Match Watch: Real Madrid and Barcelona Chase Four Straight Wins, Arsenal and Chelsea Set for a Clash of Titans

Welcome to the fifth edition of Match Watch for the 2026-27 season. This article covers important world football matches from September 5 to September 6 Beijing time:

September 5, 03:00 Premier League Ipswich Town vs Liverpool

Liverpool defeated Ipswich Town twice last season and scored six goals. In the new season, Liverpool have struggled, drawing 2-2 with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest consecutively, and they have never taken the lead in a match so far. Ipswich Town lost 2-5 away to Manchester United in their last league match, ending a two-game unbeaten run in competitive matches. Liverpool will aim for their first win of the season in this match. Barcola, who cost 125 million euros in transfer fees, is expected to make his debut and could start alongside the two 100-million-euro signings Isak and Wirtz. Notably, Szoboszlai could make his 150th appearance for the Reds. For Ipswich, if Enciso, who has provided assists in two consecutive league matches, cannot play, it would be a major loss for the team.

September 5, 03:30 La Liga Real Betis vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid have lost only once in their past 12 matches against Real Betis, but in their last four away games against Betis they have managed only three draws and one defeat. This away trip could be another difficult match for Real Madrid. In the first three La Liga rounds of the new season, Betis have recorded two wins and one loss, while Real Madrid have won three straight matches, scoring eight goals in their last two games. Betis midfielder Riquelme has performed well this season and scored two goals, but all of the team's forwards, including the impressive Anthony in recent years, are still waiting for their first goals. For Real Madrid, Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham remain the most reliable attacking players, while the over-100-million-euro signing Diomande is still waiting for his first goal, with zero goals in three matches so far.

September 5, 22:00 Premier League Manchester City vs Coventry City

Manchester City will face Coventry City again after 25 years. In the first two Premier League rounds, the two teams have had completely opposite results: Manchester City have won both matches, while Coventry have suffered two defeats. Manchester City have home advantage and a clear strength advantage, so victory should not be difficult. The biggest talking point is Enzo, who cost over 100 million euros, making his Manchester City debut and potentially forming a partnership with Haaland. Haaland regained his form in the previous league match, scoring twice, while Cherki has also impressed early in the new season with two goals and two assists in two matches. Coventry's Awoniyi has attacking ability, but he may have limited opportunities to show it at the Etihad Stadium.

September 6, 21:00 Premier League Everton vs Manchester United

Manchester United have lost only once in their last nine matches against Everton and have recorded three wins and one draw in their last four away games. After losing in the opening Premier League round, Manchester United recovered by beating Ipswich Town 5-2 last weekend, with the squad regaining confidence. Everton have also started the new season well, recording two wins and one draw in three competitive matches. Everton striker Barry could be the biggest threat to Manchester United's defense, having scored four goals and provided one assist in three matches this season. For Manchester United, last season's Premier League Player of the Season Enzo has performed well early this campaign, scoring three goals and providing one assist in the previous league match, and is expected to remain a key attacking figure. Apart from Mbeumo, the other forwards are still seeking their first goals of the season.

September 6, 22:15 La Liga Valencia vs Barcelona

In the second meeting of last season's La Liga campaign, Barcelona lost 1-3 away to Valencia, ending their unbeaten record in 12 consecutive encounters. In the new season, the two teams have had completely different starts. Valencia have collected only one draw and two defeats in three matches and have scored just one goal, while Barcelona have won three straight games and scored 12 goals. Based on the results, Barcelona are expected to achieve another big win. Valencia's new signing Elliott could make his debut, while Barcelona's Raphinha, who has scored five goals in three matches, is a key source of goals. Yamal is the attacking centerpiece, and Gordon is still waiting for his first goal.

September 6, 23:30 Premier League Arsenal vs Chelsea

Arsenal have achieved eight wins and three draws in their last 11 matches against Chelsea. The record shows that Arsenal have been clearly stronger than Chelsea in recent years. Especially at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal have won all of their last five matches against Chelsea there. The two teams will meet again at the same venue, and it remains to be seen whether the Blues can end their losing streak nightmare. Both teams have made good starts to the new season. As defending champions, Arsenal have won their first two league matches without conceding, and including the Community Shield, they have scored seven goals and kept clean sheets in three matches. Chelsea's two wins, in comparison, were more difficult, with a 3-2 away victory over Fulham in the opening round and a 4-3 home win over Brighton in the second round. Including the League Cup, they have three straight competitive wins.

In this match, Chelsea's relatively weaker defense means Arsenal's attacking efficiency will determine whether they can win. Saka, Havertz and Odegaard have all performed well this season, each scoring two goals. However, injuries to Saliba and Timber will affect Arsenal's defensive arrangements. For Chelsea, the team has been one of the most powerful attacking sides at the start of the season. Pedro, with two goals and two assists, has become an attacking focal point. Palmer, who struggled last season, appears to have returned to top form, contributing two goals and one assist this season, while new signing Rogers has also performed well.

(Original article by Sohu Sports, Gerald)