Another weekend rolls around with some tantalising match-ups including a huge derby in Italy, while there’s also a challenge for Manchester City after their recent dip in form.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Week
AC Milan v Internazionale
Italian Serie A, Saturday 8.45pm (GMT)
It’s the perfect time for a Derby della Madonnina with AC Milan top of the Italian Serie A table, while Inter are in superb form coming off five consecutive league victories.
Both sides have been occupied with chasing Carlos Tevez’s signature in midweek, but both seem to have pulled out of the race. And why wouldn’t they when you ponder the wealth of attacking quality they both possess. Alessandro Nesta is back for AC Milan in a boost for their hopes, while Alexandre Pato may be dropped to the bench after his will-he won’t-he move to PSG with ex-Inter man Zlatan Ibrahimovic to lead the line. Diego Forlan is fit again for Inter but probably won’t start with Giampaolo Pazzini and the resurgent Diego Milito hunting the goals.
Spanish La Liga, Saturday 8pm (GMT)
Midtable Mallorca entertain leaders Real Madrid on Saturday with many expecting Jose Mourinho’s side to cruise to another victory. However the trip out to the Balearic Islands is never easy, particularly after Mallorca claimed their biggest win of the season in midweek, 6-1 over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey. Real, though, have the best away record in La Liga and they’ve also Karim Benzema and Criatiano Ronaldo in scoring form.
French Ligue 1, Sunday 9pm (GMT)
Two of France’s big guns face off in Sunday night’s headline game in Ligue 1. Marseille are currently sixth after a slow start to the campaign, while champions Lille are third but fending off interest in their stars during January, including reported Chelsea target Eden Hazard. Whether that’s a costly distraction remains to be seen. Lille haven’t lost in Ligue 1 since August and are unbeaten on the road this term but OM have hit form lately winning seven of their past eight games in all competitions.
Spanish La Liga, Sunday 9.30pm (GMT)
If Real Madrid win on Saturday they’ll move eight points clear of second-placed Barcelona, so Pep Guardiola’s men will know Sunday’s home clash with newly-promoted Betis will be important. Betis have been inconsistent this season, with seven wins, nine losses and one draw, but they are on a three-game winning streak and are up to midtable. Betis, though, have only scored 19 goals all season while Barca have conceded just nine, thus Guardiola will fancy finding a way through.
English Premier League, Monday 9pm (GMT)
After two consecutive defeats, Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City are under pressure. In fact, they’ve won just one game in their past five in all competitions which is a worrying statistic. On Monday night they head to relegation-threatened Wigan and will be keen to find form to restore their buffer at the summit.