AZ Alkmaar vs H. Beer Sheva Prediction: Match Preview

AZ Alkmaar welcome Hapoel Beer Sheva to the AFAS Stadion on Thursday evening for a Europa League league phase fixture that pits a wounded Dutch giant against the competition’s most stubborn defensive unit. The Cheese Farmers opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, a result that ended a 19-match unbeaten run, and their weekend loss at Feyenoord has left coach Lee-Roy Echteld searching for answers. Hapoel, by contrast, arrive in Alkmaar unbeaten in four matches across all competitions and having kept five clean sheets in their last eight European outings.

Match Information 📋

Match: AZ Alkmaar vs Hapoel Be’er Sheva
Competition: UEFA Europa League – League Phase – Round 2
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Kick-off: 17:45 BST (18:45 CEST)
Venue: AFAS Stadion, Alkmaar
Our Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 2-0 Hapoel Be’er Sheva

Head-to-Head Record 📋

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs. Hapoel’s record against Dutch opposition is historically bleak, having lost all four previous meetings by an aggregate score of 20-1. That statistic alone offers AZ a significant psychological edge.

AZ Alkmaar Form 🔵

Last 5: W-W-D-L-L

AZ’s season has hit a bump after an outstanding start. The 2-0 defeat at Feyenoord was their second consecutive loss, following the 1-0 setback at Sunderland, and it cost them top spot in the Eredivisie. However, their home record remains formidable: AZ are unbeaten in their last 16 matches at the AFAS Stadion, a run stretching back to January. The challenge for Echteld is to rediscover the attacking fluency that saw them score 4-1 at Utrecht and 4-0 against PSV in the Super Cup earlier this season.

Team News: Echteld is without Kees Smit, Stije Resink, and Jizz Hornkamp due to injury. With a congested schedule, rotation is expected, with Valdemar Byskov and Dave Kwakman pushing for starts. Wouter Goes will look to respond after his error contributed to Feyenoord’s opener.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva Form ⚪

Last 5: D-W-W-W-D

Hapoel’s form is built on defensive resilience. Ran Kozuch’s side have not conceded in 371 minutes of football and have kept four consecutive clean sheets. Their 0-0 draw with Dinamo Zagreb on Matchday One was a disciplined, organised performance, and a 2-0 weekend win over Ironi Tiberias extended their unbeaten run. However, they face an unwanted challenge: all their European fixtures are played outside Israel due to the Gaza conflict, meaning they have no true home advantage throughout the campaign.

Team News: Dan Biton is the only absentee, ruled out with a heart issue. Djibril Diop and Eliel Peretz return from suspension after missing the Sabah defeat. Peretz has two league goals this season, underlining his dual threat.

Team News & Predicted Lineups 📰

AZ Alkmaar Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

De Busser; Dijkstra, Goes, Schouten, Chavez; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Oufkir, Kwakman, Daal; Meerdink

Echteld is expected to rotate. Mexx Meerdink leads the line, with Ro-Zangelo Daal providing width on the left and Ayoub Oufkir on the right.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Marciano; Mizrahi, Diop, Vitor, Amador; Amankwah, Ventura, Peretz; East, Zlatanovic, Victor

Ofir Marciano anchors the defence, with Miguel Vítor providing experience at centre-back. João Victor returns after scoring at the weekend and supports Igor Zlatanović in attack.

xG & Tactical Analysis 📈

The statistical models paint a clear picture. AZ have a 54.32% win probability, with the draw at 22.41% and Hapoel at just 23.3%. The most likely scoreline is 1-0 to AZ (12.65%), followed by 2-0 (10.25%). Under 2.5 goals carries a 49.89% probability, reflecting Hapoel’s defensive solidity.

The tactical battle will be defined by Hapoel’s compact defensive block against AZ’s patient build-up. Kozuch’s side defend deep and look to spring quick transitions through Javon East and João Victor. AZ’s ability to move the ball quickly through midfield—Jordy Clasie and Peer Koopmeiners are central to this—will determine whether they can create better openings than they managed against Sunderland. Wouter Goes’ concentration will be tested by Hapoel’s counter-attacks.

Betting Analysis 💰

AZ are clear favourites at 1.65, with Hapoel at 5.00 and the draw at 3.80. Under 2.5 goals is the standout angle: Hapoel have kept four consecutive clean sheets, and AZ’s attacking output has dipped in recent weeks. AZ to win to nil offers value given Hapoel’s lack of goalscoring threat on the road.

Final Prediction 🏁

AZ Alkmaar 2-0 Hapoel Be’er Sheva

This is a fixture where home advantage and historical precedent align decisively in AZ’s favour. The Cheese Farmers have not lost at the AFAS Stadion in 16 matches, and Hapoel’s record against Dutch opposition—four defeats, 20 goals conceded—is a psychological burden they will struggle to shed.

Hapoel’s defensive resilience is admirable, and their 371-minute clean sheet streak demands respect. But AZ’s home form and the return of Kwakman and Byskov to the starting XI should provide the creative spark that was missing at Feyenoord. Meerdink’s movement against an experienced Hapoel back line is the mismatch Echteld will target.

The visitors will defend deep and frustrate, but AZ’s patience should eventually tell.

Prediction: AZ Alkmaar 2-0 Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Meerdink opens the scoring before half-time, and Daal seals the points in the second half as AZ claim their first Europa League victory of the campaign and extend their remarkable home unbeaten run.

Aston Villa vs Fenerbahce Prediction: Match Preview

Aston Villa welcome Fenerbahçe to Villa Park on Wednesday evening for a Champions League league phase fixture that pits Unai Emery’s European pedigree against a Turkish side brimming with confidence after their opening draw with Roma. The hosts opened their campaign with an impressive 3-2 victory at Club Brugge, but their preparations for Matchday Two have been disrupted by a defensive crisis that has stripped Emery of both first-choice left-backs. Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, arrive in Birmingham unbeaten in their last five matches and with a squad that includes familiar Premier League faces in N’Golo Kanté and Mason Greenwood.

Match Information 📋

Match: Aston Villa vs Fenerbahçe
Competition: UEFA Champions League – League Phase – Round 2
Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
Our Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Fenerbahçe

Head-to-Head Record 📋

Villa have dominated this fixture historically. Across three competitive meetings, the Villans have won all three without conceding a single goal, including a 1-0 victory at Villa Park in last season’s Europa League. The most recent encounter came in January 2026, when Emery’s side secured a narrow win in Istanbul.

Aston Villa Form 🔵

Last 5: W-D-W-D-L

Villa’s start to the season has been inconsistent, but their European form offers encouragement. The 3-2 victory at Club Brugge showcased the attacking firepower at Emery’s disposal, with John McGinn becoming the club’s record European goalscorer in the process. However, the 2-2 draw with Brentford at the weekend exposed familiar defensive frailties, and Emery admitted he was “sad” with the result despite a spirited performance. Villa have scored 12 goals in their last five matches, but they have also conceded nine in that run, making Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals the standout betting angle.

Team News: Emery faces a significant selection headache at left-back. Matteo Ruggeri has been ruled out for over a month with a hamstring injury sustained against Brentford. With Ian Maatsen also sidelined until late November with an ankle problem, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to fill in on his unfavoured left side. Amadou Onana remains a long-term absentee with an ACL rupture, but Leon Goretzka is in the squad for the first time after recovering from a knee injury.

Fenerbahçe Form ⚪

Last 5: W-W-W-D-W

Fenerbahçe arrive in Birmingham in imperious form. The Yellow Canaries have won their last three matches by a combined score of 13-0, including an 8-0 demolition of Eyüpspor and a 3-0 victory at Rizespor. Vedat Muriqi has been the standout performer with seven goals this season, while Mason Greenwood has contributed six goals from the wing. Their 1-1 draw with Roma on Matchday One demonstrated their capacity to compete against European opposition, with Archie Brown scoring the equaliser after Bryan Cristante had given the Italians the lead.

Team News: Fenerbahçe will be without Mert Müldür, who remains sidelined with a long-term injury. Romelu Lukaku is available and has been included in the squad, offering Ismail Kartal a physical alternative to Muriqi. The Turkish side have no other reported injury concerns.

Team News & Predicted Lineups 📰

Aston Villa Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Wan-Bissaka; Kamara, McGinn; Rogers, Buendia, Ramsey; Jackson

With Ruggeri and Maatsen both out, Wan-Bissaka starts at left-back with Matty Cash returning to his natural right-back role. Nicolas Jackson, who has scored in his last two matches, leads the line.

Fenerbahçe Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Ederson; Semedo, Skriniar, Aké, Brown; Kanté, Yüksek; Greenwood, Asensio, Aktürkoğlu; Muriqi

Kartal is expected to retain the attacking quartet that has terrorised Turkish defences. Muriqi leads the line, with Greenwood and Aktürkoğlu providing width.

xG & Tactical Analysis 📈

The expected goals data reveals a fascinating contrast. Aston Villa average 3.00 xG in the Champions League, compared to Fenerbahçe’s 1.64, while the hosts’ xGA of 1.46 is concerning given their defensive absences. Villa have kept zero clean sheets in their last five matches, a statistic that invites Fenerbahçe to attack.

The key battle will be Villa’s makeshift left side against Fenerbahçe’s attacking threat down the right. With Wan-Bissaka filling in at left-back, Greenwood and Semedo will look to exploit that channel. However, Villa’s attacking output at Villa Park has been relentless, and Jackson’s pace in behind Škriniar is a genuine mismatch. McGinn’s form—two goals and two assists in his last five appearances—makes him the primary creative threat.

Betting Analysis 💰

Villa are odds-on favourites at 1.67, with Fenerbahçe at 5.00 and the draw at 4.00. Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals has been a winning bet in Villa’s last five matches and is priced at 2.00. Nicolas Jackson to score anytime is available at 5.50, while McGinn to score or assist offers value at 4.40.

Final Prediction 🏁

Aston Villa 2-1 Fenerbahçe

This is a fixture where Villa’s attacking quality should ultimately prevail, but not without significant discomfort. Emery’s left-back crisis is a genuine concern, and Fenerbahçe possess the attacking talent—Greenwood’s directness, Muriqi’s physicality, Asensio’s creativity—to exploit it. The Turkish side have scored 13 goals in their last three matches and arrive at Villa Park with genuine belief.

Yet Villa’s European pedigree under Emery is undeniable. The five-time Europa League winner knows how to navigate these fixtures, and his side’s attacking output—12 goals in five matches—suggests they will create chances against a Fenerbahçe defence that conceded in both qualifying matches against Lyon. Jackson’s pace in behind and McGinn’s late runs from midfield are the weapons Emery will target.

Villa Park will be rocking, and the hosts’ need for a response after the Brentford disappointment should provide the emotional edge.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Fenerbahçe. Jackson opens the scoring, Muriqi equalises for the visitors, and McGinn seals the points with a trademark strike from the edge of the box, extending Villa’s unbeaten start in the Champions League.

Inter vs Club Brugge KV Prediction: Match Preview

Inter Milan welcome Club Brugge to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Tuesday evening for a Champions League league phase fixture that has become an unexpected psychological minefield for the Italian champions. The Nerazzurri arrive at San Siro on the back of three consecutive defeats in Europe’s elite competition, a sequence that began with their play-off elimination last season and continued with a narrow 2-1 loss at Real Madrid on Matchday One. Another defeat would represent the first time in Inter’s illustrious history that they have lost four successive Champions League matches. Club Brugge, meanwhile, are no pushovers on their travels, having won three of their last four competitive away games by a combined margin of 10-2.

Match Information 📋

Match: Inter Milan vs Club Brugge KV
Competition: UEFA Champions League – League Phase – Round 2
Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro), Milan
Our Prediction: Inter 2-1 Club Brugge KV

Head-to-Head Record 📋

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs. Their only previous encounters came in the summer of 1981 during the Kirin Cup in Japan, where a 0-0 group-stage draw was followed by a 2-0 Club Brugge victory in the final. Inter’s overall record against Belgian opposition is formidable, however: they have won five of their last six meetings, including a 4-0 thrashing of Union Saint-Gilloise last season. Inter have not lost a home match against Belgian opposition in 46 years.

