European previews: Lille v PSG

Zlatan Ibrahimović

When Paris Saint-Germain announced the signings of Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thiago Silva in a double deal from AC Milan, the only question being asked was how many points they would win Ligue 1 by this season.

The destination of the trophy seemed a foregone conclusion. No team anywhere else in Europe, let alone France, had completed such eye-catching business over the summer months.

But in football there are few certainties, and things have been anything but straightforward for the Parisians and their under-pressure coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has failed to deliver a single victory in the club’s opening three matches of the campaign.

Three successive draws have turned the spotlight on the vastly-experienced Italian coach. Ancelotti must mastermind a plan to defeat 2011 French champions Lille this Sunday, or risk the wrath of the club’s Qatari owners, who have shelled out a fortune on new arrivals this summer alone.

Currently top of the Ligue 1 table, with three wins from three, are Marseille. It’s been an encouraging start to life at the Stade Vélodrome for manager Élie Baup, the man who took over from Didier Deschamps in July, and a home win over Rennes on Sunday would naturally lead to suggestions that they could be title contenders this season.

Elsewhere in France, second-placed Lyon look to continue their fine start by sealing maximum points at home to Valenciennes, while champions Montpellier will be desperate to beat bottom-side Sochaux in order to climb back up the league table. Even though it’s very early days, few would have expected René Girard’s men to pick up a measly one point from a possible nine.

Over in Italy, Inter’s match with AS Roma is among the standout fixtures. The Nerazzurri recorded a convincing 3-0 win over newly-promoted Pescara last weekend, but a home tie against the Giallorossi promises to be a much tougher second assignment.

AC Milan, meanwhile, will be looking to show that they mean business following last weekend’s surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Sampdoria.

And champions Juventus – without manager Antonio Conte on the sidelines, of course – travel to the Friuli to take on Udinese, who failed to make the Champions League group stages this week.

In Spain, Barcelona hope to bounce back from Thursday’s Spanish Supercup second-leg defeat to rivals Real Madrid by beating Valencia in the Primera Liga.

Tito Vilanova’s side top the table with two wins from two - five points clear of José Mourinho’s men, who take on Granada looking for their first league win of the season.

It’s been an even more worrying start for Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao. A 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Atlético Madrid on Monday cast serious doubt over the Argentinian’s future at San Mamés but, as things stand, the innovative tactician remains the club’s head coach. Lose against Valladolid on Sunday, though, and he could be gone.

One of their best players from last season, Javi Martinez, could make his Bayern Munich debut this Sunday after completing his €40million to the German giants earlier this week.

The Bavarians host Stuttgart, while reigning champions Borussia Dortmund travel to Nurnberg.

Rob Swan - follow me on Twitter

Join us on Facebook

Follow our Bettor Football updates on Twitter