The relentless soccer action around Europe continues this weekend, with another action-packed round of fixtures. Before making soccer predicitions for the games this weekend, catch up on the latest news revolving around some of the biggest fixtures.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayern Munich
Seven days ago, it seemed as though nothing could stand in the way of Bayern Munich winning yet another Bundesliga title. However, their return to domestic action after being crowned world champions didn’t go according to plan, and the title race could be back on in Germany.
The Bavarian giants could only manage to pick up a point against struggling Arminia last time out. In a pulsating game, which at points saw the field of play covered in snow, Bayern could only fight back to earn a 3-3 draw after going behind on two separate occasions. They were 2-0 down at the break, and that advantage for Arminia was stretched to 3-1 early in the second half. However, Bayern’s grit and determination was evident to see, and they managed to take a point from the game as Alphonso Davies scored the equaliser with 20 minutes remaining.
Frankfurt may be hesitant to say that they are in the title picture this season, but it’s hard to ignore the form that they have shown. They have been excellent throughout the campaign, but great business in the winter transfer window has meant that they have turned games that they were drawing in the first half of the campaign into wins. Frankfurt will come into this game having won their last four, and just ten points behind Bayern at the top of the league. A win this weekend would be huge for their chances of an unlikely title challenge.
These two sides have lost the joint-fewest games in the Bundesliga this season, which will make for an excellent game. They are difficult to separate, which means that a second straight draw for Bayern could be on the cards.
AC Milan vs Inter Milan
One of the games that all European soccer fans look forward to every season is the Milan derby, and it’s fair to say that there haven’t been many bigger in recent seasons than the fixture between the sides this coming weekend.
Both Inter and AC are locked in the Serie A title race this season, and they are already six points clear of third-placed Roma. However, there will be a bigger incentive on AC Milan to win this game, as they have recently lost their place at the top of the league to their local rivals. AC come into this game having lost two of their last four games. Their last defeat was a shock away defeat against struggling Spezia.
Inter were the biggest winners last weekend, as they were able to move to the top on Sunday afternoon with a win against Lazio. Romelu Lukaku has enjoyed a fantastic campaign to this point, and he scored twice in that 3-1 win at the San Siro. The Belgium striker also set up Lautaro Martinez for the third goal in that massive win.
There is a feeling that neither side will want to lose this game, as defeat would hand the advantage to their local rivals. Therefore, the most likely result will be the draw.
Liverpool vs Everton
The second Merseyside derby of the season in the Premier League takes place this weekend, as Liverpool will be looking to take back control in the battle to finish in a Champions League position. Their hopes of regaining the title this season are evidentially over, as they trail Manchester City by 13 points, but they need to raise their game if they want to avoid the embarrassment of missing out on European football altogether.
The Reds have been disappointing over recent weeks, and come into this huge derby after recording three straight defeats. They will kick off the weekend in sixth place, and will be aware that the sides below them are closing the gap. Something needs to change at Anfield, as they have lacked cutting edge in the final third and are giving away far too many goals.
Everton are one of the sides with their sights set on Liverpool, and a win this weekend could see them move level on points with the Reds with a game in hand. They missed the opportunity to go level with Liverpool in their last league game, as they were beaten 2-0 at Goodison Park by Fulham.
Everton haven’t won at Anfield since 1999, but they haven’t had a better chance to end that barren run. However, Liverpool will likely find another gear for the derby, and claim a hard-fought three points.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Manchester City can’t stop winning in the Premier League, and they will be looking to continue that run with a victory at the Emirates against Arsenal. The Gunners form has also picked up over recent weeks, and the target of Europa League football may now be within their sights.
There is no denying that City look almost certain to win the league title this season, as they hold a comfortable lead over Manchester United and Leicester City. While the chasing pack have faltered over recent weeks, City have continued to go from strength to strength. City maintained their 23-match unbeaten run in all competitions last weekend with a 3-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal moved into the top-half of the Premier League after winning their game last weekend, as there was a welcome return to form for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The club’s captain scored a hat-trick in a thrilling 4-2 victory against Leeds United. There are still eight points between themselves and fifth, but they could move above local rivals Spurs with a win this weekend.
The Gunners have struggled against City in the league over recent years, as they have lost their last seven against the league leaders. That run is unlikely to end this weekend, as City will claim the three points in the capital.