Inter Form 🔵

Last 5: W-W-D-W-W

Inter’s domestic form is imperious. The Nerazzurri sit top of Serie A with five wins and one draw from six matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding just eight. Cristian Chivu’s side have won all four competitive home matches this season, scoring at least three goals in each. Marcus Thuram has three goals and two assists in his last four appearances, and his partnership with Lautaro Martinez remains Inter’s most potent weapon. Chivu has rotated wisely, resting key players against Parma in preparation for this fixture.

Team News: Inter’s only absentees are Curtis Jones and John Stones, both long-term injury concerns. Hakan Calhanoglu is fully fit after his penalty against Parma, and Aleksandar Stankovic, who spent last season on loan at Club Brugge, could feature against his former club. Chivu is expected to make five changes from the Parma victory, with Lautaro, Barella, and Zielinski returning.

Club Brugge Form ⚪

Last 5: W-W-W-W-L

Club Brugge’s domestic dominance is undeniable: seven wins from eight Jupiler Pro League matches, including a 4-1 thumping of RAAL La Louvière on Saturday. However, their European form tells a different story. The Belgian champions have conceded at least three goals in each of their last three Champions League matches, and their 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa on Matchday One exposed familiar defensive frailties. Yann Sommer, who won two Serie A titles with Inter, returns to the Meazza as an opponent.

Team News: Club Brugge face a significant injury concern with Carlos Forbs, the Portuguese winger whose pace is central to their counter-attacking threat. Coach Ivan Leko admitted the issue is “worrying” and could be a muscle injury. Joel Ordonez remains sidelined with a foot problem, leaving the Belgian side without their most sought-after defender.

Team News & Predicted Lineups 📰

Inter Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)

J. Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Diouf, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Thuram, L. Martinez

Chivu is expected to field his strongest available XI. Calhanoglu anchors midfield, with Barella and Zielinski providing energy and creativity. Thuram and Lautaro lead the line.

Club Brugge Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Sommer; Sabbe, Mechele, Han-beom, Seys; Vetlesen, Potts; Forbs, Vanaken, Virgili; Tresoldi

If Forbs is fit, his pace on the right is Brugge’s primary outlet. Nicolo Tresoldi, with six goals this season, leads the attack. Hans Vanaken remains the creative hub.

xG & Tactical Analysis 📈

The expected goals data reveals a stark contrast. Inter average 1.78 xG while conceding 2.91 xGA in the Champions League, according to ESPN’s model. However, those figures are distorted by the Real Madrid defeat. In Serie A, Inter’s attacking output has been relentless.

Club Brugge’s defensive vulnerabilities are systemic: they have let in 3+ goals in seven Champions League outings since the start of last season, more than any other side. The key battle will be Inter’s attacking rotations against Brugge’s makeshift backline. Without Ordonez, the Belgian side lacks pace at centre-back, and Thuram’s movement in behind could exploit that. Inter’s tendency to attack the second post with four players in the box is a pattern that has troubled Brugge’s zonal marking.

Betting Analysis 💰

Inter are overwhelming favourites at 1.25, with the draw at 5.40 and Club Brugge at 8.70. Inter to score 2+ goals is priced at 1.82, reflecting their home scoring record. Both Teams to Score at 1.65 offers value: Brugge have scored in four of their last five matches, and Inter’s defensive record in Europe is far from watertight. Lautaro Martinez to score anytime at 1.80 is attractive given his hunger to end a six-game Champions League drought.

Final Prediction 🏁

Inter 2-1 Club Brugge KV

This is a fixture where Inter’s domestic superiority and home fortress should end their European misery, but not without a scare. The Nerazzurri have never lost four consecutive Champions League matches, and the return of Lautaro and Barella to the starting XI restores the spine that was rested against Parma. Thuram’s form is electric, and his movement against a Brugge defence missing Ordonez is the mismatch Chivu will target.

Club Brugge will not go quietly. Their domestic form is excellent, and Tresoldi’s goalscoring record suggests they will create chances. But the Belgian side’s defensive record in Europe is appalling, and the San Siro atmosphere—with Sommer returning to face his former club—adds an emotional edge that favours the hosts.

Prediction: Inter 2-1 Club Brugge KV. Thuram opens the scoring, Tresoldi equalises for the visitors, and Lautaro Martinez seals the points in the second half, finally ending Inter’s Champions League losing streak and averting a historic fourth consecutive defeat.

Freiburg vs Schalke Prediction: Match Preview

Freiburg welcome Schalke 04 to the Europa-Park Stadion on Sunday afternoon with the hosts riding the crest of an unbeaten start and the visitors desperate to bury a decade of misery in Breisgau. Julian Schuster’s side sit third in the Bundesliga, unbeaten in four matches with 12 goals scored and just three conceded, and a victory could take them top of the table depending on results elsewhere. Schalke, meanwhile, have stabilised after a chastening opening-day defeat to Augsburg, taking five points from their last three matches including a creditable goalless draw with Bayern Munich. But the historical record at this venue is brutal: Schalke have lost their last three visits to Freiburg by a combined score of 12-0.

Match Information 📋

Match: SC Freiburg vs FC Schalke 04
Competition: German Bundesliga – Round 5
Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
Kick-off: 16:30 BST
Venue: Europa-Park Stadion, Freiburg
Our Prediction: Freiburg 3-1 Schalke 04

Head-to-Head Record 📋

Freiburg hold a commanding edge in this fixture. Across 44 Bundesliga meetings, the Breisgau-Brasilianer have won 19, Schalke 16, with nine draws. More damning for the visitors: Schalke are winless in their last eight meetings with Freiburg, a period that includes six defeats. The most recent encounter, in April 2023, ended in a 4-0 Freiburg victory at the Europa-Park Stadion.

