Weekend Football Preview: Top Matches to Watch
Every Friday, we’ll be highlighting the most exciting games in the world of football, from derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, relegation six-pointers, and world-class players facing off against each other. This week, we’re taking you to England, Spain, France, Germany, and Morocco for a thrilling lineup of matches that promise to deliver plenty of action and drama.
Kicking off our preview, we have a big derby in the East of France, as Strasbourg take on Metz in Ligue 1. The two teams have a long and storied history, and this match is sure to be an intense and closely contested affair. Strasbourg are currently seventh in the table, six points off fifth place and eight points behind the UEFA Champions League positions, while Metz are struggling at the bottom of the table with only three wins in 17 league games. With new manager Gary O’Neil at the helm, Strasbourg will be looking to bounce back from a difficult period and get their season back on track.
Strasbourg vs. Metz: A Derby to Watch
The East of France derby is always a highly anticipated match, and this weekend’s encounter between Strasbourg and Metz promises to be no exception. With Strasbourg’s new manager Gary O’Neil taking charge of his first Ligue 1 game, the team will be looking to make a statement and get their season back on track. Metz, on the other hand, are desperate for points and will be fighting hard to avoid relegation. The match kicks off on Sunday at 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. GMT, and with the home crowd behind them, Strasbourg will be looking to take all three points.
MY PREDICTION: Strasbourg 3-1 Metz. O’Neil’s league debut will go well on Sunday, and his team will be too good for struggling Metz.
Real Madrid vs. Levante: A Must-Win for Los Blancos
In LaLiga, Real Madrid take on Levante in a match that could have significant implications for the title race. After a disastrous start to 2026, including a loss to second-tier Albacete in the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid need a win to get their season back on track. Levante, on the other hand, are struggling at the bottom of the table and will be looking to cause an upset. The match kicks off on Saturday at 8 a.m. ET / 1 p.m. GMT, and with the home crowd behind them, Real Madrid will be looking to take all three points.
MY PREDICTION: Real Madrid 2-0 Levante. It won’t be pretty, but Real Madrid won’t have another disastrous result three days after losing to Albacete.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City: A Derby to Decide the Title Race
In the Premier League, Manchester United take on Manchester City in a match that could have significant implications for the title race. With new manager Michael Carrick at the helm, Manchester United will be looking to cause an upset and derail City’s title challenge. The match kicks off on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. GMT, and with the home crowd behind them, Manchester United will be looking to take all three points.
MY PREDICTION: Man United 1-2 Man City. United have actually done well against big clubs in the Premier League in recent seasons, despite the chaos, and will do well again. It just won’t be enough to stop their noisy neighbors from taking the win.
RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich: A Top-of-the-Table Clash
In the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig take on Bayern Munich in a top-of-the-table clash that promises to be an intense and closely contested affair. With Bayern looking to repeat their almost perfect first half of the season, they’ll face a tough test against a Leipzig side eager to avenge their humiliating 6-0 defeat at the start of the season. The match kicks off on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. GMT, and with the home crowd behind them, Leipzig will be looking to cause an upset.
MY PREDICTION: RB Leipzig 1-3 Bayern Munich. Bayern will remain unbeaten in the league; Leipzig will put them under pressure, but Bayern’s attacking power will be too much for them to handle.
Morocco vs. Senegal: The Africa Cup of Nations Final
In the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco take on Senegal in the final, a match that promises to be an intense and closely contested affair. With the two teams having a long and storied history, this match is sure to be a thrilling encounter. The match kicks off on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. GMT, and with the home crowd behind them, Morocco will be looking to take the title.
MY PREDICTION: Morocco 2-1 Senegal. It’s hard to look past the hosts, who have a significant home advantage and a strong team. Senegal have been impressive in the tournament, but the odds are against them, and they will lose a tight final.
