West Brom have had a challenging start to life back in the Championship but are fancied to show their true worth at Norwich. Picking up just one point from their two opening games wasn’t in the script, but Albion remain among the favourites for a quick return to the Premier League.
Wigan returned to the Championship with an encouraging win over Sheffield Wednesday and can build on that by picking up a point at Aston Villa. The Latics were impressive League One champions last season and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, so this step back up in class should hold no fears.
Back-to-back relegations have left Sunderland in League One but they can start to recover by seeing off Charlton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Two years ago, the Black Cats opened with a game against Manchester City in the Premier League, so hopefully they will find their current company far more conducive.
Leeds and Stoke are two of the favourites to gain promotion to the Premier League this season and a tight tussle is expected in Sunday’s Championship clash. United have brought in high-profile manager Marcelo Bielsa to boost their hopes, while City are seeking to bounce straight back up to the top flight.
Aston Villa have been boosted by attracting new investors and can transfer that feelgood factor to the field of play when visiting Hull on Monday night. Steve Bruce steered the Midlands outfit to the Championship play-off final last term and has been given a vote of confidence to go one better this season.
Frank Lampard’s arrival has created a real buzz about Derby this summer and they can start the new Championship campaign with a win at Reading. The Rams will be looking to build on last season’s sixth-placed finish, whereas the ante-post odds suggest the Royals are facing another relegation battle.
Celtic begin their quest for an eighth straight Scottish Premiership title with what looks a straightforward task when hosting top-flight newcomers Livingston. The visitors are back up to this level for the first time since 2006 and have lost 19 consecutive matches against the Hoops, dating back to 2001.
Barcelona paid the price for making wholesale late changes when losing to Roma in the International Champions Cup but can learn their lesson for the clash with AC Milan. The Catalan giants will be keen to end the tournament on a high note and sharpen up ahead of a Spanish Super Cup tussle with Sevilla.
Juventus have a score to settle with Real Madrid when they meet in the International Champions Cup in Maryland this weekend. The Whites have got the better of the Old Lady in the Champions League for the last two seasons, including when prevailing in the 2017 final.
Burnley had to survive a tough test at Aberdeen in the first leg of their Europa League tie but are now fancied to prove too strong on home soil. The Clarets looked the better team overall in a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie and are expected to improve for that outing in Thursday’s return fixture at Turf Moor.
Rangers had to ride their luck at times when beating NK Osijek in Croatia but are now in pole position to progress from this tricky Europa League tie. The Glasgow giants have looked strong at the back since Steven Gerrard’s arrival at Ibrox and are fancied to narrowly extend the 1-0 advantage on home turf.
Hibs pulled off an heroic comeback in the first leg of their Europa League clash with Asteras Tripolis but may find life tough in the return fixture. Neil Lennon’s side will take a slender 3-2 lead to Greece and their opponents have an impressive record at Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium.
Manchester United have not had the happiest of trips to the US and may struggle to compete against Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup. As well as being without a host of World Cup stars, the Red Devils have been rocked by injuries and other departures to leave Jose Mourinho in a difficult situation.
Tottenham got off to a flying start in the International Champions Cup when thrashing Roma and are value to pick up another positive result against Barcelona in Pasadena. Both teams have travelled to the USA without a whole host of star performers, but Spurs may benefit from having already had a run-out prior to this Rose Bowl showdown.