Freiburg Form 🔵

Last 5: W-W-W-D-W

Freiburg’s start has been nothing short of imperious. Schuster’s side have won six of their seven matches across all competitions, scoring 24 goals in the process and netting at least three times on five occasions. Their only dropped points came in a 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, a match in which they conceded two goals for the first time this campaign. Igor Matanovic has been the standout performer with ten goals already this season, while Matthias Ginter has provided four assists from the heart of defence. Freiburg have a 100% home record this term, having overcome Motherwell, Werder Bremen, and Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Team News: Freiburg’s only confirmed absentee is Florent Muslija, who is scheduled to return in December following a knee injury sustained in April. Yilmaz and Ogbus are also doubts with minor knocks.

Schalke 04 Form ⚪

Last 5: L-D-W-D-D

Schalke’s return to the Bundesliga has been a study in resilience. After a 3-0 opening-day defeat to Augsburg, Miron Muslic’s side have steadied the ship, drawing with Bayern Munich and Elversberg before a 3-1 victory at Union Berlin. Their goalless stalemate with Elversberg before the international break was frustrating but extended their unbeaten run to three matches. The attacking output remains a concern: Schalke have scored just three goals in four matches, and their 36% average possession is the lowest in the division. Moussa Sylla, who scored five goals in two friendlies during the break, is expected to replace Edin Džeko up front to provide greater speed in transition.

Team News: Emil Højlund is ruled out with a heel injury requiring surgery, while Dejan Ljubicic remains sidelined with a knee problem. Timo Becker is a doubt with an ankle issue. Nine Schalke internationals returned “fit and healthy” from their travels, though Muslic has criticised the congested schedule.

Team News & Predicted Lineups 📰

Freiburg Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Backhaus; Treu, Ginter, Lienhart, Makengo; Eggestein, Engelhardt; Beste, Suzuki, Scherhant; Matanovic

Schuster is expected to retain the core that has delivered such impressive results. Matanovic leads the line, with Beste and Scherhant providing width.

Schalke 04 Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)

Karius; T. Becker, Katic, Kurucay; Dina Ebimbe, El-Faouzi, Tanaka, Gosens; Karaman, Aouchiche; Sylla

Muslic is expected to make one change from the Elversberg draw, with Sylla replacing Džeko to exploit Freiburg’s high defensive line.

xG & Tactical Analysis 📈

The expected goals data reveals the gulf in quality. Freiburg average 1.94 xG while conceding just 1.02, while Schalke generate 1.30 xG and concede 2.16. Freiburg’s attacking efficiency is remarkable: they have scored 12 goals from relatively modest possession figures, with their 53% average dominance masking a ruthless conversion rate.

The key battle will be Schalke’s defensive structure against Freiburg’s patient build-up. Muslic’s side have conceded just four goals this season, a record built on a disciplined three-man defence and goalkeeper Loris Karius’s 85% save percentage. But Freiburg’s attacking rotations—Beste’s crossing, Suzuki’s movement between the lines, Scherhant’s directness—will test Schalke’s organisation in ways Bayern Munich could not. Schalke’s 36% average possession means they will spend long periods without the ball, and Freiburg’s 6.5 shots on target per game suggests the pressure will tell.

Betting Analysis 💰

Freiburg are clear favourites at 1.53, with the draw at 3.90 and Schalke at 4.60. Both Teams to Score is the standout angle at 1.53: Freiburg have conceded in two of four matches, while Schalke have scored in three of four. The correct score market favours a 3-1 Freiburg victory, the prediction echoed by statistical models.

Final Prediction 🏁

Freiburg 3-1 Schalke 04

This is a fixture where form, history, and quality align decisively in the hosts’ favour. Freiburg have not lost to Schalke in eight meetings, and their three most recent home victories over the Royal Blues have produced identical 4-0 scorelines. Schuster’s side are scoring at will—24 goals in seven matches—and Matanovic’s ten-goal haul makes him the most in-form striker in the division.

Schalke’s resilience should not be dismissed. Muslic has organised his side well, and the draw with Bayern demonstrated their capacity to frustrate superior opponents. Sylla’s pace offers a genuine counter-attacking threat, and Karius has been excellent between the posts. But the attacking limitations that have produced just three goals in four matches will be exposed against a Freiburg side that punishes defensive lapses ruthlessly.

Prediction: Freiburg 3-1 Schalke 04. Matanovic opens the scoring, Suzuki doubles the lead, Sylla pulls one back for the visitors, and Scherhant seals the points as Freiburg maintain their unbeaten start and pile more misery on Schalke in Breisgau.

PSG vs Le Mans Prediction: Match Preview

Paris Saint-Germain welcome Le Mans to the Parc des Princes on Saturday evening for a Ligue 1 fixture that, on paper, should be a routine home victory. The champions sit second in the table, five points behind Monaco, and have not lost to Le Mans in their last four meetings. But the international break has left Luis Enrique’s squad stretched, with two key players rested and a Le Mans side eager to prove their promising start is no fluke. The visitors, however, arrive in Paris reeling from the loss of their most influential player.

Match Information 📋

Match: Paris Saint-Germain vs Le Mans FC
Competition: France: Ligue 1 – Round 6
Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
Our Prediction: PSG 3-1 Le Mans

Head-to-Head Record 📋

PSG’s dominance in this fixture is emphatic. Across 15 official meetings, the Parisians have won 10, drawn three, and lost just twice, scoring 28 goals to Le Mans’ eight. The most recent encounter came in February 2025, a 2-0 PSG victory in the Coupe de France. Le Mans’ last victory over PSG came in the 2009-10 season, and they have not faced each other in Ligue 1 since May 2010.

PSG Form 🔵

Last 5: D-W-W-D-L

PSG’s start to the season has been uncharacteristically uneven. Two wins, two draws, and one defeat have left them playing catch-up to Monaco, and the 1-1 stalemate with Lille before the break highlighted their inconsistency. The attacking numbers remain formidable, though: PSG have registered 106 shots on goal this season, more than any other Ligue 1 side. Bradley Barcola has been the standout performer with 11 goals, while Achraf Hakimi has provided eight assists.

