Exciting Football Matches to Watch This Weekend
Every Friday, football fans around the world eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches, and this weekend is no exception. From thrilling derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, relegation six-pointers to world-class players facing each other, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we’ll take you to England, Italy, Spain, France, and Morocco for the start of a huge tournament, a potential record, some cup magic, and some big-boys clashes.
Premier League, Matchday 17
Kickoff: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. GMT. This weekend, Tottenham Hotspur will face off against Liverpool, two huge clubs in the Premier League looking for form and consistency. Despite the current form of each team, this match is still highly anticipated, with the visitors seeking to find the right formula after saying goodbye to Mohamed Salah. Arne Slot’s system and starting lineup will be closely watched, as well as Thomas Frank’s approach for Tottenham, who were embarrassingly defeated by Nottingham Forest last weekend.
To be fair, both teams have similar questions to answer, with Frank struggling to build anything attacking-wise, and it’s a massive problem. Will Spurs play in transition against Liverpool? It’s their best chance, but the manager will have to pick the right players for it. 
MY PREDICTION: Tottenham 1, Liverpool 2. Liverpool will take advantage of Tottenham’s average home form this season in the league.
Can Mbappé Make Madrid History?
LaLiga, Matchday 17
Kickoff: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. GMT. The only reason this game is interesting is because of the possibility for Kylian Mbappé to write his name in the Real Madrid history book. With one more goal, he will equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of the most goals scored in a calendar year for Real Madrid with 59, back in 2013. If he nets a brace against Sevilla, the Parisian would reach 60 and overtake his idol.
It would be an incredible achievement for Mbappé, who is obsessed with records, especially when he can best Ronaldo. MY PREDICTION: Real Madrid 3, Sevilla 0. Mbappé will do it. He will score twice to break a new record and lead Real Madrid to a win to finish the year.
Serie A, Matchday 16
Kickoff: Saturday, 2:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 p.m. GMT. Another weekend and another big clash between two heavyweights of Serie A. Juve vs. Roma in Turin is fifth vs. fourth with only four points separating the two teams in the table. Both teams had massive 1-0 victories last weekend, and this is the last game before the Christmas break, making it a must-win for both.
Roma are only three points behind league-leading Inter Milan, while Juve are a further four points behind in fourth. Getting three points against a solid Roma team would be huge for Spalletti. MY PREDICTION: Juventus 1, Roma 1. I can’t see any winner in this one. I would love a super-attacking and exciting encounter, but I think it will be tight and cagey.
Morocco Kick Off AFCON with High Expectations
Africa Cup of Nations, group stage
Kickoff: Sunday, 2 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. GMT. This is the opening game of the most anticipated AFCON in a very long time. Morocco kick things off on home soil on Sunday, and the whole country is buzzing. Morocco want to host the greatest-ever Africa Cup of Nations and hope for a first win for their Atlas Lions since 1976.
Walid Regragui has been doing an amazing job with this team, reaching the semifinals of the last FIFA World Cup, breaking the record of the most successive wins, and now it’s the biggest challenge of his managerial career. Win AFCON on home soil and he and his players will become living legends in Morocco. MY PREDICTION: Morocco 2, Comoros 0. Morocco will start their AFCON with a convincing and comfortable win against one of the smallest sides of the tournament.
The Magic of the Cup Travels 4,350 Miles
Coupe de France, round of 64
Kickoff: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. GMT. The Coupe de France always offers some exotic ties due to the fact that some teams come from the overseas French territories. AS Gosier, from Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean islands, is the last side still in the competition. They are located almost 4,350 miles away from Lorient, who they face in this round.
It’s an incredible occasion for the amateurs islanders. They arrived in Paris, where their “home” game will be played, a week ago. They have been training at Clairefontaine, like the France team trains during international breaks, where they’re also staying to be ready for the biggest game in the club’s history. AS Gosier play in the equivalent of the sixth tier of French football. Their star player is Claudio Beauvoir, the former Guingamp, Lyon, Celta Vigo, and Leganes forward who had a good career and is now enjoying, at 37, playing with his mates.
On paper, Gosier have no chance against Ligue 1 side Lorient. They are fighting in the top flight to stay up, which is their priority, and they know how tricky this game is. The whole stadium will be full of support for Gosier and for the magic of the cup. 
MY PREDICTION: Gosier 1, Lorient 2. AS Gosier will be proud of their performance, but in the end, Lorient will be too strong for them.
