The weekend is here again and of course, it brings football by the truckload. Across Europe, teams will battle to secure vital points so they can finish well in their leagues when it all comes to a climax next year.
This weekend, there are a lot of big games to look out for. But in this article, Sportpremi will highlight the five biggest games to watch.
Manchester United vs Burnley
Forget pedigree, status, or the quality of the teams on paper. This game promises to be a mouthwatering one for the fans.
Manchester United have started the season in disappointing fashion. And their penalty shoot-out loss to fourth-tier Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup didn’t help matters.
The Red Devils are now under pressure to grab their first win of the season against newly-promoted Burnley. So they are expected to produce fireworks.
Meanwhile, Burnley will be a bit relaxed after bouncing back from an opening-day bashing against Tottenham by beating Sunderland and Derby County in back-to-back games.
Even though it seems like now is the best time to play Manchester United, Burnley would surely be happy to leave Old Trafford with a point.
It promises to be a thrilling encounter, so it is definitely one to watch. Kickoff time is 3 PM on Sunday.
Liverpool vs Arsenal
To many football fans, these are the two frontrunners for the Premier League title. Liverpool and Arsenal finished first and second last season, and they have added some nice signings this summer.
Both clubs have won their first two games of the season, as Liverpool beat Bournemouth and Newcastle United, while Arsenal defeated Leeds United and Manchester United.
So, it is guaranteed that for the first time this season, at least one of them will drop points at the Emirates Stadium. The last four meetings have produced three goals at least. So for sure, there will be goals.
The game kicks off at 4:30pm on Sunday.
Sporting CP vs FC Porto
This is a clash between two Poruguese heavyweights. Sporting are the defending champions of the Portugal Liga, and will be looking to stamp their authority at the frontrunners once more.
Meanwhile, wounded lions Porto, are looking to reclaim a crown that was once theirs. So, they will give their all at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Both teams have the maximum nine points from their first three games this season, and they will also be looking to maintain their 100% record.
This game has the potential to decide where the league title will go next year, so you can expect fireworks.
The kickoff time is 8:30 PM on Saturday.
Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona
If you think the Spanish La Liga is pretty much straightforward － Barcelona and Real Madrid run over all opponents－ then this game might be one to disprove that thought.
Rayo Vallecano are playing the best football of their lives under coach Inigo Perez. And they could be a potential banana skin for Hansi Flick’s men, who have looked shaky at the back this season.
What even makes the game more difficult for the Blaugrana is that they are at Vallecano.
Rayo Vallecano play a good brand of football and keep things really tight at the back. Barcelona, on the other hand, will hope to use their attack to bamboozle their opponents.
This promises to be a good watch for the neutrals. Kickoff time is 8:30 PM on Sunday.
Rangers vs Celtic
This is the first installment of the Old Firm Derby this season, and it comes at a really bad time. Rangers and Celtic have laboured through their first few games of the season.
Both clubs will also have to make do with Europa League football this season, as they were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League in the final stage of the qualifiers.
Although Celtic have won all three of their Scottish Premiership games, they have not been convincing enough. Rangers, on the other hand, have fared worse with just three points from three games.
What even makes the tie more interesting is that Rangers coach Martin Russell’s job is on the line if he loses. So, the Gers will come out with fire in their bellies.
But the Hoopers, desperate to give their fans something to cheer after getting knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers, will also present a big fight.
Kickoff time for the game is 12 PM on Sunday.
