There’s several big match-ups between big clubs this weekend, including crucial games in England, Portugal, Germany and Italy.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
English Premier League, Sunday 5.10pm (CET)
It’s three versus two in England’s top flight on Sunday, when Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham host Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United. Eight points separates these two sides now after Spurs’ 5-2 loss to Arsenal last week, which will have them desperate to get back on track. Taking on United is a tough task, but the Red Devils know anything less than the three points could see them drop off the title pace with Manchester City taking on struggling Bolton on Saturday.
Portuguese Liga Sagres, Friday 8.45pm (CET)
Portugal’s top two go head-to-head on Friday evening, with Benfica battling for form in recent weeks with just one point in their past two games. Porto meanwhile have won three on the trot and appear to be on their way. Oscar Cardozo has been full of goals for Benfica this term, while Porto’s James Rodriguez and Hulk are ready to fire up.
English Premier League, Saturday 1.45pm (CET)
Two English giants face off in the Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday, when the Reds host the Gunners at Anfield. This game is crucial for both clubs who are fighting to make next season’s Champions League, with Arsenal in fourth, while Liverpool are seven points back in seventh. Both sides are coming off glory, Arsenal smashing Tottenham 5-2 last weekend, while Liverpool lifted the Carling Cup on Sunday after getting past Cardiff City on penalties.
Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich
German Bundesliga, Saturday 3.30pm (CET)
Two of Germany’s biggest clubs meet on Saturday with fifth-placed Leverkusen entertaining second-placed Bayern Munich. The Bavarians had Franck Ribery to thank for getting them past Schalke last weekend, but this represents another challenge, as they try to keep up with leaders Dortmund who are four points clear. Leverkusen have some work to do, to get in the Champions League race, but after two straight wins, they’ve got some form.
Italian Serie A, Sunday 3pm (CET)
The Rome derby is on Sunday afternoon with sixth-placed Roma hoping to boost their Champions League hopes against fourth-placed Lazio. Lazio moved seven points clear of their rivals after last week’s 1-0 win over Fiorentina while Roma went down 4-1 at Atalanta. Miroslav Klose could be the key man with his 12 goals this term helping Lazio remain in the hunt for the Scudetto. Lazio are just six points off the leaders.