WHAT TO WATCH: ALL the key football games on SuperSport
Matsatsantsa looking to get ALL three points
SuperSport United v Royal AM
Saturday 21 September | 5:30pm (CAT), live on SuperSport
A showdown between SuperSport United and Royal AM headlines a shortened weekend of Betway Premiership action, with just four tantalising fixtures scheduled for Saturday.
With several teams tied up in CAF competitions, South African top-flight fans have a limited menu to enjoy. But Matsatsantsa's clash with Thwihli Thwahla at TUT Stadium, set for a late afternoon kick-off, promises to be a thrilling affair.
SuperSport United will be eager to bounce back after suffering a 2-0 defeat to fierce Tshwane rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, in their midweek opener. Expect sparks to fly as they seek redemption on home soil!
––––-
ALL expectation on United to make it back-to-back wins
Crystal Palace v Man United
Saturday 21 September | 6:30pm (CAT) live on SuperSport
Crystal Palace will be brimming with confidence as they prepare to host Manchester United, having completed a historic double over the Red Devils in the Premier League last season—the first time they’ve ever beaten them in back-to-back league fixtures.
Manchester United have struggled on recent visits to Selhurst Park, losing two of their last three away league encounters against Palace, a sharp decline from their previous dominance where they went unbeaten in 13 consecutive matches (W9 D4) at the venue.
Palace's fortunes against United have dramatically improved, as they’ve won five of their last 10 Premier League meetings after failing to claim a single victory in the first 20 attempts (D4 L16).
The Red Devils also have a poor away record in London, with just two wins in their last 16 Premier League matches in the capital (D4 L10). Both of those victories came against Fulham, and their post-Ferguson struggles in London are notable—having lost 24 of their 64 visits since Sir Alex retired, as many defeats as in 118 matches under his leadership.
This match promises a fascinating clash as both sides look to continue their recent trends.
–––––
An ALL-important battle in the title race
Man City v Arsenal
Sunday 22 September | 5:30pm (CAT), live on SuperSport
Manchester City will look to extend their formidable home record against Arsenal as they host the Gunners at the Etihad. City are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League home clashes with Arsenal, winning seven and drawing two, with their last defeat coming back in January 2015.
However, Arsenal showed significant improvement last season, earning four points against the reigning champions—double what they had managed across the previous 15 encounters combined. Arsenal's defensive resilience was key, as they kept City scoreless in both league meetings, a sharp contrast to the 40 goals they had conceded in their last 16 matches against them.
Historically, Arsenal have been a thorn in City’s side, with 99 wins from 211 meetings across all competitions. They’ve only reached the century mark of victories against Everton (111), while City have endured more defeats against the Gunners than any other side.
This encounter promises to be another high-stakes battle between two Premier League giants.
–––-
Barca going ALL out to keep up their perfect start
Villarreal v Barcelona
Sunday 22 September | 6:30pm (CAT) live on SuperSport
This Sunday’s Villarreal CF v FC Barcelona match could be one of the most entertaining of the season, as two in-form and high-scoring teams face off at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Not only is this an important game, as the league leaders visit the fourth-placed team, but this match will feature some of the best attacking talents in LALIGA.
If this weekend’s game is anything like either of their duels from last season, then we’re in for a treat. In 2023/24, both of these clubs won the away fixture when they met, with FC Barcelona winning 4-3 when the teams met in Castellón at the beginning of the campaign and with Villarreal CF earning revenge by triumphing 5-3 in the return game in Catalonia.
Those matches produced a total of 15 goals and each match had three lead changes. So, excitement is building ahead of this latest meeting.
There hasn’t been a goalless draw between these two teams in over a decade, not since January of 2012. Since then, they have faced off on 24 occasions and these matches have had an average of 3.92 goals each one.
–––––-
ALL eyes on a classic derby
Inter Milan v AC Milan
Sunday 22 September | 8:45pm (CAT) live on SuperSport
Inter Milan are primed to deepen the wounds of their faltering city rivals AC Milan this Sunday, as the two footballing giants prepare for their first derby clash of the season. The recent Champions League fixtures laid bare the widening gap between the two historic clubs.
Italian champions Inter are set to host the Milan derby at a vibrant and deafening San Siro, fresh off their resilient goalless draw against Manchester City, the reigning European champions, on Wednesday night. The result underscored Simone Inzaghi's squad's resolve after their narrow defeat to City in the 2023 Champions League final.
Inter went toe-to-toe once again with the English juggernauts, displaying the tenacity and quality that defines their football. Inzaghi hailed their performance in Manchester as "gigantic," exuding the confidence of a coach who knows his team is built for the big occasions.
Advertisement