It’s another huge weekend of football in Europe with Manchester United and Arsenal facing off in the Premiership, while there’s a huge encounter in Italy’s Serie A between Juventus and Internazionale.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend Manchester United v Arsenal English Premier League, Saturday 1.45pm (CET)
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger’s long-term rivalry has evolved over the years but it’s time for another chapter, with last season’s 8-2 thrashing in this fixture fresh in the minds. The Red Devils head into this game as favourites, with the Gunners wading through an ordinary period in recent weeks, after losses to Norwich and Schalke followed by unconvincing wins over strugglers QPR and Reading. United, on the other hand, beat Chelsea 3-2 last week and clearly have no shortage of forward options including ex-Arsenal man Robin van Persie who’ll be the centre of attention. Arsenal won 7-5 in the League Cup in midweek, while United lost 5-4, so expect goals.
Hamburg SV v Bayern Munich German Bundesliga, Saturday 5pm (CET)
In-form Hamburg play host to leaders Bayern, who had their perfect start to the season ended by Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. Hamburg, with star man Rafael van der Vaart fit and firing loom as a danger to prolong Bayern’s non-winning ways, given the North-West club have won three of their past four league encounters. Arjen Robben is close to full fitness now, while Mario Mandzukic has eight goals this term for Bayern.
Juventus v Inter Milan Italian Serie A, Saturday 8.45pm (CET)
After their top-of-the-table triumph over Napoli a fortnight ago, the Old Lady face another one versus two test when they play host to the Nerazzurri on Saturday evening. Both sides are in tremendous league form, winning all of their past five Serie A games. Juve, though, have only dropped two points this term and look very strong, with an even contribution from Sebastian Giovinco and Andrea Pirlo to Arturo Vidal.
Valencia v Atletico Madrid Spanish La Liga, Saturday 10pm (CET)
Traditionally it is Los Che who are the best of the rest, but this term Atletico Madrid have stolen their mantle and then some. In fact, the Mattress Makers are currently level on points with leaders Barcelona after eight rounds of the new season, with star striker Radamel Falcao in sensational form, attracting all kinds of interest. Valencia may have lost four games this term, but they were all away and they are unbeaten in La Liga at home this season.
Liverpool v Newcastle English Premier League, Sunday 5pm (CET)
The Reds have been woeful at home in the league in recent times, claiming just three Premiership wins at Anfield since the turn of the year. The pressure is mounting on new boss Brendan Rodgers as the fans begin to demand results, having won just twice in nine games this term. However, the Reds are unbeaten in their past four in the league and have some momentum with Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling finding form. Newcastle are a tough side but haven’t convinced this campaign, sitting down in 10th and need Papiss Cisse to re-discover last season’s form.