Plenty of European leagues are resuming this weekend after the winter break so there’s a lot to get excited about including derbies galore in England, but here’s our pick of the bunch.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
Tottenham v Manchester United English Premier League’‘Sunday, 5.10pm (Central European Time)’’
Undefeated Manchester United are on the march to the Premiership title and some claim the race is already over, but one of the plucky challengers is Tottenham who sit fourth, eight points behind the leaders.
Spurs have come on in leaps and bounds under Harry Redknapp over the past 12 months and might fancy their chances at home to the Red Devils. Wayne Rooney returns from injury for United, while EPL topscorer Dimitar Berbatov returns to his former club. But David Beckham won’t be signed in time for Spurs to face his ex-club. With all those added flavours, it’s going to be a great game.
Leverkusen v Borussia Dortmund German Bundesliga’‘Friday, 8.30pm (CET)’’
The Bundesliga resumes this weekend after the winter break and what better way to get things underway than with leaders Dortmund travelling to third-placed Leverkusen.
Dortmund have blown everyone away in Germany this term, but they had a blip in the final round prior to the winter break so there are question marks about if they can continue to lead the way. Leverkusen represent a big challenge and this game will be full of intrigue.
Inter Milan v Bologna Italian Serie A’‘Saturday, 8.45pm (CET)’’
We all know champions Internazionale recently sacked Rafa Benitez, and having won their past two Serie A fixtures there’s some renewed hope for the club. Leonardo is the new man in charge and this is a game where he can build the momentum.
Bologna are midtable with Marco Di Vaio firing in plenty of goals, so it won’t be easy for Inter but if this side is serious about challenging for the title and continuing their Scudetto streak than this is a game they must win.
Liverpool v Everton English Premier League’‘Sunday, 3.05pm (CET)’’
New Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish takes charge of the Reds for the first time at Anfield since taking the reins again and it just so happens to be against Merseyside rivals Everton.
Unfortunately for Dalglish, Liverpool has lost both of their games since he took charge again and to make matters worse for Sunday’s derby he’ll be without key pair Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. But the Toffees are without their topscorer Tim Cahill which evens things up. Both sides are in the bottom-half of the table, but you sense it means a lot for Liverpool who need some good news.
Marseille v Bordeaux French Ligue 1’‘Sunday, 9pm (CET)’’
France past two champions face off in Sunday’s late kick-off in Ligue 1 and they both will be desperate for the points to keep their title hopes alive.
Reigning champions Marseille are currently down in fifth while 2009 champions Bordeaux are down in eighth after a long run of draws. Didier Deschamps’ OM had a poor December but as pre-season title favourites they need to find their feet. Both sides haven’t won for a while so this game will be crucial.