Team News: Luis Enrique faces significant absences. Ousmane Dembélé and Nuno Mendes have been rested following the international window, with both players set to return to training over the weekend ahead of the Manchester City Champions League clash. Senny Mayulu remains in treatment after suffering a thigh injury with France U21s, and Alessandro Longoni continues individual gym work. Ferran Torres has returned to training after his ankle concern and is available, while Achraf Hakimi is fit after his thigh issue.

Le Mans Form ⚪

Last 5: W-D-L-W-D

Le Mans have been one of the surprise packages of the early Ligue 1 season. The promoted side sit ninth with six points from five matches, having scored nine goals—more than PSG—and demonstrated a fearless approach on their travels. Their away form is particularly encouraging: Le Mans have lost just one of their last eight league away matches.

Team News: The visitors have been dealt a devastating blow. Adil Bourabaa, Le Mans’ most decisive player with three goals and two assists, has been ruled out for at least four weeks after suffering a syndesmosis injury to his ankle while on international duty with Algeria. His absence removes five of Le Mans’ nine goal contributions this season. Djibril Sidibé is also suspended, further weakening Patrick Videira’s defensive options.

Team News & Predicted Lineups 📰

PSG Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Digne; Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Ruiz; Akliouche, Kvaratskhelia, Doué

With Dembélé and Mendes rested, Luis Enrique is expected to hand opportunities to Maghnes Akliouche and Désiré Doué in attack. Hakimi’s return provides attacking thrust from right-back, while Warren Zaïre-Emery anchors midfield after recovering from his thigh problem.

Le Mans Predicted Lineup (5-3-2)

Kocik; Boissé, Yohou, Voyer, Larouci, Calodat; Bretelle, Vercruysse, Lauray; Mafouta, Diallo

Videira must reshuffle without Bourabaa and Sidibé. Mafouta and Diallo lead the line, with Le Mans likely to sit deep and absorb pressure.

xG & Tactical Analysis 📈

The expected goals data reveals a stark chasm. PSG average 2.45 xG while conceding just 1.09, while Le Mans generate 1.24 xG and concede 1.71. PSG’s 106 shots this season dwarf Le Mans’ output, and the champions’ set-piece threat—46.7% of their shots come from dead balls—could exploit a makeshift Le Mans defence.

The key battle will be PSG’s attacking rotations against a Le Mans side shorn of its creative spark. Without Bourabaa’s link-up play, the visitors’ counter-attacking threat is severely diminished. Le Mans will defend deep, but PSG’s patience and quality around the box should eventually tell.

Betting Analysis 💰

PSG are overwhelming favourites at 1.20, with the draw at 7.00 and Le Mans at 15.00. Both Teams to Score is priced at 2.05, but Le Mans’ attacking impotence without Bourabaa makes that a risky proposition. PSG to win and Over 2.5 goals offers the safest value, reflecting PSG’s attacking output and Le Mans’ defensive vulnerabilities. The correct score market favours a 3-1 PSG victory.

Final Prediction 🏁

PSG 3-1 Le Mans

This is a fixture where the gulf in quality, even with PSG’s rotation, should prove decisive. Le Mans have impressed with their fearless approach, but Bourabaa’s absence removes the creative engine that made them dangerous. Without him, the visitors lack the guile to trouble a PSG defence that, despite its inconsistencies, remains formidable at the Parc des Princes.

Luis Enrique’s decision to rest Dembélé and Mendes is a calculated risk, prioritising the Manchester City trip. But PSG’s squad depth is such that Akliouche, Doué, and Kvaratskhelia form an attacking trio that would start for most Ligue 1 sides. Hakimi’s return adds another dimension.

Le Mans will fight, and their away resilience suggests they will not capitulate easily. But PSG’s quality should tell.

Prediction: PSG 3-1 Le Mans. Kvaratskhelia opens the scoring, Doué doubles the lead, Le Mans pull one back through Mafouta, and Akliouche seals the points late on as PSG close the gap on Monaco.

West Ham vs QPR Prediction: Match Preview

West Ham United welcome Queens Park Rangers to the London Stadium on Friday evening for a Championship fixture that pits the division’s most prolific attack against a QPR side quietly exceeding expectations. The Hammers have scored 22 goals in eight league games, more than any other side, and sit second in the table behind Swansea City. QPR, meanwhile, occupy sixth place with just one defeat all season, but arrive in east London on a four-game winless run and with a growing injury crisis in attack.

Match Information 📋

Match: West Ham United vs Queens Park Rangers
Competition: English Championship – Round 9
Date: Friday, 9 October 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 BST
Venue: London Stadium, London
Our Prediction: West Ham 3-1 QPR

Head-to-Head Record 📋

West Ham have dominated this London rivalry in recent years. The Hammers are unbeaten in their last six meetings with QPR across all competitions, winning four and drawing two. QPR’s last victory over West Ham came in August 1993, a 4-0 Premier League triumph at Upton Park. The most recent encounter was a 2-1 West Ham victory in the FA Cup third round last season, requiring extra time.

West Ham Form 🔵

Last 5: W-W-W-W-D

West Ham’s transition from Premier League relegation to Championship promotion favourites has gathered impressive momentum. After a shaky start that included a shock home defeat to Charlton, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have taken 14 points from a possible 18. Their 6-0 demolition of Wrexham at the London Stadium was followed by a gritty 2-2 draw at Millwall, where the Hammers came from two goals down in the second half. Jarrod Bowen has been the standout performer, contributing four goals and three assists, the most goal involvements in the division.

Team News: West Ham’s injury picture is relatively clear. Mohamadou Kante is suspended after his red card at Millwall, while Keiber Lamadrid remains absent. Tomas Soucek is in contention to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from a ten-week ankle ligament injury, and the Czech midfielder scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly during the break.

QPR Form ⚪

Last 5: D-D-D-D-W

QPR’s start has been built on defensive resilience rather than attacking flair. The Hoops have conceded just seven goals in eight matches, with only league leaders Swansea City boasting a better defensive record. However, their inability to score consistently has been exposed during a four-game winless run. Their last outing was a remarkable 2-2 draw against Preston, where QPR fought back from 2-0 down with ten men. Julien Stephan’s side have drawn their last three matches.

