Ahead of an international break European football rolls on with matches from Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, LA Liga, and the Scottish Premiership featuring this week as traditional giants Celtic, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan have intriguing matchups.
Roma vs AC Milan (Friday in Milan)
Roma drew their last game via comeback while Milan dropped points to Napoli, meaning this game is crucial for both teams starting the season strong. Roma continues the transition of blooding their new players including Javier Pastore and Justin Kluivert while a talented Milan side will look to get the best out of Hakan Calhanoglu and Gonzalo Higuaín. Given Milan are at home they should be the slightest of favorites to prevail. AC Milan 2-1
Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart (Saturday in Stuttgart)
Stuttgart stunned Bayern Munich last year but the gap between these two sides is rather stark. Bayern has hit the ground running with a win last week, while Stuttgart failed to score in an opening round loss to Mainz. Thomas Muller was key for the Bavarian giants in their first regular season game and unless Stuttgart is fantastic in the backline they will likely surrender too many goals to secure a point. Those who watched the World Cup will be keeping an eye on Stuttgart’s Benjamin Pavard who helped lead France to the title. Bayern Munich 3-1
Real Betis vs Sevilla (Sunday in Seville)
Real Betis qualified for Europe this season punching above their weight as a club. Their rivals Sevilla are flying high though and should be the favorites. Both clubs started La Liga 18/19 with a draw. Japanese international Takashi Inui and Sevilla’s Andre Silva are key for their clubs. With Sevilla having the better form in this matchup they should secure 3 points. Sevilla 2-1
Olympique Marseille vs AS Monaco (Sunday in Marseille)
Marseille has struggled at the start of the Ligue 1 season with a 1-1-1 record that included a draw last week. Monaco has the same record and lost their last game. Both of these French clubs have notable stars with Radamel Falcao the front man for Monaco, and Dimitri Payet in the playmaking role for Marseille. On paper this matchup looks competitive but I’m not sold on Marseille’s focus right now and thus I’ll back Monaco to secure a win. Monaco 3-2
Celtic vs Rangers (Sunday in Glasgow)
Scottish football isn’t what it was, but the Old Firm game always matters. Both of these clubs have managers well known in the Premier League with Brendan Rodgers the main man for Celtic and Steven Gerrard managing current underdogs Rangers. Celtic are 7-0-2 in their last 9 games against Rangers and as they have yet to reach their previous heights since returning to the Scottish premiership. For as good as Rangers current form is, a better Celtic side should secure the 3 points. Celtic 2-1
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