Bored of the international break already? Here are five European club games to look forward to during the break…

Bored of the international break before it’s even started? Well, we’ve got you covered with five games across the European football leagues to look forward to. All games take place on Saturday the 16th of September and are bound to restart club football with a bang. 

Inter Milan vs. AC Milan – Serie A, Italy

Derby Della Madonnina kicks off the list with a classic football rivalry. 

It is one of the most contentious rivalries in world football, dating back to the year 1909. Inter Milan vs. AC Milan is set to be a fantastic showdown. 

Both clubs have had a brilliant start to the season. The Milan clubs are both three for three in their opening games – leaving Inter on top by goal difference. 

Inter’s fantastic start included a 4-0 victory against Fiorentina, while AC Milan saw off Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma team in a 2-1 victory. This was despite going down to 10 men in the 61st minute.

Thus, this could be pivotal in the early stages of the title race. 

Will one side walk away from the infamous derby day with an advantage over their noisy neighbours? Or will they both have to settle for shared points?

Osijek vs Rijeka – HNL, Croatia

Our next game takes us to Croatia, where Osijek vs. Rijeka takes place. 

Although this game isn’t necessarily a rivalry, it plays a crucial role in the title fight.

Osijek sit 2nd place in the league with 11 points – followed by Rijeka in 3rd place with 10 points.

Both clubs would have wished for a better start to their seasons. However, the battle could prove crucial to any potential title challenge either club wishes to sustain against Hajduk Split.

A win for either club keeps them within touching distance of the top spot. Whereas a draw could allow for an extension to the gap at the top – along with Dinamo Zagreb being given a potential path to push ahead of both sides as they look to pounce on dropped points.

Osijek vs. Rijeka could prove a crucial turning point for either club’s season. 

Will either club be able to keep pace with Hadjuk Split or will both be left falling behind the leaders?

Index.hr

Sturm Graz vs Red Bull Salzburg – Austrian Bundesliga, Austria

The Austrian Bundesliga has been dominated by the Red Bull owned outfit since the 2013/14 season. However, Sturm Graz have placed as runner-up in the last two seasons.

RB Salzburg currently sit in 1st place on 18 points, closely followed by the home side on 16 points in 2nd. 

Sturm Graz will see this game as the perfect way to strike their intentions for the season and attempt to topple the behemoth that is RB Salzburg.

A win for Sturm Graz would place them top of the table and put them in good stead for the rest of the season. Whereas a loss would allow RB Salzburg to once again run away with the league.

Will Sturm Graz gain the advantage in the title race?

Cardiff vs. Swansea – Sky Bet Championship, England

Next, we travel to the south coast of Wales where Cardiff City take on Swansea City. 

Both teams have suffered a poor start to the season – sitting in 19th and 22nd place, respectively.

However, a South Wales derby win has the potential to galvanise either club’s season and allow them to push on.

Early form suggests both clubs will be struggling with a relegation fight this season. 

Yet, could the momentum of a derby day win propel one side on to kick start their season?

BBC

Nordsjaelland vs Copenhagen – Superliga, Denmark

We end with another top-of-the-table clash between Nordsjaelland and FC Copenhagen.

Copenhagen sit top of the Danish Superliga with 18 points, with Nordsjaelland following in 2nd with 16 points. 

A win is crucial for both sides’ bid for the title. A loss for either side could be devastating, with Brondby sitting behind them both on 15 points ready to pounce. 

Thus, making a draw unacceptable for both sides. 

Therefore, this tie is crucial in understanding the landscape of the Danish title fight. Will Copenhagen extend their lead? Will Nordsjaelland state their claim? Or will the title fight branch out three ways? 

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