The start of the season has seen some dark horses emerge and today we will see Angers welcome high flying OGC Nice, Milan looking to take top spot against Jose Mourinho’s Roma and the Basque derby where league leaders Real Sociedad will host Atletico Bilbao.
Angers vs Nice
Angers have been one of the surprise packages so far this season.
Gerald Baticle’s side currently sit sixth in Ligue 1 just one point outside of the European qualification places.
Les Noirs et Blancs started the season unbeaten in four, including three wins whilst, they have had mixed results since they have only lost twice all season making them a difficult side to beat.
One side that will be looking to defeat Angers and strengthen their position in the table is OGC Nice.
Les Aiglons have enjoyed a stunning start under new manager Christophe Galtier.
Nice are currently third and boast the second-best goal difference in the league.
The emergence of Amine Gouiri has been a bonus to the Red and blacks, the 21-year-old has nine goal contributions in 11 and if he maintains this form big things could be waiting next summer.
Galtier will want him to be at his best on Sunday to help his side move up to second.
Roma vs Milan
AC Milan closed down the gap to league leaders Napoli last weekend after a 1-0 win over Torino.
Stefano Pioli’s side face Roma this weekend as they look for seven consecutive wins in the league.
One man that would love to end Milan’s electric form is Jose Mourinho.
The Roma boss has had a steady start to life In Rome and, currently in the race for Champions League qualification.
One of the main reasons for Romans promising start is the form of Italian Midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Scoring five goals and contributing to two assists the attacking midfielder is loving life under Mourinho.
Roma fans will hope that Pellegrini can help the Giallorossi claim an important victory and, potentially propel them to a title push.
Real Sociedad vs Atletico Bilbao
One of the biggest derbies in Spain is taking place on Sunday.
Real Sociedad welcome local rivals Atletico Bilbao to the Reale Seguros Stadium for the Basque derby
The hosts are top of La Liga after just one defeat in their first 11 games, which came on the opening day against Barcelona.
With talents such as Mikel Oyarzabal and Alexander Isak leading the attack, Sociedad have a lot of fire power going forward which many teams will find hard to deal with.
Atletico Bilbao have struggled in this fixture over the past few years, winless since 2019.
However having enjoyed a decent start to the season themselves and possessing the best defence in the league Los Leones will believe they can take home the three points.
This could be a cagey affair as both clubs will not want to lose but, if either side claim a victory it will mean much more than just the points.
By Bryce Densham
