It’s a huge weekend of action around Europe with the Bundesliga resuming to present some fine offerings, while there’s big tests for Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend Valencia v Real Madrid Spanish La Liga, Sunday 9pm (CET)
Could this be the straw which breaks the camel’s back? Jose Mourinho is under the pump at the Santiago Bernabeu with on-field decisions, such as dropping Iker Casillas and poor team results leading to the fans beginning to turn on him. The boo boys have been out at Real, who are third in La Liga and some whopping 18 points behind Barcelona. The trip to the Mestalla is never easy, particularly given Los Che’s recent form, they’ve won their past three league games and have Roberto Soldado up front.
Werder Bremen v Borussia Dortmund German Bundesliga, Saturday 6.30pm (CET)
Two of Germany’s traditional powerhouse clubs resume battle on Saturday as the Bundesliga gets underway again after the winter break. Dortmund need to get off to a flyer in the second-half of the season to keep alive their title ambitions, as they’re some 12 points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Juventus v Udinese Italian Serie A, Saturday 8.45pm (CET)
The champions and leaders head into this game as hot favourites, but last season’s surprise packets Udinese have done some damage in recent weeks, knocking off Fiorentina and Internazionale in their past two games with Antonio Di Natale on fire. Juve have claimed just one point from their past two games, so they’ll need to get back to winning ways.
Chelsea v [[Arsenal] English Premier League, Sunday 2.30pm (CET)
Earlier this season, both of these sides were dreaming about the Premier League title and Chelsea made a good fist of it in the first two months of the campaign but have slipped off the pace significantly. Their midweek 2-2 home draw with Southampton has put more pressure on new boss Rafa Benitez given their poor form at Stamford Bridge. Sixth-placed Arsenal are coming off a 2-0 loss against Manchester City and will be eager to hit back. Intriguing.
Tottenham v Manchester United English Premier League, Sunday 5pm (CET)
Spurs famously won at Old Trafford earlier this season to end a long drought away to the Red Devils. The fourth-placed Spurs will be eager to repeat those heroics and chew into United’s lead at the summit, which is seven points. Tottenham are 15 points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s side and are realistically playing for a UEFA Champions League spot but the likes of Gareth Bale would fancy themselves against the Red Devils.