Two teams tipped for promotion from the Championship kick off their campaigns against each other when Middlesbrough face West Brom. Boro just missed out on the play-offs last term, while the Baggies struggled in their quest for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Germany and France look evenly matched on their exploits at Euro 2022 and this semi-final clash is a tough one to call. Les Bleues have probably been more entertaining in general play, but Die Nationelf have the edge in efficiency and past pedigree at major tournaments.
France are fancied to end Netherlands’ reign as European champions in what promises to be a cracking Euro 2022 quarter-final. Holders Holland won’t go down without a fight and impressed up front during the group stage, but Les Bleues have looked really exciting so far.
Vancouver return home following a couple of decent away draws and will look to get back to winning ways when entertaining Chicago. The Whitecaps have secured five of this season’s seven MLS victories at BC Place, while the Fire have lost seven of 10 on the road.
Wayne Rooney will be hoping to see DC United win for the first time since his appointment against Montreal on Sunday. The former England captain has watched from the stands as DC picked up one point from two games since his return to the club as head coach.
Sweden’s Euro 2022 quarter-final clash with Belgium looks a mismatch on paper and the Scandinavians are tipped to cruise through in Leigh. The Blue and Yellow are ranked second in the world, while the Red Flames are down in 19th and competing at this level for the first time.
Germany have been ruthlessly efficient at Euro 2022 and it would be a surprise if they don’t prove too strong for Austria in the quarter-finals. Austria have proven themselves to be resilient and well drilled defensively, but do look a little short of quality when going forward.
Iceland will hope to take advantage of France already claiming top spot in Group D by joining them in the quarter-finals. Les Bleues have won two out of two and can afford to take their foot off the gas here while Iceland need a win to be certain of finishing second.
Italy and Belgium have one point apiece and a victory for either in their final group game should be enough to clinch a quarter-final place at the Women’s Euro 2022. Iceland are a point ahead of them in second but are not expected to beat group winners France, which would leave the door open for the winners here to leapfrog them.
Portland Timbers will look to continue their impressive form when they entertain the Vancouver Whitecaps. The hosts are unbeaten in their last five MLS fixtures and have already won against the Whitecaps earlier this season.
Germany have already secured their place in the Women’s Euro 2022 quarter-finals and Finland will hope that works in their favour in the final round of games in Group B. The Germans continued to underline their Euro 2022 credentials with a 2-0 win over Spain on Tuesday while Finland are playing only for pride after two defeats.
Denmark and Spain are level on three points apiece in Group B and a quarter-final against hosts England is up for grabs when they meet in west London. Both teams have lost to Germany and beaten Finland but Spain’s superior goal difference means they have a slight advantage heading into the final match.
It’s the first Canadian Classique of the MLS season on Sunday with both sides looking to return to winning ways. Montreal have lost two on the bounce while Toronto are winless in four, with three defeats and a draw since beating Atlanta at the end of last month.
Austria and Norway collide in a winner-takes-all Group A clash with a place in the quarter-finals at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 at stake. After a narrow 1-0 loss to England, Austria beat Northern Ireland 2-0 while Norway were thumped 8-0 by the hosts having opened with a 4-1 win against the Irish.