Team News: QPR’s attacking options have been decimated. Rumarn Burrell is out after injury on international duty with Jamaica, while Richard Kone is doubtful despite returning to training following a knee scare. Justin Obikwu only returned to training on Tuesday, and Rayan Kolli remains frozen out due to discipline issues. Stephan must cobble together a forward line from a depleted pool.

Team News & Predicted Lineups 📰

West Ham Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Morato; Bowen, Mukasa, Engels, Solomon; Piroe, Castellanos

Nuno is expected to retain the formula that has delivered five wins in seven matches. Bowen and Solomon provide the attacking width, while Piroe and Castellanos offer a dual striking threat.

QPR Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Charles; Mbengue, Dunne, Clarke-Salter, Cirkin; Varane, Madsen; Poku, Smyth, Saito; Lloyd

With Burrell out and Kone doubtful, Alfie Lloyd could be handed a rare start up front. Kwame Poku, who registered ten shots against Preston, remains the primary attacking outlet.

xG & Tactical Analysis 📈

The statistical gulf is considerable. West Ham have scored 22 goals in eight league games, averaging 2.75 per match, while QPR have managed just 10 goals in the same period. The Hammers have scored at least two goals in 17 of their last 20 Championship matches, and there have been over 2.5 goals in nine of their last ten league games.

QPR’s defensive organisation will be tested to its limit. The Hoops have kept clean sheets in two of their last three away matches, but they have not faced an attack of West Ham’s quality since relegation from the Premier League. The key battle will be QPR’s makeshift forward line against West Ham’s disciplined defensive structure, anchored by Mavropanos and Kilman.

Betting Analysis 💰

West Ham are clear favourites at 1.80 for the win, with the draw at 3.75 and QPR at 4.20. West Ham to win and over 2.5 goals is priced at even money and represents the standout betting angle. Both Teams to Score is also attractive: both sides have scored in nine of West Ham’s 11 matches this season, and QPR have found the net in six of their nine outings.

Final Prediction 🏁

West Ham 3-1 QPR

West Ham’s attacking depth, home form, and the return of Soucek provide Nuno with a squad capable of extending their unbeaten run. QPR’s defensive resilience is admirable, and their recent ability to grind out draws suggests they will not capitulate easily. But the absence of Burrell and the uncertainty surrounding Kone and Obikwu leaves the Hoops dangerously short of attacking options.

The Hammers have scored 22 goals in eight games for a reason: Bowen is operating at a level far above the Championship, and the supporting cast of Solomon, Piroe, and Castellanos offers multiple avenues to goal. A Friday night crowd at the London Stadium, still buzzing from the 6-0 thrashing of Wrexham, will demand another statement performance.

QPR may score a consolation through Poku or Smyth, but the gulf in attacking quality should prove decisive.

Prediction: West Ham 3-1 QPR. Bowen opens the scoring, Piroe adds a second, and despite a spirited QPR response, West Ham’s superiority tells as they move to the top of the Championship table.

USA vs Canada Prediction: Match Preview

The United States and Canada renew North American football’s fiercest modern rivalry at Allianz Field on Tuesday evening, but the stakes extend far beyond the friendly label. The hosts are riding a wave of youthful exuberance, having dismantled Peru, Chile, and Mexico by a combined 11-2 margin. Canada arrive in Minnesota with a perfect record of their own, yet Jesse Marsch’s squad has been gutted by injuries to key attackers. History adds an edge: Canada have won the last two meetings, and a third consecutive victory would mark their first such run against the USMNT in over half a century.

Match Information 📋

Match: USA vs Canada
Competition: Friendly International
Date: Wednesday, 7 October 2026
Kick-off: 01:00 BST
Venue: Allianz Field, Saint Paul, MN
Our Prediction: USA 2-1 Canada

Head-to-Head Record 📋

The USMNT hold the historical edge with 18 wins to Canada’s 12, and 13 draws across 43 meetings. However, recent momentum sits firmly with the visitors. Canada claimed a 2-1 friendly victory in September 2024, then repeated the scoreline in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League third-place match. The last time these sides met in Minnesota, in 2016, the match ended goalless.

USA Form 🔵

Last 5: W-W-W-L-W

Mauricio Pochettino’s youth revolution has delivered spectacular results. The 3-0 victory over Mexico was the first of his tenure against El Tri, with 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan becoming the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history. Julian Hall has now scored in each of his first three caps, the first American to do so in over two decades. The USA have averaged over three goals per match this window.

Team News: Key regulars Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun are absent. Chris Brady is expected to replace Diego Kochen in goal, while Peyton Miller could come in at left-back. Tyler Adams captains the side.

Canada Form ⚪

Last 5: W-W-L-D-L

Canada have been efficient if unspectacular, defeating Chile 1-0 and Peru 2-0 without conceding. Jacob Shaffelburg scored twice against Peru. However, the attacking depth has been stripped bare: Cyle Larin has returned to Southampton with back irritation, and Tajon Buchanan has gone back to Villarreal with a lower-body injury. Marcus Caldeira and Theo Corbeanu have been called up as emergency cover.

Team News: Dayne St. Clair starts in goal, with Richie Laryea at left-back. Jonathan David leads the line on his 85th cap, with Stephen Eustáquio and Nathan Saliba in midfield.

Team News & Predicted Lineups 📰

USA Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Brady; Freeman, Richards, Trusty, Miller; Adams, Musah; Sullivan, Tillman, Albert; Hall

Pochettino is expected to retain the youthful core that has thrived. Sullivan and Albert flank Tillman, with Hall leading the attack.

Canada Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

St. Clair; Laryea, Miller, Waterman, Bassong; Eustáquio, Saliba, Choinière; Shaffelburg, David, Ahmed

Marsch must reshuffle his attack. Shaffelburg and Ahmed provide width, with David as the focal point.

xG & Tactical Analysis 📈

The USA’s attacking output has been relentless: 11 goals in three matches, including three against Mexico on just eight shots. Canada’s defensive resilience is their strength, having kept clean sheets in both matches this window. However, Canada’s attacking threat is diminished without Larin and Buchanan, leaving David isolated against a USA defence that has conceded just twice.

The key battle will be in midfield, where Adams and Musah must disrupt Canada’s possession. If the USA can win the ball high, their young attackers have the pace to punish a makeshift Canadian backline.

Betting Analysis 💰

The USA are favourites at 1.80, with the draw at 3.90 and Canada at 3.90. USA over 1.5 goals at 1.68 offers value given their scoring streak. A penalty is priced at 2.72, reflecting the physicality of this rivalry.

Final Prediction 🏁

USA 2-1 Canada

This is a match where momentum and circumstance align. The USA’s youthful wave is cresting at the right moment, and Pochettino has the luxury of rotation without dropping quality. Canada will be organised and dangerous through David, but the loss of two senior attackers removes the cutting edge that has troubled the USA in recent meetings.

Allianz Field has been a fortress for the USMNT, who have won all three previous matches there without conceding. The crowd will demand a fourth consecutive victory, and Sullivan and Hall look ready to deliver.

Prediction: USA 2-1 Canada. Hall continues his remarkable scoring streak, Tillman adds a second, and the USA hold off a late Canadian surge to claim bragging rights in Saint Paul.

Scotland vs Slovenia Prediction: Match Preview

Scotland welcome Slovenia to Hampden Park on Tuesday evening with belief restored after a cathartic 2-0 victory in North Macedonia. Sebastien Pocognoli’s first win as head coach ended a four-match scoring drought and lifted a weight from the squad’s shoulders. Slovenia arrive in Glasgow on the back of a narrow 2-1 defeat to group leaders Switzerland, a performance that offered encouragement but left them level on points with Scotland and desperate to avoid slipping further behind in the race for promotion.

Match Information 📋

Match: Scotland vs Slovenia
Competition: UEFA Nations League B1
Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow
Our Prediction: Scotland 2-1 Slovenia

Head-to-Head Record 📋

Slovenia have never beaten Scotland in six attempts, with four draws and two defeats. The sides played out a goalless stalemate in Ljubljana ten days ago, a match Slovenia controlled for spells but failed to convert into victory. Scotland’s two wins both came during the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. The last meeting at Hampden ended 1-0 to Scotland in March 2017.

Scotland Form 🔵

Last 5: W-D-L-W-D

Pocognoli’s tenure began with a disciplined 0-0 draw in Slovenia, followed by a damaging 3-0 home defeat to Switzerland after Jack Hendry’s early red card. The response in Skopje was emphatic: Scotland had 25 shots to North Macedonia’s nine, with Kieron Bowie’s early strike and John McGinn’s penalty sealing a comfortable win. Andy Robertson marked his 100th cap with a rampaging performance down the left, and Billy Gilmour controlled midfield with authority.

Team News: Scotland face a defensive reshuffle with Scott McKenna suspended after his late red card in Skopje. Jack Hendry returns from his own ban and is expected to slot into the back three alongside Luis Binks and Stephen Welsh, who both impressed in North Macedonia. Kieran Tierney, Scott McTominay, Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland remain absent, leaving Pocognoli with a settled but thin squad. Ben Gannon-Doak should continue on the right after tormenting North Macedonia, though his finishing remains a work in progress.

Slovenia Form ⚪

Last 5: L-W-D-W-L

Slovenia sit second in Group B1 on four points, having drawn with Scotland before beating North Macedonia 2-0 in Ljubljana. Saturday’s defeat in Switzerland was a setback, but they pushed the group leaders close, equalising through Zan Vipotnik before an own goal restored the Swiss lead. Head coach Bostjan Cesar has built a resilient side around captain Jan Oblak, who remains unbeaten from open play in this Nations League campaign.

Team News: Slovenia’s major concern remains the absence of Benjamin Sesko, who left the squad before the campaign began due to recurring shin problems. Vipotnik, who scored in Lucerne, continues to lead the line. David Zec, one of nine Slovenians one booking away from suspension, insisted his side will travel to Glasgow “to win”.

Team News & Predicted Lineups 📰

Scotland Predicted Lineup (3-5-2)

Gunn; Hendry, Binks, Welsh; Hickey, Gilmour, Ferguson, McGinn, Robertson; Bowie, McBurnie

Hendry’s return restores experience to the back three. The midfield diamond that has served Pocognoli well remains intact, with Gilmour dictating tempo and McGinn providing late runs into the box. Bowie’s first Scotland goal cements his starting place alongside McBurnie.

Slovenia Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)

Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza; Sturm, Gnezda Cerin, Lovric, Brekalo; Vipotnik, Sporar

Oblak anchors a defence that kept Scotland at bay in Ljubljana. Lovric, who scored against North Macedonia, provides creativity from midfield, while Vipotnik leads the attack.

xG & Tactical Analysis 📈

The goalless draw in Ljubljana told an intriguing story. Scotland registered 65% possession but generated just 0.52 xG, while Slovenia’s 35% share yielded a remarkable 2.49 xG. That disparity reflects Slovenia’s counter-attacking threat and Scotland’s inability to convert territorial dominance into clear chances.

At Hampden, the dynamic should shift. Scotland will expect to control possession again, but the onus is on Pocognoli’s side to turn that dominance into goals. Gannon-Doak’s direct running troubled North Macedonia, and his ability to stretch Slovenia’s back four could create space for McGinn and Ferguson arriving late.

Slovenia’s threat comes through Vipotnik and the pace of their wide players on the counter. Scotland’s back three, missing McKenna’s physicality, must be wary of quick transitions, particularly with Hendry still regaining match sharpness.

Betting Analysis 💰

The market has Scotland as clear favourites at 1.75 (3/4), with the draw at 3.60 (13/5) and Slovenia at 4.75 (15/4). Scotland to win by one goal is priced at 3.50 (5/2), reflecting the expectation of a tight contest. Both Teams to Score may offer value: Slovenia’s counter-attacking threat is genuine, and Scotland have kept just one clean sheet in their last four home matches. The correct score market favours 2-1 to Scotland.

