Happy Haunting: Hazard among players to watch facing former clubs
There are a number of players that will be aiming to get one over on their former employers this weekend across Europe's top five leagues, and we've picked out a handful worth keeping an eye on over the coming days.
Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund) vs Borussia M.Gladbach
It's top against eighth in the Bundesliga in this Saturday's evening kick-off, though it's fair to say the two teams are in the opposing positions many would have expected ahead of the season. Dortmund - who led the way for much of the first half of last season - have made a disappointing start to the current campaign, drawing each of their last three matches.
They host a Gladbach side who many thought may struggle to improve on last season's fifth placed finish following the sale of star man Hazard. The Belgian was one of a number of eye-catching summer signings for BVB and, to his credit, has made a promising start with the title hopefuls. He has four assists to his name in six league appearances thus far but is yet to get on the scoresheet. Foals fans will no doubt be thinking that may change this weekend...
Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna) vs Juventus
While there may well be a buyback clause in the deal that saw Orsolini sign for Bologna permanently in the summer, the youngster will be keen to prove that Juventus were wrong to let him go. The 22-year-old winger enjoyed a fantastic second half to last season, ending the campaign with eight goals and five assists having started just 19 of 37 league appearances.
The youngster has picked up where he left off and continues to grow in confidence, having had a hand in four goals already this season (one goal, three assists). With averages of 3.5 shots, 2.5 key passes and 2 dribbles per 90 minutes he certainly looks set to be the danger man against his former club on Saturday night.
Stefano Sensi (Inter) vs Sassuolo
Another player making a quick return to his former club, Sensi should get a warm reception from the Sassuolo fans in Sunday's early kick-off in Serie A. The all action midfielder was a star player for I Neroverdi last season and earned his first Italy call-up whilst at the club.
It's fair to say the 24-year old has kicked on ever since and made a fine start to life under Antonio Conte at Inter, given the licence to attack. He has three goals to his name already after seven league appearances - more than he ever scored in a season for Sassuolo - and a further two assists.
Sergio Canales (Real Betis) vs Real Sociedad
Once considered one of Spain's top young midfielders, Canales' career appeared to be heading south having failed to really cement a regular starting berth at Real Sociedad. His contract was allowed to expire and Betis couldn't turn up the opportunity to rejuvenate the 28-year old's career, doing just that last season.
Canales earned his first senior international caps earlier this year following an impressive debut campaign for his new club, scoring seven times. While he hasn't replicated that form thus far this season the Spaniard will see this Sunday's match as the perfect place to do just that.
Wahbi Khazri (Saint-Etienne) vs Bordeaux
It's been almost four years since Khazri donned a Bordeaux shirt but he'll return to face his former employers with fond memories from a club where he really made his name in France. An ill-fated spell at Sunderland threatened to destabilise the Tunisian's career but returning to Ligue 1 - initially on loan at Rennes - enabled the talented 28-year old to get back on track.
A permanent move to Sainte followed in the summer of 2018, and his debut campaign with Les Verts was a big success, scoring 13 times and registering a further six assists. He's without a goal in nine league appearances this season, however, losing his place ahead of the international break. He'll be desperate for the chance to put that right back on familiar soil on Sunday.
