This weekend’s edition brings some exciting fixtures from around Europe headlined by England’s FA Cup, while there’s big battles taking place in Italy, Spain, Germany and France.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
Manchester United v Arsenal English FA Cup’‘Saturday, 6.15pm (Central European Time)’’
The English Premier League leading two face off in the quarter finals of the FA Cup in a huge clash on Saturday.
There’s plenty of major injury news for both sides, with Nani to miss for Manchester United after receiving a nasty gash to his leg in last week’s loss to Liverpool. For Arsenal, they’ll be without skipper Cesc Fabregas after a recurrence of a hamstring injury.
The Gunners had been talking about winning four trophies this term, but their midweek defeat to Barcelona along with their recent Carling Cup final loss means it’s down to two. It will be only the league if they don’t win here and the Red Devils would love nothing more than that.
Stade Rennais v Marseille French Ligue 1’‘Friday, 9pm (CET)’’
With leaders Lille faltering of late, in-form second-placed Rennes are well positioned to take advantage and push for the title. But one team keen to ensure that doesn’t happen is fourth-placed champions Marseille.
The two meet on Friday night in an important Ligue 1 encounter. Rennes have won their past five matches in the league, to sit level on points with Lille on 49 points. Striker Razak Boukari and a tight defence have been the keys to their success of late. For Marseille, who are on 45 points, they’ll be keen to avenge last week’s loss to Lille which ended a run of four straight wins.
AS Roma v Lazio Italian Serie A’‘Sunday, 3pm (CET)’’
The Derby delle Capitale is here this weekend with both teams chasing European qualification but perhaps surprisingly it’s Lazio in fourth chasing a spot in the Champions League, while sixth-placed Roma may have to settle for the Europa League.
Roma have had a campaign to forget with Claudio Ranieri recently sacked, while they bowed out of this season’s Champions League in midweek to Shakhtar Donetsk. Edy Reja’s Lazio have surprised many with Hernanes one of their stars but haven’t won a Rome derby in their past four attempts.
FSV Mainz v Leverkusen German Bundesliga’‘Sunday, 3.30pm (CET)’’
Mainz continue to surprise in the Bundesliga this term and currently sit fourth, while second-placed Leverkusen lead the chasing pack behind leaders Dortmund.
Given Dortmund’s advantage at the summit, this game is all about the UEFA Champions League. Only the top three qualify for the Champions League in Germany and with Bayern Munich slipping off the pace down in fifth, the door is open for a club like Mainz. Should be an interesting game for Leverkusen-bound Andre Schurrle.
Sevilla v FC Barcelona Spanish La Liga’‘Sunday, 9pm (CET)’’
The Spanish champions got past Arsenal in an epic tie in midweek, with Lionel Messi scoring two crucial goals. Next their attention turns to La Liga with a trip to Sevilla.
Sevilla have been top four challengers the past few seasons but this campaign hasn’t gone according to plan under Gregorio Manzano as they sit down in ninth. Barcelona, though, who have won their past four La Liga matches, will recall losing to Sevilla in the Super Cup earlier this season as well as last season’s Copa del Rey.