Match Watch: Real Madrid and Barcelona Aim for Four Straight Wins; Arsenal Face Chelsea in a Top Clash

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

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

Liverpool previously completed a league double over Ipswich Town and scored six goals across those matches. This season, Liverpool have struggled, drawing 2-2 with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest consecutively, and they have yet to take the lead in a match. Ipswich Town suffered a 2-5 away defeat to Manchester United in their last league game, ending a two-match unbeaten run in competitive matches. In this match, Liverpool will aim for their first win of the season. Barcola, whose transfer fee reached 125 million euros, could make his debut, and he is expected to start alongside the two 100-million-euro players Isak and Wirtz. It is worth noting that Szoboszlai could make his 150th appearance for the Reds; for Ipswich Town, the absence of Enciso, who has provided assists in two consecutive league matches, would be a major blow.

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

Real Madrid have lost only once in their last 12 matches against Real Betis, but their last four away visits to Betis have produced three draws and one defeat. This trip to Betis could be another tough match for Real Madrid. In the first three rounds of the new La Liga season, Betis have recorded two wins and one defeat; Real Madrid have won three straight matches, scoring eight goals in their last two games. In this match, Betis midfielder Riquelme has performed well this season, scoring two goals, but all of the team's forwards, including the in-form Anthony in recent years, are still waiting for their first goals. For Real Madrid, Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham remain the team's most trusted attacking players, while the over-100-million-euro signing Diomande is still waiting for his first goal, having scored none in three appearances so far.

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

Manchester City will face Coventry City again after 25 years. After the first two Premier League rounds, the two teams have had completely opposite results, with Manchester City winning twice and Coventry City suffering two defeats. Manchester City have home advantage and a clear strength edge, so winning should not be difficult. The biggest talking point is whether the over-100-million-euro Enzo can make his debut for the Sky Blues and build chemistry with Haaland. Haaland finally rediscovered his form in the last league match, scoring twice, while Cherki has also made a strong start to the new season, scoring two goals and providing two assists in two matches. For Coventry City, Awoniyi has some attacking threat, but he may have limited opportunities to show himself 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 visits. After losing in the opening Premier League round, Manchester United bounced back with a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town last weekend, with the squad regaining form; Everton have also started the season well, recording two wins and one draw in three competitive matches. In this match, Everton forward Barry could be the biggest headache for 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 Year Enzo has performed well early this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in the last league match, and he is expected to remain a key attacking figure, while players other than Mbeumo are still seeking their first goal 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 across 12 consecutive meetings. This season, the two teams have had opposite starts, with Valencia recording one draw and two defeats in three matches and scoring only one goal, while Barcelona have won three straight and scored 12 goals. Based on the results, Barcelona are expected to secure another big win. Valencia new signing Elliott could make his debut in this match; for Barcelona, Raphinha, who has scored five goals in three matches, is the team's scoring guarantee, Yamal is the attacking core, and Gordon is still waiting for his first goal.

September 6, 23:30 Premier League Arsenal vs Chelsea

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

In this match, because Chelsea's defense has been relatively weak, Arsenal's attacking efficiency will determine whether they can win. Saka, Havertz and Odegaard have all performed well this season, each scoring two goals, but injuries to Saliba and Timber will affect Arsenal's defensive arrangements. For Chelsea, the team has been one of the most dangerous attacking sides at the start of the season. Pedro, with two goals and two assists, has been the attacking spearhead, while Palmer, who struggled last season, appears to have rediscovered his peak form, contributing two goals and one assist this season. New signing Rogers has also performed well.

(Original article by Sohu Sports, Gerald)