Final Prediction 🏁

Scotland 2-1 Slovenia

Hampden should witness a different Scotland to the one that laboured in Ljubljana. Confidence is restored, the attacking players are sharper, and Slovenia’s own attacking limitations without Sesko make them less potent on the road. Pocognoli’s side will dominate possession again, but this time they have the momentum and the crowd behind them to convert that dominance into goals.

Slovenia will make it difficult. Oblak remains one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers, and their counter-attacking threat in Ljubljana was real. But Scotland’s improved execution in Skopje suggests the attacking pieces are finally clicking. Bowie’s movement, Gannon-Doak’s pace, and McGinn’s arrival in the box give Pocognoli multiple avenues to goal.

Prediction: Scotland 2-1 Slovenia. Bowie continues his goalscoring form to open the scoring, McGinn adds a second from midfield, and Scotland hold on despite a late Slovenian consolation to secure back-to-back Nations League victories.

Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Poland Prediction: Match Preview

Bosnia & Herzegovina welcome Poland to the Bilino Polje in Zenica on Monday evening for a Nations League B4 clash shrouded in the shadow of two departed legends. Edin Dzeko has played his final match for the Dragons, leaving the camp after Friday’s draw with Sweden, while Poland must navigate this fixture without the suspended Robert Lewandowski. The reverse fixture in Warsaw ended goalless just ten days ago, and with both sides separated by a single point in the group, this has the feel of a genuine six-pointer for promotion ambitions.

Match Information 📋

Match: Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Poland
Competition: UEFA Nations League B4
Date: Monday, 5 October 2026
Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Venue: Bilino Polje, Zenica
Our Prediction: Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-1 Poland

Head-to-Head Record 📋

Poland have dominated this fixture historically, remaining unbeaten across six meetings with four wins and two draws. The most recent encounter came just ten days ago in Warsaw, a goalless stalemate. Poland won both Nations League meetings in 2020, including a 2-1 victory in Zenica on 7 September 2020, the last time these sides met on Bosnian soil. The most frequent scoreline in this matchup is 1-2 in Poland’s favour.

Bosnia & Herzegovina Form 🔵

Last 5: D-W-D-W-D

Sergej Barbarez’s side remain unbeaten in Group B4, drawing with Poland and Sweden while claiming an impressive 4-2 victory in Romania. However, the departure of Edin Dzeko represents a psychological blow, even if his on-field contribution had diminished. The 40-year-old forward, Bosnia’s greatest-ever goalscorer with 73 goals in 152 caps, played his final match against Sweden and has left the squad to return to Germany.

Barbarez has confirmed that all 25 remaining players are fit and available, though fatigue is a factor after the intense draw with Sweden. The coach acknowledged the parallel with Poland’s situation: “We experience the same thing with Robert as we do with Edin”.

Poland Form ⚪

Last 5: L-W-D-D-W

Poland bounced back from a 3-1 defeat in Sweden with a stunning 6-0 demolition of Romania, a match in which Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick. However, the captain’s absence through suspension for this fixture strips Poland of their most potent attacking weapon and their talisman.

Jan Urban’s side have shown inconsistency in the group, following their opening 0-0 draw with Bosnia with that heavy defeat in Stockholm. The response against Romania was emphatic, but the challenge now is replicating that performance without Lewandowski’s finishing.

Team News & Predicted Lineups 📰

Bosnia & Herzegovina Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Vasilj; Hadzikadunic, Barisic, Katic, Kolasinac; Hadziahmetovic, Basic; Stevanovic, Demirovic, Tabakovic; Bazdar

With Dzeko gone, Haris Tabakovic leads the line after his goalscoring form in the group. Ermedin Demirovic provides creativity behind him, while Samed Bazdar returns to contention after his injury issues earlier in the campaign.

Poland Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)

Skorupski; Bednarek, Kiwior, Salamon; Cash, Zielinski, Slisz, Zalewski; Szymanski, Zalewski; Swiderski

With Lewandowski suspended, Karol Swiderski is expected to start up front. Piotr Zielinski, who acknowledged the loss of Lewandowski as a “great loss”, will carry the creative burden. Jan Urban may persist with the back three that delivered the clean sheet against Bosnia in Warsaw.

xG & Tactical Analysis 📈

Statistical models paint a tight picture. Sports Mole gives Bosnia a 43.98% win probability, Poland at 30.81%, and the draw at 25.21%. The most likely scoreline is 1-1 at 11.42%. Expected goals figures are remarkably low, with ForzaPitch projecting just 0.84 xG for Bosnia and a similarly modest figure for Poland, reflecting the cautious nature of the reverse fixture.

The key battle will be in midfield, where Zielinski must compensate for Lewandowski’s absence by dictating tempo and supporting Swiderski. Bosnia’s defensive organisation, anchored by Kolasinac and Katic, has been solid in the group, and without a world-class finisher to test them, Barbarez’s side should feel comfortable containing Poland’s attack.

Betting Analysis 💰

The market has Bosnia as slight favourites at 2.35, with Poland at 3.10 and the draw at 3.20. The historical dominance of Poland is offset by their lack of attacking potency without Lewandowski. Under 2.5 goals looks a strong value bet given the goalless reverse fixture and the absence of both legendary strikers. Both Teams to Score is priced at 4/5, but the defensive solidity displayed in Warsaw suggests caution.

Final Prediction 🏁

Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-1 Poland

Without Dzeko and Lewandowski, this fixture loses its headline act but gains a layer of tactical intrigue. Both sides will be organised, cautious, and aware that a defeat could derail their promotion ambitions. Bosnia’s home record and unbeaten group status give them a slight edge, but Poland’s defensive resilience—evidenced by their clean sheet in Warsaw—should hold firm.

The absence of a clinical finisher on either side points toward a low-scoring affair. Bosnia will rely on Tabakovic’s movement, while Poland will look to Zielinski and Swiderski to manufacture a moment of quality. In a match where the margins are razor-thin, a share of the spoils feels the fairest outcome.

Prediction: Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-1 Poland. Tabakovic opens the scoring for the hosts, but Poland’s resilience and Zielinski’s creativity earn a hard-fought point in Zenica.