With many European leagues heading towards a climax, this weekend takes on extra significance as clubs bid to clinch titles, avoid the drop and claim Champions League spots, plus there’s a few derbies.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
English Premier League, Sunday 1.30pm (CET)
The Manchester derby may have been the game many identified as the Premier League title decider but this contest will ultimately have the final say. Fifth-placed Newcastle are no easybeats, especially considering their midweek win over Chelsea and the fact they thrashed Manchester United at home 3-0 earlier this term. But if City want to show they’re worthy champions, this is the kind of game they should win. With both sides level on points, United host Swansea elsewhere.
English FA Cup, Saturday 5.15pm (CET)
For the Reds and the blues, the 2011-12 Premier League campaign has been a disappointing one, with Liverpool down in eighth, while Chelsea appear set to miss next season’s Uefa Champions League (unless they win this term’s edition) as they sit down in sixth. Of course, other trophies have taken on more significant given their respective league plights (Liverpool won the Carling Cup), but an FA Cup triumph for both would put a big tick on their season.
Spanish La Liga, Saturday 8pm (CET)
Over in Spain the title may be decided, but there’s the small matter of a Catalan derby to be played with Barcelona in scintillating form last weekend, sweeping seven goals past Rayo Vallecano as they bid farewell to boss Pep Guardiola. Lionel Messi also broke a European goalscoring record in midweek and will aim to add more to his tally.
Italian Serie A, Sunday 7.45pm (CET)
It’s time for the Derby della Madonnina in Serie A, with AC Milan having plenty on the line as they bid to maintain the pressure on leaders Juventus. Inter, meanwhile, have shot up into Uefa Champions League contention and the three points here would keep alive their case with two games to play. At the top, Milan are one point behind Juve who go to 14th Cagliari this Sunday.
Stade Rennes v Montpellier
French Ligue 1, Monday 8pm (CET)
With three rounds of matches to go in France, the title is well and truly on the line with the plucky Montpellier only holding a three-point buffer on second-placed PSG after their midweek draw with midtable Evian where they spurned a stoppage-time penalty. Three points will be crucial here, but going to fifth-placed Rennes (who have only lost twice at home this Ligue 1 season) is no easy task.