Deadline day drama means this weekend’s fixtures are extra-exciting and in some cases with some added tension, while there’s also a few derbies to get enthused about.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
Chelsea v Liverpool English Premier League’‘Saturday, 5pm (Central European Time)’’
Fernando Torres’ controversial £50m deadline day switch to Chelsea means the timing of this clash couldn’t be scripted better. It is expected the Spaniard will make his Blues debut against his former club.
Torres has been the talk of the football world with opinions differing on his switch. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish made his disappointment clear, but others have supported Torres’ decision to chase trophies. Torres’ jibe he wants to be at a ‘top-class’ club left many Reds fans sour, but the reality is Liverpool have dropped from their lofty perch and don’t offer the Spaniard what he craves. Liverpool fans, though, won’t accept that.
To add to the spice, Liverpool’s new signing Luis Suarez is fresh from scoring on his debut and will line up for the Reds. Liverpool are currently seventh and have won their past three matches, while Chelsea are fourth after three wins in a row, but they need the victory here to keep up their title push. You fancy, the Reds won’t need much more motivation to stop them.
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke 04 German Bundesliga’‘Friday, 8.30pm (CET)’’
The pressure is mounting on Schalke boss Felix Magath after raised more than a few eyebrows with his January signings which included veterans Angelos Charisteas and Ali Karimi. Now, he needs a victory to appease the fans but a trip to derby rivals and Bundesliga leaders Dortmund isn’t well timed for him.
Dortmund are 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and an incredible 25 points ahead of neighbours Schalke, so they go into the game as clear favourites. Young star Mario Gotze has been influential lately with a number of goals and assists since the winter break and he’ll play a key role.
FC Barcelona v Atletico Madrid Spanish La Liga’‘Saturday, 10pm (CET)’’
All conquering Barcelona will be aiming to break the La Liga record for most consecutive wins when they play host to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Atletico’s city-rivals Real Madrid currently share that record with this Barca side after 15 straight victories. You’d expect the in-form Barca to take the record too, considering the Mattress Makers have lost three of their past four matches in La Liga, but they do have talent such as Sergio Aguero who can cause a shock.
Rangers v Celtic Scottish Cup’‘Sunday, 1.15pm (CET)’’
Whenever it’s time for an Old Firm derby there’s always plenty at stake. This clash takes on the added spice of being a Scottish Cup tie and only in the fifth round.
There’s no doubt it’ll be a bitter blow for the club who gets eliminated and the subject of much enjoyment for the victor. New signings El-Hadji Diouf and Kris Commons should add some quality for both sides, but Rangers – of course – are without topscorer Kenny Miller these days.
Inter Milan v AS Roma Italian Serie A’‘Sunday, 8.45pm (CET)’’
These two clubs were considered the two title favourites in pre-season, but it hasn’t gone according to plan for either. After finishing one-two last term, Rafa Benitez’s rein at Inter failed, while Roma started slowly and haven’t totally got going.
Inter are currently third, seven points behind leaders AC Milan, while Roma are a further two points behind in fifth, but both sides have a game in hand on the rest. Therefore this is a major opportunity for both sides, but also a situation where both will be desperate not to lose. Giampaolo Pazzini’s impact for Inter last week suggests he’ll start and he could provide the firepower needed to bring this contest to life.