This weekend doesn’t offer us any major rivalry matches or derbies, but there’s plenty to look forward as the season reaches the point where longevity is beginning to be tested.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
Udinese v Inter Milan Italian Serie A’‘Sunday, 12.30pm (Central European Time)’’
Things seem to have stabilised for champions Internazionale since the departure of Rafa Benitez and the arrival of Leonardo, as they’ve won their past four matches to move to fifth and get their title challenge back on track.
But Sunday’s early clash at Udinese looms as a tricky encounter. Udinese have certainly had their moments this season and they’ve surprised some big opponents including AC Milan and Genoa in the past few weeks.They may also be extra motivated to atone for their midweek Coppa Italia exit. Inter, meanwhile, have been warned by striker Samuel Eto’o not to drop their standards, while Leonardo labelled it their “toughest test”.
Borussia Dortmund v VfB Stuttgart German Bundesliga’‘Saturday, 3.30pm (CET)’’
Dortmund may be 12 points in the German Bundesliga right now but this game – as unusual as it may seem - looms as a danger match against a side sitting in the bottom three.
The German leaders are without key midfielder Shinji Kagawa who is away at the Asian Cup, while Stuttgart will be buoyed by last weekend’s hard-fought 1-0 win over high-flying FSV Mainz. New boss Bruno Labbadia may be the man to guide Stuttgart to safety and the early signs are positive. Still, Dortmund have been dominant this season and it’s hard to beat against them.
Aston Villa v Manchester City English Premier League’‘Saturday, 5.30pm (CET)’’
It isn’t a weekend for big rivalries or derbies, but this clash between struggling Aston Villa and moneyboys Manchester City looms as an interesting battle in Saturday’s late kick-off in England’s Premier League.
City are level on points with leaders and rivals Manchester United, so they will be after the points at Villa Park. Gerard Houllier’s men are surprisingly in the bottom three at the moment but will be buoyed by the presence of new record signing Darren Bent. In some ways, it’s ironic they’ll unveil their record signing against these big spending opponents.
Sampdoria v Juventus Italian Serie A’‘Sunday, 3pm (CET)’’
Juventus boss Luigi Del Neri returns to his former stomping ground at Sampdoria for the first time since his move to Turin in an important game for two underachieving northern Italian clubs.
Tenth-placed Sampdoria welcome the visit of sixth-placed Juventus on Sunday and Del Neri will be the centre of attention. Both sides have been in poor form this month and will be looking to build some momentum if they’re to challenge for the UEFA Champions League qualification spots.
Real Madrid v Real Mallorca Spanish La Liga’‘Sunday, 7pm (CET)’’
Real Madrid’s shock draw at Almeria was a major setback for Jose Mourinho’s men who now trail leaders Barcelona by four points. So their response this weekend will be important.
Madrid face Mallorca who are sitting midtable and typically struggle away from home. It’s hardly a danger game against a team who aren’t terribly potent. Rather it might be interesting to see what Real can produce with Cristiano Ronaldo in fine form with some added motivation after last week’s draw. And is it the time for Karim Benzema to step up?