European football matchday: Spotlight on Harry Kane as Man City head to Spurs, Barcelona begin life without Messi

A look at what’s happening in European football on Sunday:

ENGLAND

Manchester City begin the defense of their Premier League title with a trip to Tottenham, for whom the champions’ transfer target Harry Kane could feature.

Kane was back in training with the Spurs squad on Friday and manager Nuno Espirito Santo said he would make a late decision on whether to play the striker against a team Kane is keen to join.

City could give a first start to Jack Grealish, who signed for British-record $139 million in the offseason .

Newcastle host West Ham in the other game but signed midfielder Joe Willock too late on Friday for him to be included in its squad for the game.

SPAIN

Barcelona’s first season without Lionel Messi in nearly two decades begins with a home match against Real Sociedad. The Catalan club lost Messi to Paris Saint-Germain after being unable to give him a new contract because of their financial struggles.

Barcelona’s attack on Sunday is expected to be led by Antoine Griezmann and new signing Memphis Depay.

Atlético Madrid’s title defence begins at Celta Vigo, with coach Diego Simeone able to count on nearly the same squad that triumphed last season, including former Barcelona striker Luis Suárez.

Sevilla, fourth place last season, host promoted Rayo Vallecano.

GERMANY

American coach Jesse Marsch makes his Bundesliga debut in charge of RB Leipzig at Mainz, who have been hit by coronavirus infections. Mainz had a total of 11 players in quarantine this week after three tested positive for COVID-19 . Three members of the coaching staff were also in quarantine. Mainz coach Bo Svensson has a job on his hands to field a competitive team.

Hertha Berlin visit Cologne for the last game of the opening round.

FRANCE

With attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet in scoring form, Marseille will be confident of following up their opening-game win at Montpellier with a home success against Bordeaux as Stade Velodrome welcomes back fans.

Payet looked trim and light on his feet in his two-goal starring performance last weekend.

Elsewhere, two new coaches face off when Angers plays Lyon. Former Auxerre striker Gerald Baticle took charge at Angers after Stephane Moulin’s 10-year reign ended.

Dutchman Peter Bosz moved into the hot seat at Lyon after Rudi Garcia was replaced. Bosz is keen on playing attractive football. But first he must show his worth after being fired by German club Bayer Leverkusen midway through last season.