Tonight's Football — Aug 23

E. Unal scored in the 81st minute to give Getafe a 1-0 win over Racing Santander, four minutes after A. Martin missed a penalty. Racing had more possession and shots on target, but David Soria’s three saves helped Getafe secure its first points of the campaign.

[p]Neither Newcastle nor Liverpool has league form to defend, making this a clean test of their preparation and ability to start quickly. Newcastle’s recent defensive record and Joelinton’s absence matter, while Liverpool must cope without C. Bradley, H. Ekitike and J. Gomez as both teams seek an immediate platform for the season.[/p]

[p]Brighton welcome Aston Villa to the Amex for an opening-round fixture that offers both sides an immediate chance to set the tone for the season. Brighton bring the better recent results, but Villa’s early table position, head-to-head advantage and transition threat point towards a narrow 2-1 away victory.[/p]

[p]Manchester City start as favourites because of their outstanding Etihad record against Bournemouth and the greater continuity expected from the home side. Bournemouth’s unavailable players make their task harder, but their recent results suggest they can still pose a threat if they defend patiently and attack at speed.[/p]

[p]Atalanta begin as the higher-ranked team on the opening-round table and have the benefit of playing in Bergamo, although neither side has a league form record yet. With confirmed formations unavailable and important players absent or doubtful for both teams, the match should be decided by early composure, squad depth and the impact of the final team news.[/p]

[p]This opening Serie A fixture offers Venezia the benefit of home surroundings, while Lecce arrive with an opportunity to frustrate the hosts and start steadily. With no league momentum to separate them and notable absences on both sides, a balanced draw is the most likely outcome.[/p]

[p]Frosinone have the opportunity to start their campaign positively in front of their home supporters, while Juventus must handle the expectations attached to their higher table position. With no confirmed formations and two Juventus players listed as questionable, the match may be decided by defensive discipline and which side converts its limited openings.[/p]

[p]Getafe’s negative goal difference and bottom position make a response essential, although their midweek win offers a timely lift. Racing Santander arrive with greater early-table comfort and attacking evidence, setting up a contest in which tactical discipline and the impact of the listed absences could decide the result.[/p]

[p]Atletico’s early defensive record and home advantage give them the edge, while Villarreal’s scoring return suggests they can challenge the hosts. The status of A. Sorloth adds an attacking variable for Atletico, but the home side remain better placed to claim another three points.[/p]

[p]Le Havre enter the opener without current league form but have home advantage and a recent win behind them. Monaco arrive with three victories in five matches and fewer reasons to doubt their attacking confidence, although absences on both sides could affect the game’s balance.[/p]

[p]This opening-round fixture offers both teams an opportunity to establish direction before the Ligue 1 table begins to take shape. Angers bring the stronger recent sequence, but Lille’s latest head-to-head victory and higher provisional ranking make a closely contested draw the most likely outcome.[/p]