Guide through the must-watch games of the weekend

The international break is finally over, so we have catch up with club football again. These are the games you shouldn’t miss this weekend!

Saturday

5:00 pm: Liverpool – Everton

The Merseyside Derby and its importance speak for themselves. Liverpool, who now have 56 points after 29 matches, are looking to get a more comfortable lead over Manchester United (52 points after 27 matches and Arsenal (50 points after 27 matches) for 4th place, while Everton (50 points, 29 matches) will want to close in on named teams.

7:00 pm: Schalke 04 – Borussia Dortmund

Right after the Premier League game ends you can switch to another great match: The Revierderby. Probably the most intense derby in Germany. The gap between the two arch-rivals is bigger than it has been in recent years, with a 3rd place for Dortmund and a 9th place for Schalke. The latter have won their last two games though, and they have qualified for the quarter finals of the Europa League as well, so after a difficult period things may be slowly getting back on track for them. Borussia Dortmund – also still active in Europe – are fighting for 2nd place with RB Leipzig, now trailing by 3 points. Hoffenheim are 1 point behind in 4th.

Sunday

12:30 am: AS Monaco – PSG

After over 3,5 hours of waiting, the number 1 and 2 of the French league will face each other in the final of the Coupe de la Ligue. Monaco have won 2 of their last 4 games against their rivals (1 draw, 1 loss), but PSG have won the cup last three times. Two of the biggest teams in France, two teams with an attractive playing style, two teams in very good shape, a cup final, it’s worth watching.

1:00 am: SL Benfica – FC Porto

The French cup final is great, but you might consider switching to the Primeira Liga after half an hour. O Clássico is not only the biggest game in Portugal, but also more important than ever right now. Benfica lead Porto in the league by only one point, and this means that with 8 games left to play a loss may well cost you the title. Porto (who’s goal difference is 3 goals better) will feel like they have to win this one, as their programme seems to be slightly harder than Benfica’s. Both teams have taken 13 points out of the last 5 matches, so both teams go into this game in good form. Let’s see who wins this two-horse race!

6:00 pm: AFC Ajax – Feyenoord

If you’re in Europe you’ll have time to sleep in, as we go further at 13:30 BST. De Klassieker is similar to O Clássico the night before; the biggest game in the Netherlands and the number 1 and 2 face each other 8 games before the end of the competition. But there is one major difference: Feyenoord are 6 points clear at the top of the table, with a much better goal difference. It’s a must win game for Ajax if they want a chance to win it, but there is perspective: Ajax haven’t lost at home to Feyenoord since 2005. A win for Feyenoord will mean the title is sealed, a draw probably as well. A loss will make things interesting again, and it’ll bring PSV (who are trailing Feyenoord by 8 points) back into the title race. High intensity can be expected from this all or nothing game!

8:30 pm: Arsenal – Manchester City

This will not be the most heated game of the weekend, but it might be the best game if you look at team-quality. Manchester City seem to reach their place in the top 4, but it will be a huge task for Arsenal, who are now 6th. This is a game they can’t lose if they want to keep 4th place in sight, certainly after losing 4 of their last 5 games in the Premier League.

Monday

12:15 am: Napoli – Juventus

Another match of two teams of great quality. Juventus have pretty much won their 6th consecutive Serie A title while Napoli are still battling for 2nd with AS Roma. They are now in 3rd, two points behind the Romans. Juventus and Napoli have both won 4 of their last 5 Serie A games, so it should be an exciting game. The return of Gonzalo Higuain to Naples will surely make for a heated atmosphere as well, which only adds to the game’s significance.

These are in my opinion the must-watch games of upcoming weekend. What matches are you looking forward to the most?