Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend

As the weekend revs up, here is another guide to NHL Jerseys the essential viewing from Europe’s best football leagues over the next few days.

Sports Pundit’s Game of the Week
FC Barcelona v Real Madrid
Spanish La Liga
Sunday, 7pm (CET)

There’s no going past El Clasico for this week’s game of the week as Barcelona and Real resume rivalries. With the bitter rivals set to go neck-and-neck for this season’s La Liga title, this match really has a lot going for it. Throw in Real’s Nuevo Galacticos and it is obvious it’s must-see TV.

But ironically injury worries could rob both sides of key players, with Barca’s Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic struggling of late, although they could play some part. Madrid’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo did return from his ankle injury midweek but still seems short of fitness and in some discomfort.

Form-wise, Barcelona have had a few hurdles along the way so far this campaign but appear the stronger side, especially following their midweek mauling of Italian champions Inter. Real have been getting the job done and actually lead the league at this stage. All these elements add up for a brilliant El Clasico.


Genoa v Sampdoria
Italian Serie A
Saturday, 8.45pm (CET)

Saturday brings the historical Genovese derby in Italy with both clubs in the hunt for a European berth this season. Sampdoria jumped out of the blocks this term and sit fifth, while Genoa have been inconsistent but lurk not far behind in 7th.

Genoa’s problem this season has been up back and they currently have the worst defensive record in Serie A, but both sides possess good forward lines with Sampdoria enjoying a fruitful partnership this term with Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini. This game promises goals.

Everton v Liverpool
English Premier League
Sunday, 2.30pm (CET)

The first Merseyside derby for this season rolls around with both sides languishing well below expectations and in need of the points. Rafa Benitez’s Reds were eliminated from the
Champions League midweek so a positive result here is crucial for his relationship with the fans.

But Liverpool will be sweating on the availability of gun striker Fernando Torres although at least local hero Steven Gerrard is fit and ready to go. Everton have their own injury worries with skipper Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta out, but in-form Louis Saha leads the line.

Arsenal v Chelsea
English Premier League
Sunday, 5pm (CET)

It is a big weekend for local derbies and this is yet another over in London between two genuine heavyweights. Arsenal’s slip-up at Sunderland last weekend means they’re 8 points behind leaders Chelsea, who will want to maintain their lead ahead of Manchester United.

And the injury news is good for Chelsea with Didier Drogba returning in Europe midweek, while Frank Lampard could play after a thigh problem. Arsenal aren’t so lucky with William Gallas struggling to be fit. The Gunners don’t have a great recent record against the big sides and a loss here could see them slip off the pace.

Olympiacos v Panathinaikos
Greek Super League
Sunday, 5.30pm (CET)

We’ll finish off in Greece, where it appears the two genuine giants of Greek football these days will do battle in Piraeus. Panathinaikos currently lead the title race by 2 points from champions Olympiacos, so this match will certainly prove important.

After Olympiacos claimed last season’s title, Panathinaikos spent big in the summer with Djibril Cisse and Kostas Katsouranis the big arrivals. But they still lack defensive steel and the hosts may expose them there although Olympiacos seem a tad short on attacking options. This could be a tight contest.