Deportivo vs Real Madrid
The European champions look a shadow of their former self, as their La Liga struggles continue. They have to get better, and I believe they will in this match. On a purely footballing basis, it is difficult to understand why they got rid of Angel Di Maria. His performance for Manchester United suggests he is up there with the best. James Rodriguez has undoubted talent, but whether he can fill the void of Di Maria remains to be seen. Deportivo have had a decent start to the season. Víctor Fernández will be encouraged by this and must believe his side can get a result against the stuttering Galacticos. I believe that Real Madrid have had enough wake up calls, and I fully expect them to come out on top against Deportivo.
Prediction 1-3
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Levante vs Barcelona
It’s business as usual for the Catalan giants. Three wins out of three has seen them rise to the top of the league, and the experienced side will certainly fight to stay there. The summer signings have definitely been a lift, and the thought of adding Luis Suarez to that equation can only frighten their title rivals. Levante have started the season poorly. 2 home defeats will not satisfy José Luis Mendilibar and they must show some desire to please their disillusioned home fans. Unfortunately for Levante, I cannot see Barcelona dropping down a gear and fully expect them to cruise to a win at the Estadi Ciutat de València.
Prediction 0-3
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Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo
Atletico Madrid have the tough task of being reigning champions. Winning the second time round is often more challenging, especially after losing the likes of Costa, Courtois and Luis to Chelsea. However, Diego Simeone does not give his side a chance to doubt their ability. Their victory at the Bernabeu proved that their season was no fluke, and the likes of Griezmann and Mandzukic can fill the void. Eduardo Berizzo will be satisfied with how the season has begun, however they must be fully prepared for the physical battle against the arguably most hard working side in European football. Atletico will still be revelling from their derby win and I fully expect them to carry on the form against Celta Vigo.
Prediction 0-2
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Hamburg vs Bayern Munich
The champions are slowly starting to tick and secured a most comfortable victory against Stuttgart in their previous league match. New signing Xabi Alonso has been magnificent in the two games he has played so far for the Bavarians and was nominated man of the match in both matches. Alongside the work-horse that is Philipp Lahm, the Spaniard’s distribution will be a key asset for Pep Guardiola’s side this season. Hamburg remain rock bottom with just one point from three games and I’m expecting their miserable run to continue against the champions.
Prediction 0-2
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Mainz vs Dortmund
Dortmund enter this game on the back of a hard-fought encounter with Arsenal on Tuesday but will nonetheless be expected to leave Mainz with maximum points. Numerous injuries to key players as well as the international break have hampered Dortmund’s start to the season but the Black and Yellows are slowly starting to find some form with two victories in their last outings. Mainz is never an easy place to go but I’m backing Klopp to fire up his troops for this big away game.
Prediction 1-2
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PSG vs Lyon
Despite the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the PSG starting lining up the champions weren’t able to overcome the challenge of Rennes. Laurent Blanc’s side have enjoyed an inconsistent start to the season but remain unbeaten with two wins and three draws. Lyon meanwhile, have struggled on the road this campaign and I can’t see them collecting any points at the Parc des Princes.
Prediction 2-0