Guide: Football to watch this weekend
Today we take a look at three of the most interesting games taking place this weekend. Here's what you should be keeping an eye on...
The final international break of 2011 has come and gone, leaving us with England being hailed as world beaters after their victory over Spain and the Republic of Ireland finally heading back to a major international tournament for the first time since the 2002 World Cup. With that wackiness aside, it's probably a relief to most that the domestic fixtures are back.
Manchester City vs. Newcastle United
Hands up all those who predicted these two would be the last two sides with unbeaten records in the Premier League come the middle of November. Anyone? Didn't think so. While City's recent dominance is not such of a surprise given their enormous resources, Alan Pardew's efforts at St. Jam- I'm sorry, the Sports Direct Arena, to turn United from mid-table battlers to European hopefuls has been nothing short of amazing.
Having come through several so-called big tests before, against the likes of rivals Sunderland, fellow European qualification candidates Tottenham and no-nonsense Stoke, many in the media have been calling this the actual true test of United's new found success, and it's easy to see why. City, top of the league, have laid waste to most of those in their path already this season, and sit five points clear of Manchester United. One point behind United are Newcastle, ironically, and though it seems ridiculous to many, the Toon could close the gap on Mancini's men in the race for the title.
Take that last line with a pinch of salt, because not many will be expected United to come out of this game with anything. Regardless, it should be a fascinating contest.
Wigan Athletic vs. Blackburn Rovers
Wigan Athletic and Blackburn Rovers? "I thought this article was supposed to be outlining what I should be looking out for this weekend?" is probably what most people will be sarcastically thinking about now. You're right, it is. And this game will definitely be one to keep an eye on.
While November is by no means a sensible time to be talking about those fabled 'relegation six pointers', both of these sides desperately need three points if they're to attempt to move out of the relegation zone. Having won just one game each so far this season, many have predicted that the Championship may be the destination of both teams, and with the continuing unrest at Ewood Park over Steve Kean's position at the club, a defeat for Rovers could be yet another blow to a club who are no strangers to uncertainty so far this season.
It'll probably turn up last on Match of the Day, and you won't see the Sky Sports reporters devoting much of their time to it, but keep an eye on how this basement clash unfolds. It could be key in determining who stays in the relegation scrap come the end of the season.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool (Sunday)
It wouldn't be a Premier League weekend without another 'top four' clash, and two sides looking to get there meet at Stamford Bridge in Sky's 'Super Sunday' offering this time around.
Both sides have been a little inconsistent as of late, with Liverpool having recorded four draws at Anfield this season, whereas Chelsea's away form has been less than sparkling. Reversing that analysis, Chelsea have lost just one game at home this campaign, something which may give them the edge when one looks at the amount of goals Liverpool have scored on the road this season - a measly six in five games. With the ongoing controversy surrounding Luis Suarez and his clash with Patrice Evra, this game could've come too soon for the Reds.
Will Fernando Torres play a part against his former club? With Daniel Sturridge appearing for England in midweek, it seems doubtful. But you never know. El Nino could sink his former club in front of millions watching on television. Look out for it.
TV GUIDE
Friday, 18 November 2011
19:30 FC Kaiserslautern v Bayer Leverkusen Bundesliga ESPN
Saturday, 19 November 2011
12:45 Norwich v Arsenal Barclays Premier League Sky Sports 2
15:00 Man City v Newcastle Barclays Premier League Setanta Ireland
18:00 Fleetwood v Stockport County Blue Square Premier Setanta Sports 1
19:45 Fiorentina v Milan Serie A ESPN
Sunday, 20 November 2011
13:15 Millwall v Bristol City npower Championship Sky Sports 1
16:00 Chelsea v Liverpool Barclays Premier League Sky Sports 1
19:45 Roma v Lecce Serie A Setanta Ireland
Monday, 21 November 2011
20:00 Tottenham v Aston Villa Barclays Premier League Sky Sports 1
