The New Year period is over but there’s still not too many leagues in action in the midst of the European winter, but nonetheless there’s a sprinkling of highlights from Spain, England and Italy this weekend.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend Barcelona v Espanyol Spanish La Liga, Sunday 7pm (CET)
The Catalan derby is a standout fixture this weekend and a brilliant way for La Liga to get back after a brief hiatus. Barcelona have been outstanding this term, as we all know, having dropped just two points in 17 games. Espanyol, on the other hand, are way down in 18th and battling the drop but they’ve improved since the arrival of new boss Javier Aguirre, including a draw with Real Madrid late last year. Whether they can repeat those heroics against another Spanish giant remains to be seen, with Lionel Messi and co all ready to fire.
West Ham United v Manchester United English FA Cup, Saturday 6.15pm (CET)
This match is arguably the glamour tie of the weekend’s FA Cup action with two top flight clubs doing battle. Paolo Di Canio famously knocked out the Red Devils more than a decade ago at Old Trafford, but back in 2003 these two sides met, with United winning 6-0 before lifting the trophy. Andy Carroll is still out, so Carlton Cole will lead the line while his namesake Joe Cole has just joined. Wayne Rooney is still out injured.
Udinese v Inter Milan Italian Serie A, Sunday 12.30pm (CET)
Inter had a disappointing end to 2012 slipping down to fourth, so they’ll be looking for an instant response. Tommaso Rocchi has arrived at Inter from Lazio already in the January transfer window, while Wesley Sneijder looks likely to leave. Recent high achievers Udinese started this term slowly but found form late in 2012 to move up to 10th and loom as a danger. Udinese will be boosted by new arrival Alexander Merkel.
Swansea City v Arsenal English FA Cup, Sunday 2.30pm (CET)
It was only last month that the Swans stunned Arsene Wenger’s Gunners at the Emirates Stadium 2-0 and now they’ll meet again in Wales in the FA Cup. These two clubs love to play football with style so it promises to be an entertaining battle. Wenger’s side haven’t lifted any major silverware since claiming the FA Cup in 2005 and the pressure is mounting in North-East London regarding the wait but the Frenchman retains the belief the league takes priority.
Napoli v AS Roma Italian Serie A, Sunday 8.45pm (CET)
Two of Serie A’s most exciting sides do battle on Sunday evening when fifth-placed Napoli take on sixth-placed AS Roma. Both sides are in the mix for Uefa Champions League football next term and will be eager to keep in touch with the top three. Curiously they have contrasting form, with Roma having won six of their past seven matches in all competitions with Francesco Totti impressing, while Napoli have lost four of their past five matches in all competitions.