European Football Weekend Predictions Digest: 27-28 September 2025

The European football season is heating up. This weekend, we’re set for the iconic Madrid Derby, alongside tough tests for Liverpool and Arsenal. To keep you on top of the key events, the TipsGG team has prepared a comprehensive digest with predictions for every major match of the weekend.

St. Pauli vs Bayer Leverkusen

St. Pauli suffered their first Bundesliga defeat last weekend (0:2 against Stuttgart). Before that, they secured two wins and a draw. Overall, their start looks promising and could help them avoid a relegation scrap.

Bayer Leverkusen, the “Pharmacists,” began the season with a bang: Erik ten Hag was sacked after just two rounds. In all their Bundesliga and Champions League matches, both teams have scored. The squad is still adapting to new manager Julian Nagelsmann’s demands, and with a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against PSV looming on Wednesday, rotation is likely.

Mainz vs Borussia Dortmund

Mainz had a sluggish start to the season but managed their first win last round, thrashing Augsburg 4:1. This result steadied Bo Henriksen’s side and improved their league standing, but issues persist: Dominik Kohr is suspended, and Hanche-Olsen’s participation is in doubt, potentially weakening their central defense. Additionally, Mainz hasn’t won at home in the Bundesliga since February.

Borussia Dortmund is gradually finding form, though not always spectacularly. Under Niko Kovač, they remain unbeaten, showcasing a new, efficient style: their last three league matches ended in clean sheets, with full control of the game and minimal risks at the back. The return of Schlotterbeck, Süle, and the debut of newcomer Fábio Silva add much-needed squad depth.

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool

An intriguing clash between the Premier League’s only two teams yet to lose in regular time this season. Crystal Palace already defeated Liverpool on penalties in the English Super Cup and have lost just once in their last four meetings. In the Premier League, Palace’s points come largely from a stout defense, though their lack of firepower in some games leads to dropped points.

Liverpool are outright favorites, having won seven straight matches, with late (80th minute or later) winning goals in six of them. The “Reds” also feel at home at Selhurst Park, securing nine away wins in their last ten visits to Palace.

Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid

The latest Madrid Derby arrives in La Liga’s 7th round!

Atlético had a rocky start, earning just two points from their first three matches. However, Diego Simeone insists everything is under control. Post-international break, their form has improved: two wins, one draw, and one loss.

Real Madrid, under new manager Xabi Alonso, are flawless—seven wins from seven matches. Their start is more than promising.

Juventus vs Atalanta

The last time Juventus beat Atalanta in the league was May 2023. Now, they have a prime chance for a positive result.

Juventus are unbeaten this season (three wins, two draws). Igor Tudor’s side plays vibrant football and is rightly seen as the favorite for this clash.

Atalanta parted ways with Gian Piero Gasperini after nine years, with Ivan Jurić taking over. Under him, the team has been inconsistent: two thrashing wins (3:0 over Torino and 4:1 over Lecce), two draws against bottom sides, and a 0:4 debacle against PSG in Paris.

Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao

At Estadio de la Cerámica, two teams that finished last season level on 70 points face off.

Both sides started well in the first three rounds: Villarreal earned 7 points, Athletic Bilbao 12. After the international break, both lost synchronously in the Champions League to London clubs. Earlier, the “Yellow Submarine” lost to Atlético and drew with Celta but later secured two wins. The “Lions,” after beating Betis, have gone four matches without a victory.

Roma vs Verona

After a lackluster performance against Torino, Roma bounced back with a derby win over Lazio and an away victory against Nice in the Europa League’s opening round. The team is improving, though they struggle with creating and converting chances. They’ll likely aim to address this at home against Verona, where they rarely slip up.

Verona remain winless in the league and crashed out of the Coppa Italia early. However, Paolo Zanetti’s side held Juventus in their last match and now aims to repeat that feat in Rome.

Newcastle vs Arsenal

Without the injured Isak, Newcastle has shifted to a more central approach. Their attack lacks spark, with only the emerging talent Voltemade adapting to a new league and level. The quality isn’t there, and their play feels sluggish, relying on long shots and central build-up. Players like Tonali, Guimarães, and Gordon can make a difference, but it’s not enough to breach Arsenal, who can easily catch Newcastle on rapid counterattacks.

Arsenal will dominate possession: alongside a strong central attack, they have Djokeres and quick wingers who can join attacks at pace and create through interceptions, despite injuries to Saka and Ødegaard. Against Newcastle, Arteta’s side will generate chances and hunt for a goal, though the hosts’ low-block tactics could make it tough. Still, Arsenal will likely break through eventually.

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