Match Previews - Page 5

Core Health Concerns: Kevin Durant (missed one week in April due to injury) remains questionable. He averages 26.6 PPG, 6 RPG, and 4.2 APG this season and posted a 26-8-7 triple-double against the Grizzlies on Feb. 26. Bradley Beal is also doubtful after missing the last seven games; his 17.3 PPG and 3.6 APG may be absent from the perimeter.

1️⃣ 76ers’ Two-Way Dominance vs. Injury Concerns The Philadelphia 76ers have opened the season 3–0, averaging 126 points (4th in the league) while allowing just 108.3 (3rd). Their offensive and defensive balance has been elite:

The Milwaukee Bucks have averaged 115.2 points per game (12th in the league) while allowing 112.6 points (10th) this season, but they are now facing a devastating injury storm:

1. Thunder’s Home Dominance and Health Advantage The Oklahoma City Thunder have opened the season 4–0, averaging 127.7 points (2nd in the league) while allowing 113.5 points (15th) — a display of elite offensive efficiency.

The Golden State Warriors opened the season 3–1, averaging 125 points per game (5th in the league) but posting a defensive efficiency of 118.7 (24th) — a clear sign of “offense over defense.”

Starting left-back Angeliño is sidelined with bronchitis until early November. He has made 5 starts this season, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists, with unmatched two-way ability. His replacement, Spinazzola, while experienced, is 18% slower and has been dribbled past 7 times in the last 3 league games, with only a 52% success rate defending crosses.

The 2025–26 La Liga season has been a rollercoaster for Espanyol. In the opening four rounds, they recorded 3 wins and 1 draw, only trailing behind Real Madrid and Barcelona—a true dark horse emergence. In Round 5, a win against Real Madrid could have propelled them to the top of the table, but Espanyol fell 0–2, exposing limitations.

Throughout the long and storied history of the Premier League, few rivalries have burned as fiercely—or as memorably—as that between Liverpool and Manchester United. On October 19 at 23:30, Anfield will once again become the stage for English football’s most iconic fixture: the Red Derby.

In the previous league match, Huddersfield were not inferior in overall play, but a penalty awarded before halftime saw them fall behind. Even after their opponents were reduced to ten men in the second half

Currently holding a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, Belgium sit third in Group J. With North Macedonia and another draw complicating the standings, the qualification race has become wide open — making this match absolutely crucial.

In the previous matches, Switzerland have showcased their vast experience as the key difference. In their first three games, they easily defeated their opponents while maintaining full control of the pitch

The head coach Aliyev has already departed, and the team is still in search of a new manager. Among the current squad, two key players from the Russian Premier League—central defender Alibiev from Akhmat and forward Samorodov—are included, providing some quality on both ends of the pitch.