There’s some outstanding match-ups this weekend with Germany’s top two clubs facing off in Bavaria, while there’s a Madrid derby which could play a big part in determining Jose Mourinho’s future.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund German Bundesliga, Saturday 6.30pm (CET)
There may be 11 points currently separating them on the Bundesliga table, but this match carries plenty. Champions Dortmund have started the season sluggishly, much like last term. Dortmund eventually got going to win the title, but Bayern hadn’t started last season as well as they have this term. In fact, Jupp Heynckes’ side have been brilliant, with 12 wins from 14 games and 40 goals for and only five against. Dortmund have had the wood over Bayern in recent times, and maintaining that record will keep alive the title race, while victory for Bayern could already prompt title celebrations.
Manchester City v Everton English Premier League, Saturday 4pm (CET)
The English champions play host to an Everton side sitting pretty up in sixth. David Moyes’ side typically start the season slow before finishing well, so this campaign looms as something different. However, the trip to City won’t be easy, with the Sky Blues still unbeaten in the league this term and fresh from a 2-0 win at Wigan in midweek with Mario Balotelli on the scoresheet. Everton, with Marouane Fellaini firing, have caused some upsets already this season.
Olympique Lyon v Montpellier French Ligue 1, Saturday 5pm (CET)
The French champions already appear out of the 2012-13 title race, but they have improved in recent weeks, going unbeaten in their past five, but remain in the bottom half of the table, badly missing marksman Olivier Giroud. On the flipside, Lyon are gunning to return to last decade’s glories in France and sit atop the table following their midweek 4-1 crushing of Marseille with Bafetimbi Gomis netting a hat-trick. Lyon now need to prove their consistency.
Ajax Amsterdam v PSV Eindhoven Dutch Eredivisie, Saturday 8.45pm (CET)
PSV make the tough trip to the Amsterdam ArenA to face the Dutch champions who produced a resolute 2-1 away win at Roda JC last weekend when all appeared lost. Meanwhile leaders PSV, chasing that elusive Eredivisie title, slipped up 2-1 at home to the impressive Vitesse, meaning there’s plenty on the line here, with fourth-placed Ajax within four points of the Eindhoven outfit. There’s sure to be the usual tension too.
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid Spanish La Liga, Saturday 10pm (CET)
Who would ever have guessed going into this Madrid derby, 13 games into the season, Atletico would be some eight points ahead of Real. However, that’s the truth with Radamel Falcao firing Atletico to an unbelievable start to the season with 11 wins and one draw from their first 13 games to sit second behind Barcelona. Real have had their issues and last week’s loss to Real Betis has put the pressure firmly on Jose Mourinho with fans jeering him in midweek. He can’t afford a defeat here.