around, accruing only five points from six games.

Under UEFA’s new format for 2024-25, the nation that finishes bottom of each League A group will be automatically demoted, while third-placed teams must take part in a relegation playoff.

Only the top pair in Group 2 will qualify for a new quarter-final stage, so France are already three points adrift of their main rivals and cannot afford to slip further behind.

Joining Italy at the top of the very early Group 2 table, Belgium saw off Israel on neutral territory to take all three points from their opening match.

Inspired by captain Kevin De Bruyne, the Red Devils won 3-1 in Hungary, where the game was played due to security concerns.

After De Bruyne bagged a brace, he turned down the chance to complete his hat-trick with a penalty, and Lois Openda could even afford to miss from the spot as Youri Tielemans had also scored earlier in an open second half.

Now, Domenico Tedesco’s side will seek revenge for their tame exit from Euro 2024, which came at the hands of France just two months ago.

Ultimately, Tedesco is hoping to turn the page on his first tournament in charge and ensure Belgium secure a top-two spot in their Nations League group, before looking towards the 2026 World Cup.

The Belgians were unable to reach the last Nations League finals, and improving on their best placing of fourth overall – recorded back in 2021 – would show they are on the right track.

---

Team News

After Michael Olise was called up for the first time, having impressed at the Olympics as France claimed a silver medal, the Bayern Munich winger started on Friday and will now vie with Ousmane Dembele to keep his place.

Didier Deschamps also brought Bradley Barcola into Les Bleus’ lineup against Italy – and to great effect – but has otherwise kept faith with most of his Euro 2024 team; free agent Adrien Rabiot and Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard were both dropped, though.

After conceding three goals, Jules Kounde and Dayot Upamecano are candidates for promotion from the bench, while Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani are among the hosts’ alternative attacking options.

In addition to the self-imposed absence of Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has a longstanding rift with Domenico Tedesco, Belgium will again be missing all-time top scorer Romelu Lukaku on Monday, as the new Napoli signing has been rested.

Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen has retired from international football, while Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard was not selected, as Tedesco offered some younger players a chance to impress against Israel: Maxim De Cuyper, Celtic new boy Arne Engels and Borussia Dortmund teenager Julien Duranville all made an appearance.

Without Lukaku available, Manchester City pair Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku will again join forces in support of lone striker Lois Openda up front.

France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, T. Hernandez; Kante, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Griezmann, Barcola; Mbappe

Belgium possible starting lineup:
Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Tielemans; Bakayoko, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda

Beginning the Craig Bellamy era at Cardiff City Stadium, Wales will host Turkey in their first UEFA Nations League fixture of the season on Friday evening.

While Wales were relegated from League A last time around, their visitors were promoted from the third tier before reaching the last eight at Euro 2024.

---

Match preview

Following a dismal group-stage exit at Qatar 2022, Wales seem to have lost their way, finishing rock-bottom of their last Nations League group with just one point from six games and then failing to qualify for the European Championship.

After losing a penalty shootout to Poland in the Euro 2024 playoffs, former boss Rob Page saw his reign end ignominiously, with a couple of embarrassing results in his team’s summer friendlies.

Hot on the heels of a humbling goalless draw with Gibraltar, Page’s time as Wales head coach drew to a close after losing 4-0 to Slovakia, and Craig Bellamy was appointed in July, despite having no senior management experience.

Having missed out on playing at a major finals during a 78-cap Wales career, the former Newcastle United striker has set his sights on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, but first he must face a double-header to kick off a new Nations League campaign.

A second Group 4 game in quick succession will take the Dragons to Montenegro on Monday, and Iceland are their other opponents in the fight for promotion back to the top tier – or perhaps to avoid relegation.

UEFA’s new format will see group winners go straight up, while second place secures a promotion playoff and third means a relegation playoff; finishing last results in automatic demotion to League C.

Therefore, the stakes are already high as Turkey return to the Welsh capital, where head coach Vincenzo Montella will meet a new man in the dugout but some familiar faces elsewhere.

Wales and Turkey have met in both of the last two Euro qualifiers, with the Crescent-Stars posting two wins and one loss across those four matches – most recently drawing 1-1 in Cardiff less than 10 months ago.

Montella’s men are fresh from an exciting adventure at the Euros, where an eventful escape from the group phase was followed by a 2-1 defeat of Austria in the last 16, which saw the perennial dark horses charge into the latter stages.

However, letting a lead slip in their quarter-final and losing 2-1 to the Netherlands finally sent Turkey home, having revelled in huge expatriate support throughout Germany.

Montella has stayed on to oversee qualification for the next World Cup, with a talented crop of forwards to help him: Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler both belied their tender age at Euro 2024, and the pair are all set to star in this season’s Nations League.

---

Team News

While Cardiff City midfielder Aaron Ramsey will remain Wales captain, Craig Bellamy has already made several changes, notably naming Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow in his first squad.

With Wayne Hennessey injured and Tom King not selected, Darlow is one of two uncapped players called up, alongside left-back Owen Beck, who recently joined Blackburn Rovers on loan from Liverpool.

Midfielders Joe Morrell and Rubin Colwill were also left out, while Dan James and Wes Burns have both been sidelined by hamstring injuries.

Meanwhile, Turkey will be without injured Brighton & Hove Albion new boy Ferdi Kadioglu, in addition to dropped duo Yunus Akgun and Yusuf Yazici, the latter of whom is still without a club after leaving Lille.

