Five Must-See Matches This Weekend

It’s a big weekend of European club football after the international break, with some huge matches to come in Germany, Spain, Italy and England.

Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend

Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund

German Bundesliga, Saturday 6.30pm (CET)

The two German giants face off on Saturday’s big event at the Allianz Arena. Bayern have set the pace early this term, while champions Dortmund started slowly but appear to be finding their stride. This matchup will help us find out the true situation at the top of the table. It is one versus two, with Dortmund famously ended a 19-year wait by winning 3-1 in Munich last season, before becoming champions. Five points separates the sides right now, so a win either way, will have a big say in this campaign’s crown too.

Manchester City v Newcastle

English Premier League, Saturday 4pm (CET)

It’s first versus third in the English Premier League on Saturday, when runaway leaders Manchester City play host to Alan Pardew’s surprise packets Newcastle. The Magpies are a decent side and will put up a stern test for City, who have an incredible record of 10 wins, one draw and zero losses in the league this term. Newcastle have a tough month of fixtures against big clubs, but they’ll be looking to stay around the top four with a few results.

Napoli v Lazio

Italian Serie A, Saturday 8.45pm (CET)

Serie A two surprise-packets of last term face off on Saturday night, with Lazio currently sitting in second, while Napoli aren’t far behind in sixth. However, seven points seperates the two clubs, with Lazio equal in points on top of the table alongside Udinese. Miroslav Klose has been a shrewd purchase for the Romans, who may be able to push for the title this term after last season’s fifth place finish. Napoli are having some trouble juggling their multiple commitments but with individual talent like Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani, they are always a big threat.

Valencia v Real Madrid

Spanish La Liga, Saturday 10pm (CET)

Two of Spain’s big clubs meet on Saturday evening at the Mestalla when Unai Emery’s Los Che play host to Jose Mourinho’s Galacticos. Real are currently three points clear of Barcelona at the top and they are on a run of 10 consecutive wins, which includes a 7-1 rout of Osasuna in their last La Liga outing. Valencia, meanwhile, are third although they’ve been shown up to some extent by city rivals Levante this term although they have slipped off the pace lately. Los Che have won their past three and drew with Barcelona earlier this season, so they’ll be tough, especially with quality like Pablo Hernandez, Roberto Soldado and Sergio Canales.

Chelsea v Liverpool

English Premier League, Sunday 5pm (CET)

Finally, it’s back to England for the ‘Fernando Torres’ match when the Blues host the Reds at Stamford Bridge in London. These pair are two giants in the English game, although they are currently fourth and sixth respectively, both appearing out of the title race. Fernando Torres will, of course, be the centre of attention, but Chelsea’s genuine title hopes are on the line, with any more slipups surely putting to bed their hopes with the Manchester duo skipping away from the faltering pack. Liverpool look solid under Kenny Dalglish and may enjoy an open Chelsea defence, who’ve conceded 15 goals this season. Incredibly, Liverpool have only managed 14 strikes in the league themselves.