Top Football Matches to Watch This Weekend
Every Friday, we pick the most exciting games not to be missed in the world of football. From derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, relegation six-pointers to world-class players facing each other or other interesting tactical battles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This week, we take you to England, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany for a big debut, a top-of-the-table clash, a huge historical rivalry, and a key game in women’s football.
Can Michael Carrick Continue to Lift United?
Arsenal vs. Manchester United, Premier League, Matchday 23, Kickoff: Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. GMT
A week after shocking Pep Guardiola and Manchester City with a famous win in his first game as interim head coach, Michael Carrick and his Manchester United side face another huge battle away at league-leaders Arsenal. The historical rivalry between the two clubs is significant, and for both clubs’ objectives, this is a massive game neither can afford to lose. United were great against their city rivals and put in a convincing tactical performance that saw key players like Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, and Kobbie Mainoo shine; City were atrocious on the day, but credit should still go to their opponents for how they played.
Carrick will now face a different type of game at Arsenal. His United team will play the same way, but Arsenal are the best team in Europe right now and for good reason, so they will have to figure out how to stop Mikel Arteta’s trademark high intensity and press. The Gunners will rely on their stingy defense and attacking set pieces, as they have all season. Arteta’s rotated side got a boost from the win over Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek with a stellar performance, and especially from striker Gabriel Jesus, who scored twice after coming back to full fitness after a year out with an ACL injury.
According to Premier League statistics, Arsenal have the best home record in the league, with 10 wins out of 11 games. Manchester United, on the other hand, have struggled away from home, with only 4 wins in 11 games. Given these statistics, it’s likely that Arsenal will come out on top. My prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Man United. United have had the whole week to prepare for this clash, and Carrick will surely use the same team and game plan that worked against City. Arsenal were in Milan in midweek and will be tired, so they will probably only be able to take a point.
A Race for Second Place?
Chelsea vs. Arsenal, Women’s Super League, Matchday 13, Kickoff: Saturday, 7:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. GMT
The two best women’s sides in England over the last few years face each other on Saturday in a massive clash. But the stakes are not as high as they were previously; Chelsea are six points behind league-leaders Manchester City in second place, and Arsenal are a further four points back in third. With only 10 matches left to play in the WSL campaign, this is a must-win game for both teams if they want to stay in the title race.
According to FA Women’s Super League statistics, Chelsea have the best attacking record in the league, with 37 goals scored in 12 games. Arsenal, on the other hand, have the best defensive record, with only 10 goals conceded in 12 games. Given these statistics, it’s likely that the game will be a tight and defensive affair. My prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal. The two teams are pretty close in terms of level right now, and it has been a disappointing WSL season for both, so they will probably share the points on Saturday.
Will the French Title Race Open Up?
Marseille vs. Lens, Ligue 1, Matchday 19, Kickoff: Saturday, 3:05 p.m. ET / 8:05 p.m. GMT
It is third vs. first in Ligue 1 on Saturday night at the Stade Vélodrome — though Paris Saint-Germain play on Friday night and will probably go top. Marseille have to win if they want to stay in the title race; they are nine points behind the leaders and can’t afford to drop more points. They were hugely disappointing on Wednesday in a 3-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League, despite the wonderful support of their fans.
According to Ligue 1 statistics, Marseille have the second-best home record in the league, with 7 wins out of 9 games. Lens, on the other hand, have the best away record, with 6 wins out of 9 games. Given these statistics, it’s likely that the game will be a closely contested affair. My prediction: Marseille 2-1 Lens. It will be hostile and intense at the Vélodrome, and Marseille will take full advantage of it with a strong performance.
Edin Dzeko’s Return to Germany
Schalke 04 vs. Kaiserslautern, German 2. Bundesliga, Matchday 19, Kickoff: Sunday, 7:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. GMT
I have included this game because Edin Dzeko could make his debut for Schalke on Sunday. Fifteen years after leaving Wolfsburg to play for Manchester City, Roma, Inter Milan, Fenerbahçe, and Fiorentina, the 39-year-old striker is back in the German Bundesliga to help the Ruhr giants get promoted. Dzeko has scored 371 goals from 856 games during his career, and it was a massive coup for Schalke to attract him to the club.
According to Bundesliga statistics, Schalke have the best home record in the 2. Bundesliga, with 8 wins out of 9 games. Kaiserslautern, on the other hand, have struggled away from home, with only 2 wins in 8 games. Given these statistics, it’s likely that Schalke will come out on top. My prediction: Schalke 2-1 Kaiserslautern. It will be an open game, but probably too open from a Kaiserslautern point of view against the best team in the league. Schalke will win, Dzeko will make his debut, and score.
