Sunday looks like the day for the football action this weekend led by two blockbusters in Italy, along with crucial clashes in Germany, France and England.
Paris Saint-Germain v Rennes
Sunday 5:05pm European time - French Ligue 1
Ligue 1 leaders PSG host fifth-placed Rennes in a decent match-up between two of France’s stronger sides from recent years. PSG, of course, are 10 points clear and destined for the league title, with Rennes pushing their own case for the top four and Champions League football, sitting four points behind fourth-placed Monaco. PSG haven’t had an easy few weeks with their Champions League exit, Neymar’s injury, FFP sanctions and mounting pressure on boss Christophe Galtier.
Sunday 5:30pm European time - English FA Cup
United’s quartet bid continues on Sunday, hosting Fulham who are ninth in the Premier League. Realistically, United are out of the league title race, but having claimed the League Cup already and progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, there is genuine hope of several trophies this term at Old Trafford. Besides for United’s 7-0 loss to Liverpool, their form stacks up led by goal machine Marcus Rashford. Fulham are winless in their past three in the league.
Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich
Sunday 5:30pm European time - German Bundesliga
Bayern’s title aspirations will face a stern test on Sunday against ninth-placed Leverkusen, who have won their past two games. Bayern opened up a two-point lead last weekend courtesy of Borussia Dortmund’s 2-2 draw with rivals Schalke 04, so the Bavarians will be keen to continue. Julian Nagelsmann’s side have won their past three league games, while they are unbeaten against Leverkusen in their past seven encounters, dating back to 2019.
Sunday 6pm European time - Italian Serie A
The Derby della Capitale takes centre stage on Sunday evening, with a fair bit at stake as both sides contend for top-four spots. Lazio are third on 49 points, one behind second-placed Inter Milan, while Roma are fifth on 47 points, one behind fourth-placed AC Milan. Juventus are mounting a charge in seventh but are back on 38 points following their points deduction. The point is, though, neither side can afford to drop points in the Italian capital.
Saturday 8:45pm European time - Italian Serie A
The Lazio-Roma clash opens up an opportunity for both these sides to boost their top-four prospects with victory. Inter having lost two of their past three league games but are second. Juventus have enjoyed a strong recent run, winning six of their past seven games in all competitions to stay in contention. But Juve’s only recent loss was to top-four hopefuls Roma, so Inter represent a similarly tough test. Inter’s Champions League success in midweek will be good for morale.
