Welcome to the 19th episode of the 2025-26 season's Match Watch. This article will cover the major world football events from October 28th to 29th (Pacific Daylight Time):
October 28th, 12:45 PM Serie A: Atalanta vs. AC Milan
In their past five matches, Atalanta has only managed one draw and four losses. Last weekend, both teams played a league match. Atalanta drew 1-1 away with Cremonese, extending their winning streak to four games, including draws in their last three home games. Milan drew 2-2 at home with Pisa, giving them six wins and two draws in their last eight games. Atalanta currently sits in seventh place with two wins and six draws, while AC Milan is in third, just one point behind the top spot. In this match, Atalanta defenders Scalvini, Kolasinac, and Bakker are out due to injuries. Krstovic is a key player on offense, and his performance will likely determine the team's chances of scoring. For AC Milan, Estupiñán, Yasash, Rabiot, and Pulisic are injured. Pulisic's absence, despite his six goals, is the biggest impact. For now, the team can only hope for Leao's performance.
October 29th, 11:00 AM, Ligue 1: Lorient vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Paris has lost only two of its past 21 matches against Lorient, and only one of its last 15 away games. Last weekend, both teams played a league match, with Paris defeating Brest 3-0 away. Paris Saint-Germain have won four of their last six games and drawn two, leading the league by one point. Lorient has won only one of its last seven. In this match, Lorient defenders Touré, Katseris, Fatiga, and Sanous are out due to injuries, and Faye is suspended. Offensively, Tosin and Paggi offer some scoring potential. For Paris Saint-Germain, Neves and Ruiz are injured, leaving Barcora, Dembélé, Ramos, and Douai as key scoring options. Their recent form has been excellent, ensuring the team's victory.
October 29, 12:45 PM Serie A: Inter Milan vs. Fiorentina
Inter Milan has lost only one of their past 19 matches against Fiorentina, winning 11 of those matches. Last weekend, both teams played a league match. Inter Milan lost 1-3 away to Napoli in a clash at the top of the table, ending their seven-game winning streak. Fiorentina drew 2-2 at home with Bologna, leaving them with four draws and four losses in eight league matches this season. Inter Milan defenders Palacios, Darmian, and Thuram Jr. are out due to injuries. Offensively, the team can temporarily rely on Lautaro, who is the team's leading scorer with six goals this season. Fiorentina, with Lamptey and Kwame out due to injuries, relies heavily on Gudmundsson. Dzeko is also expected to start against his former club, the Nerazzurri.
October 29, 12:45 PM German Cup: Cologne vs. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich has won 18 of their last 20 matches, drawing only two, and has won ten consecutive away games. Last weekend, Bayern Munich defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-0 away, extending their winning streak to 13 games. Cologne has struggled recently, winning just one of their past five matches. Cologne defenders Van den Berg, Hubes, Kylian, and Diermann are injured in this match. Offensively, Mara and Kaminsky offer some scoring potential. Bayern Munich, however, is out injured for Hiroki Ito, Davies, and Musiala, and Neuer is suspended. The Southern Stars boast one of the most in-form players in European football right now. Kane has scored 20 goals in 13 games. He, along with Dias and Olise, is the backbone of the team's push for 14 consecutive wins to start the season. These attacking players are expected to continue their impressive stats.
October 29, 12:45 PM, League Cup, Arsenal vs. Brighton
Arsenal has a 17-7-8 record in their 32 matches against Brighton, including two wins and two draws in their last four matches. Last weekend, both teams played a Premier League match. Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 at home, extending their winning streak to seven games and extending their record to nine wins and one draw in their last ten matches. At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal is unbeaten in seven home games this season with six wins and one draw. Brighton lost 2-4 to Manchester United away, their first defeat in six games.
In this match, Arsenal lost Ødegaard, Madueke, Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus due to injury. Offensively, Džekeres, Martinelli, Trossard, and Saka are all reliable scoring options, and the defense is capable of scoring from set pieces, giving them a significant advantage playing at home. For Brighton, Webster, Hinshelwood, and March are out due to injury, while top scorer Danny Welbeck is expected to start against his former club.
October 29, 12:45 PM, League Cup, Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
The two teams have met 77 times in history, with Liverpool holding the upper hand with 36 wins, 15 draws, and 16 losses. However, Crystal Palace has been winless in their last three meetings, with two draws and one loss, including one draw and one loss in the Community Shield and the league this season. At Anfield, Liverpool also has two draws and one loss in their last three meetings with Crystal Palace. Last weekend, both teams played a Premier League match. Liverpool lost 2-3 away to Brentford, losing five of their last six games. Crystal Palace has also been in a difficult state recently. After a 0-1 away loss to Arsenal in the league, their last four games have gone without a win, with one draw and three losses.
For this match, Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson, Leoni, Frimpong, Gravenberch, and Isak are out due to injury. Given their four-game losing streak in the league, coach Slaughter may be conserving his strength for the Premier League. Substitutes like Chiesa, Ngumoha, and N'Yoni are expected to start. Crystal Palace, with Riyad, Borha, and Doucoure out due to injury, is also lacking motivation. Mateta, who has scored seven goals, may not play.
October 29th, 12:45 PM, League Cup, Swansea City vs. Manchester City
Manchester City has a 26-4-7 record in 37 matches against Swansea City, with a perfect record of 7 wins and 15 draws in the past 18 meetings. Last weekend, Manchester City lost 0-1 to Villa away in the Premier League, ending their three-game winning streak and suffering their first defeat in 10 games. Swansea City defeated Norwich 2-1 at home in the Championship, securing their first win in four games.
For this match, Manchester City manager Guardiola is expected to field a bench. Haaland will likely be rested, while the injured Rodri is expected to start. Offensively, Marmouš and Bob will be entrusted with important tasks. For Swansea, Vibotnik, who has scored 8 goals in 14 games, is the biggest threat to the Blue Moon's defense.
October 29, 12:45 PM, League Cup, Wolves vs. Chelsea
The two teams have met 129 times in history, with Chelsea holding a slight advantage with 46 wins, 30 draws, and 43 losses. Wolves have won both of their last two games, scoring nine goals. Both teams are currently struggling. Wolves are winless in their last four matches after a 2-3 home loss to Burnley last weekend, while Chelsea lost 1-2 to Sunderland at home in the Premier League.
Wolves defenders Doherty and Hoever are out due to injuries. Offensively, Larsen is the team's main scorer. Given their bottom-of-the-table position, they are expected to play with minimal effort in the match to avoid relegation. Chelsea, with Colville, Badiaciele, Palmer, and Delap out due to injuries, are also facing significant pressure in the league. Players with average form, such as Gittens and Estevan, are expected to start.