Bertug Yildirim and Merih Demiral must serve suspensions following events at Euro 2024, but Vincenzo Montella has most of his first-choice players available.

Therefore, 90-cap skipper Hakan Calhanoglu should start in midfield, with Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler supporting Baris Yilmaz up front.

Wales possible starting lineup:
Ward; Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, James, Ampadu, Williams; Ramsey, Johnson; Moore

Turkey possible starting lineup:
Gunok; Muldur, Ayhan, Bardakci, Elmali; Yokuslu, Calhanoglu; Yildiz, Kokcu, Guler; B. Yilmaz

Australia and Bahrain commence the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying when they square off on the Gold Coast on Thursday.

While the home side came through their previous group with a 100% record, the visitors had to make do with a runners-up spot.

---

Match preview

Having lost out in the Asian Cup quarter-finals at the start of the year, there was renewed motivation within the Australia ranks to get back on track in their World Cup qualifiers.

Two victories had already been recorded before they made light work of their remaining four games, scoring a further 14 goals and keeping four more clean sheets.

Although context is required with Lebanon, Bangladesh and Palestine the opposition, Graham Arnold will be encouraged by the run of shutouts.

Australia are now on a run of just one defeat in 13 games, that loss to South Korea in the Asian Cup also coming in extra time.

While the level of opposition will step up in the third phase of World Cup qualifying, confidence is high in the camp ahead of attempting to make a positive start.

From the perspective of Bahrain, they will be delighted to have built on their encouraging Asian Cup by reaching this round of the qualification process.

Dragan Talajic’s side defeated eventual finalists Jordan in that competition before losing to Japan in the last 16, and that run has been backed up with a four-game unbeaten run.

After routine victories over Nepal, a goalless draw with Yemen secured a top-two spot before they posted a 1-1 stalemate against group winners United Arab Emirates.

Given the Asian powerhouses, including Japan and Saudi Arabia, in their group, further progression is unlikely, yet Talajic will be eager to see how his squad can cope in games of this magnitude.

---

Team News

Having had the leeway to tinker with his Australia XI of late, Arnold’s starting lineup is somewhat of an unknown.

Star names such as Mathew Ryan, Harry Souttar and Jackson Irvine should all take their spots in the side, with Adam Taggart in line to lead the attack.

With Nathaniel Atkinson not part of the squad, Lewis Miller could get the nod at right-back.

Barring any injury issues, Talajic may be prepared to select the Bahrain side that started the draw in the UAE.

Despite conceding a 10th-minute leveller, Bahrain were able to hold out for a share of the spoils, their goal coming from Mahdi Abduljabbar who netted his 10th strike for his country.

Australia possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Miller, Souttar, Burgess, Rowles; Metcalfe, Baccus, Irvine; Yengi, Taggart, Goodwin

Bahrain possible starting lineup:
Lutfalla; Saeed, Al-Hayyam, Baqer, Adel; Al-Aswad, Haram, Marhoon, Al-Shaikh; Madan, Abduljabbar

Albirex Niigata are playing Machida Zelvia at the YBC Levain Cup of Japan on September 4.

Albirex Niigata and Machida Zelvia (commonly referred to as FC Machida Zelvia) meet again 10 days after the J League match which ended in a draw 0-0. Albirex Niigata will be playing the match after a draw against Machida Zelvia on August 25 in J League which extended their unbeaten streak to 5 matches. They’ve been defending properly lately having 3 consecutive clean sheets.

Machida Zelvia are going into the fixture after playing 2 draws in a row against Urawa Red Diamonds and Albirex Niigata extending their unbeaten streak to 3 matches. Seems like they shouldn’t have much problems defensively having 3 consecutive clean sheetsplaying as guests.

Head-to-head

Albirex Niigata and Machida Zelvia have met 6 times since December 2021. Albirex Niigata have won 3 times, 1 match ended in a draw while Machida Zelvia have won twice. The most recent match between them took place on August 25, 2024 at the J-League of Japan which ended in a draw – 0-0. Albirex Niigata have scored 7 goals in these 6 head-to-head matches in total while Machida Zelvia have scored 6.

Recent Form

Albirex Niigata have played a draw with Machida Zelvia in their previous match while Machida Zelvia are on a drawing streak – they have played a draw with Urawa Red Diamonds and Albirex Niigata in their previous 2 matches. Overall, Albirex Niigata have won 9 of their last 20 matches, losing 5 and drawing 6, while Machida Zelvia have won 8 of their last 20 matches, losing 5 and drawing 7.

Albirex Niigata have won 3 times (0-1 against Avispa Fukuoka on 17th of August, 2-0 against Kyoto Purple Sanga on 12th of August and 1-2 against Cerezo Osaka on 20th of July), lost once (2-0 against F.C.Tokyo on 13th of July) and drew twice (0-0 against Machida Zelvia on 25th of August and 2-2 against Jubilo Iwata on 7th of August) in their most recent 6 matches.

Machida Zelvia have won once (4-0 against Jubilo Iwata on 17th of August), lost twice (0-1 against Shonan Bellmare on 11th of August and 0-2 against Reims on 31st of July) and drew 3 times (2-2 against Urawa Red Diamonds on 31st of August, 0-0 against Albirex Niigata on 25th of August and 0-0 against Cerezo Osaka on 7th of August) in their most recent 6 matches.