5 hot fixtures to watch this weekend 🌶

The top leagues of European football begin next week, but there's enough of football to whet the appetite this weekend for what's in store in 2024-25.

The Olympics, Football League, and Community Shield are among the appetizers coming up, and we've selected five must-see games for this weekend.

Wrexham Vs Wycombe Wanderers

Wrexham, the EFL's version of FC Hollywood, moves up the English football pyramid this season, returning to the third tier for the first time in two decades.

Wrexham's high-profile ownership by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has created a whirlwind for the club, which is entering League One following two consecutive promotions. Five of the club's six summer acquisitions have moved down a division to join The Red Dragons, who will be confident of at least retaining their status.

Given competition from big-spending Birmingham City, the addition of former Charlton captain George Dobson is a coup, while Dan Scarr has promoted from this division before, and Arthur Okonkwo's impressive loan from Arsenal is now permanent.

Wycombe, who finished in the top half last season, are the visitors to the Racecourse on the first weekend, providing a solid indication of Wrexham's level.

Luton Vs Burnley

Okay, this is Monday night football, but we had to add Luton vs Burnley in our weekend predictions.

The demoted duo face off in the first round of Championship action, with both clubs looking to rebound and establish they are promotion contenders. Each has kept the majority of their finest players together, which speaks well for successful seasons, with Luton's front two of Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo poised to be a genuine handful for second-tier defences.

Burnley have replaced Vincent Kompany with Scott Parker, who has twice been promoted from this division with Fulham and Bournemouth. In 2024-25, the former England midfielder will look to complete a hat trick at Turf Moor.

France Vs Spain

Hosts France competes for gold in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament, with the host nation facing Spain in Paris.

Two of the tournament's favourites defeated North African opponents in the semi-finals and will clash at the Parc des Princes on Friday evening.

Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta, former Crystal Palace colleagues, have combined for six goals and four assists for France in the Olympics, inspiring Thierry Henry's team. Meanwhile, Spain is aiming to improve on its silver medal from Tokyo in 2021.

Brazil Vs United States

In contrast to the men's event, the women's Olympic football tournament is a full senior-level competition.

Brazil and the United States will compete for the gold medal this weekend, with the former seeking for their first gold medal after defeating world champions Spain in a thrilling semifinal. This is the third meeting between the two countries, with the United States winning gold in 2004 and 2008.

The United States has made significant progress in women's football at the Olympics, thanks to Emma Hayes' leadership.

While the entire football world benefits from an exciting and competitive Brazil.

PLUS, IT GIVES US HOPE THAT SPAIN IS HUMAN AND BEATABLE!

The United States recovered from a tough World Cup campaign last year to reach the final with a perfect record, but it took tense extra-time victories against Japan and Germany to get there. Victory will give the United States their sixth gold medal, extending its record.

Manchester City Vs Manchester United

Sure, the Community Shield is typically regarded as a glamorous friendly, and the losers will not be very bothered, but a Manchester Derby under the Wembley arch is not to be missed.

Those who travel to the capital will be keen to see their team triumph in this local grudge match, with Manchester United's unexpected win in the FA Cup final still stinging their neighbours across town.

The Manchester Derby continues on Saturday with the Community Shield... 🍿👀.
#EmiratesFACup

Manchester City has been the dominant force in this rivalry for the past decade and will be looking to reclaim that status this weekend. This is one of the best Premier League season openers.

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