Big Weekend Preview
Those living in England will be well aware of the constant hype surrounding the Premier League. Best in the world? In terms of excitement perhaps, but in terms of quality, questions can and should still be asked. This Sunday sees the country’s best teams go head-to-head in what should be a fantastic day of football, yet for those willing to broaden their horizons and take in the brilliance of Europe’s other competitions, there are some other games going on involving some excellent sides who’s technical ability puts the so called juggernauts of the Premier League to shame.
A Grand Slam Weekend awaits.
Manchester United v Liverpool
The first segment of “Grand Slam Sunday” comes from Old Trafford where the Champions know that a win would go a long way to ensuring that they retain their title. Fortunately for the fans of Arsenal and Chelsea, Liverpool arrive at the Theatre of Dreams in excellent form and with much to play for. An intriguing battle awaits between the best striker in the world at the moment, Fernando Torres, and the best player in the world right now, Cristiano Ronaldo. Games between these two great rivals are often tight and the outcome of this encounter is bound to be dependent on which of the aforementioned superstars, enjoys a more inspiring afternoon.
101 Predicts: Manchester United 2-0 Liverpool
Chelsea v Arsenal
Regardless of what happens earlier on in the day, both of these sides know that a win is almost a must if they are going to usurp United as League champions. There is an abundance of hate between the two, and after Chelsea’s abhorrent behaviour against Spurs in midweek, all eyes will be on how they conduct themselves throughout what is set to be an explosive ninety minutes. Arsenal are no saints either though, and it is fair to say that everyone will be stunned if this match passes without controversy. The two points dropped at White Hart Lane would have hurt Chelsea, yet it is Arsenal who go into this game under more pressure than the blues. Arsene Wenger’s side have blown a rather big lead and their exciting season to date is on the verge of unravelling. A defeat would almost completely finish any title dreams, yet a win could provide either with the boost they need going into the final push.
101Predicts: Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal
Sevilla v Atletico Madrid
This is a massive game – to the extent that Sevilla’s sporting director Ramon Rodriguez has labelled it as “a seven pointer”. Atletico currently hold the final Champions League spot, yet Sevilla are a mere two points behind them. Winning is paramount for Sevilla boss Manolo Jiminez, yet he will be well aware that having lost 4-3 in the reverse fixture, a victory by two goals on Saturday night will swing the head-to-head record back in his sides favour, and that in itself is worth a point. The attacking quality on display, coupled with the defensive frailties common to both sides, makes the mouth salivate. Aguero, Forlan and Simao have been scintillating in recent weeks while for Sevilla, Alves, Kanoute and La Liga’s top scorer Luis Fabiano pose a threat that is often too strong to tame, particularly at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
101 Predicts: Sevilla 3-1 Atletico Madrid
Inter Milan v Juventus
Despite dropping two points in midweek against Genoa, Roma’s 3-2 loss against Lazio means that Inter’s lead at the top is now seven points. Roma won’t be giving up though, and the red half of the capital will be hoping that third placed Juve can go to San Siro and throw another spanner in the works. Inter have certainly begun to slow down in recent weeks, their frailties were exposed to the entire footballing world against Liverpool in the Champions league, and in turn their confidence seems to have taken a knock. Juventus, aware that a Champions League place is almost assured, visit the leaders devoid of real pressure, and with a hunger to damage the hopes of the side who were celebrating the most wildly, when their relegation sentence was handed out two years ago.
101 Predicts: Inter Milan 1-1 Juventus
Bayer Munich v Bayer Leverkusen
Amidst all the talk of Bremen’s collapse and Hamburg’s emergence, the rise of Bayer Leverkusen to serious title contenders has gone largely unnoticed. That will no longer be the case if they manage to win in the Allianz Arena this weekend, a result which would take them to within three points of the league leaders.
The fond memories of Klaus Toppmoller’s reign as coach seem rather distant now, yet Leverkusen are well on their way to reaching those former height, but ahead of them lies a major hurdle. As successful as their Uefa Cup campaign this season has been, Bayern Munich are at heart, deeply embarrassed to be taking part in the competition. The ignominy of last season’s disastrous league campaign still hurts, and the revamped squad is desperate to put what was a disastrous period behind them by winning the Bundesliga.
101 Predicts: Bayern Munich 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
