It’s a big weekend of derbies throughout Europe, but none moreso than in Germany, while there’s some huge clashes in Italy, France and England too.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke 04
German Bundesliga, Saturday 3.30pm (CET)
It’s a huge weekend of derbies in the Bundesliga, but there’s arguably none bigger than the Ruhr rivalry when Dortmund face Schalke. Both sides are travelling reasonably well this season too, with both wanting the three points here to keep the pressure on leaders Bayern who were beaten by BVB last weekend.
Dortmund, the reigning German champions, are currently second, two points behind Bayern, while Schalke - with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on fire - are third a further point back. This game has been hotly anticipated and will hopefully be a classic.
Italian Serie A, Saturday 8.45pm (CET)
It’s one versus two in Serie A on Saturday, when Lazio play host to Juventus in Rome. Juve remain unbeaten in the league this term, while the Romans have had a fine campaign, on the back of last season’s impressive run. Miroslav Klose has been firing for Lazio, while Juve are proving tough to break down, having only conceded seven goals in 10 games this term.
Spanish La Liga, Saturday 8pm (CET)
It’s time for a capital derby in Spain, when Real host Atletico. Jose Mourinho’s side are flying this term, sitting atop the league, while Atletico are languishing in midtable and aren’t expected to produce a shock. Then again, it is a derby and anything can happen in derbies. Of course, a Real side with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain will be hard to stop.
English Premier League, Sunday 5pm (CET)
The Reds play host to leaders Man City in Sunday’s late kick-off, with plenty expected of the game of the weekend in the Premiership. Liverpool may be down in sixth, but having beaten Chelsea last week, will be feeling capable of toppling another big gun. City’s midweek defeat to Napoli won’t have helped their cause, nor the trip to Italy. But the Sky Blues have a big squad with plenty of talent. Liverpool have struggled at times at Anfield this term, but mainly against defensive opponents. Luis Suarez may fancy a bit of space to roam against City.
Olympique Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain
French Ligue 1, Sunday 9pm (CET)
Underperforming Marseille play host to big-spending PSG on Sunday in France, with the Parisians on the back of a shock loss to struggling Nancy. PSG, who are leading Ligue 1, will be desperate to get back on the winners’ list but OM are desperate to move back up the table after a poor start to the season. Loic Remy and Kevin Gameiro should have an interesting battle on the goalfront.