5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶 | OneFootball

European football’s top leagues begin next week but there’s plenty of football to whet the appetite this weekend for what’s to come in 2024-25.

The Olympics, Football League and Community Shield are among the appetisers coming up and we’ve picked out five must-watch games this weekend.

Wrexham vs Wycombe Wanderers

The EFL’s equivalent to FC Hollywood takes the next step up in the English football’s pyramid this season as Wrexham return to the third tier for the first time in two decades.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s high-profile ownership has been a whirlwind for Wrexham, who arrive in League One after back-to-back promotions. Five of the club’s six summer signings have dropped down divisions to join The Red Dragons, who will be confident of consolidation at the very least.

The arrival of former Charlton captain George Dobson is a coup given competition from big-spending Birmingham City, while Dan Scarr has experience of promotion from this division 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 opening weekend in a good gauge of Wrexham’s level.

Spice rating: Mild 🌶️

Luton vs Burnley

Ok, this might be Monday night football but we had to include Luton vs Burnley in this weekend’s selections.

The relegated duo meet in the opening round of Championship action as both clubs look to bounce back and prove they are promotion material. Each have kept the core of their best talent together which bodes well for successful seasons, with Luton’s front two of Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo set to be a real handful for second-tier defences.

Burnley have replaced Vincent Kompany with Scott Parker, who has twice won promotion from this division with Fulham and Bournemouth. The former England midfielder will be bidding for a hat-trick at Turf Moor in 2024-25.

Spice rating: Medium 🌶️ 🌶️

France vs Spain

Hosts France go for gold in the Men’s Olympic football tournament with the host nation taking on Spain in Paris.

Two of the tournament favourites saw off North African opponents in the semi-finals and meet at the Parc des Princes on Friday evening.

Thierry Henry’s team have been inspired by Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta, as the ex-Crystal Palace teammates have combined for six goals and four assists for France at the Olympics. Spain, meanwhile are looking to one better after a silver medal in Tokyo in 2021.

FRANCE AND SPAIN’S TROPHIES AHEAD OF THE PARIS 2024 OLYMPICS MEN’S FINAL 🇫🇷🇪🇸🏆 PIC.TWITTER.COM/PR5BE7YJ1S

— ONEFOOTBALL (@ONEFOOTBALL) AUGUST 9, 2024

Spice rating: Hot 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Brazil vs United States

Unlike the Men’s tournament, the Women’s Olympic football tournament is a full senior-level competition.

Brazil and the USA will contest for the gold medal this weekend with the former aiming for a first gold medal after dumping out world champions Spain in a thrilling semi-final. It’s the third time the two nations have played in this fixture with the USA triumphing in both 2004 and 2008 to claim gold.

A MASSIVE RESULT FOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN THE #OLYMPICS

🇺🇸 GREAT TO SEE THE UNITED STATES’ RESURGENCE UNDER EMMA HAYES.

🇧🇷 WHILE ALL OF FOOTBALL IS A BETTER PLACE WITH AN EXCITING AND COMPETITIVE BRAZIL.

🇪🇸 PLUS, IT GIVES US ALL HOPE THAT SPAIN ARE HUMAN AND BEATABLE! PIC.TWITTER.COM/C4SWN7HTCH

— SINCE 71 (@SINCE71BLOG) AUGUST 6, 2024

The Stars and Stripes have bounced back from a difficult World Cup campaign last year to reach the final with a perfect record, though required nervy extra-time wins over Japan and Germany to make the decider. Victory will seal a record-extending fifth gold medal for the US.

Spice rating: Fire 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Manchester City vs Manchester United

Sure, the Community Shield is often viewed as a glamourised friendly and the losers will not be overly concerned but a Manchester Derby under the Wembley arch is not one to be missed.

Those who travel down to the capital will be desperate to see their side come out on top in this local grudge match, with Manchester United’s upset win in the FA Cup final still rankling with their neighbours across town.

Manchester City have been the dominant force in this rivalry across the last decade and will be keen to reestablish that status this weekend. As far as curtain-raisers go for the Premier League campaign, this is a belter.

Spice rating: Insane 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Read – The five highest spending clubs of the summer transfer window so far

See more – Five of last summer’s signings who must improve in 2024/25

Subscribe to our social channels:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok