Kevin Hatchard's European Football Tips: World Cup strikers to impress and Bayern to slip up

Espanyol v Real Madrid - Mbappe to lead charge in Mourinho's return

Saturday 22 August, 20:30
Live on La Liga TV

We're going into a truly fascinating La Liga season, not least because Jose Mourinho's impact on his return to Real Madrid is so unpredictable. One of the greatest coaches of his generation has seen his star fall in recent seasons, and this opportunity to return to the top table has rather fallen into his lap. Mourinho has the personality and the intelligence to put Los Blancos back on top of the tree in Spain, but if he gives in to his more destructive and chaotic instincts, his return could be disastrous.

While the question marks over his rivals Barcelona are largely about who will lead their attack, the doubts over Real Madrid concern who will control games in midfield. Missing out on signing Rodri could be huge, as the new Barca signing is exactly the kind of midfield general Real Madrid currently lack.

However, Real Madrid and Mourinho should at least be able to rely in the goalscoring prowess of Kylian Mbappe. Fresh from winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup, the superstar striker should be able to build upon a record of 86 goals in 103 Real Madrid appearances.

Espanyol won their opening La Liga game 3-0 against Levante (Real Madrid have started the season late because they had players involved in the World Cup semis and final), and they'll be no pushovers. Striker Roberto Fernandez scored twice in that opening game, and the former Spain U21 striker can make his mark here. I'll back Mbappe to score and Fernandez to have a shot on target, and that Bet Builder double pays out at 6/42.50.

Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich - Diligent Dortmund can spring a surprise

Saturday 22 August, 19:30
Live on Amazon Prime PPV

This Franz Beckenbauer Supercup gives us a first taste of Der Klassiker this season, and with many of Bayern's players still recovering from their World Cup exploits, Dortmund may get the chance to land an early psychological blow. Under Niko Kovac, BVB have held Bayern to a 2-2 draw and pushed them really hard in 2-1 and 3-2 defeats.

Bayern reached the semi-finals of the Champions League last term and they did a domestic double, and there's no doubt they are still the best team in Germany by some distance. However, their much-vaunted forward line of Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise all had punishing World Cups, as did key centre-back Dayot Upamecano, so this may not yet be the razor-sharp Bayern we are used to.

Bayern's week has been dominated by health concerns around playmaker Jamal Musiala. The German international suffered fainting episodes in back-to-back friendlies against RB Leipzig and Heidenheim, and afterwards announced that he is receiving ongoing treatment for a "neurological dysfunction". While he is expected to make a full recovery, it's not clear at this stage how much Bayern can actually use him in games.

Borussia Dortmund have made some really interesting signings. Greek duo attacking duo Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias have exciting potential, Joey Veerman brings solidity and experience to midfield, and defender Joane Gadou is a rising star. While I don't believe BVB can stop Bayern from winning the league, they can cause them problems in one-off games.

With a full crowd behind them at Signal Iduna Park, I'll back Dortmund to bloody Bayern's noses, and I'll lay the visitors at 1.664/6.

Inter v Monza - Champions to start strongly

Saturday 22 August, 17:30
Live on DAZN

Although there were initial doubts over whether Inter coach Christian Chivu could effectively replace the outstanding Simone Inzaghi, the Romanian made a mockery of those concerns, winning a league and cup double at the helm of the Nerazzurri. A Champions League exit to Bodo/Glimt was the only blot on Chivu's copybook.

Inter have lost rampaging right-back Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid, but England international Djed Spence is a competent replacement. John Stones brings elite quality to the back line (if he can stay fit), and this once again looks to be the best squad in Italy.

After helping Argentina reach the World Cup final, Lautaro Martinez is once again ready to spearhead Inter's charge for silverware, and I'll back him and his team to make light work of newly-promoted Monza. Promotion-winning coach Paolo Bianco left to join Pisa, and his replacement Ivan Juric has had a bad run at Southampton and Atalanta.

We can back Inter -1 on the Handicap and Martinez to score (he has five career goals v Monza) at 6/52.20, and that's a Bet Builder double I'm happy to get behind.

Now read's Kev's PL Golden Boot preview here!