Starting this week and every Friday thereafter, I will highlight the must-watch football matches of the upcoming weekend. From intense derbies to critical top-table battles, relegation showdowns, and marquee player matchups, there’s something exciting for every fan to look forward to.
This week, we’ll delve into action from England, Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands, featuring thrilling derbies, pressured managers, and perhaps even the first win of the season!
Premier League, Matchday 16
Kickoff: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET / 3 p.m. GMT
All eyes will be on Mohamed Salah this weekend. Whether he sits on the bench, watches from the stands, or plays on the pitch, his upcoming meeting with the Egypt national team for the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday looms large. First, Liverpool needs to tackle a crucial match that might mark his final appearance for the club.
The important question is: how much better (or worse) are the current Premier League champions without their star player? Some might argue the team functions more cohesively without him. After a disappointing 3-3 draw against Leeds, where they squandered leads twice, the Reds must regroup and bounce back after a narrow 1-0 win against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
On the other side, Brighton has had a mixed bag half-season. From impressive wins against Chelsea (3-1) and Manchester City (2-1) to frustrating draws with Wolves (1-1) and West Ham (1-1), they are winless in their last two. Their quick transition play may pose a challenge for Liverpool’s shaky defense.
MY PREDICTION: Liverpool 2, Brighton 0. Liverpool’s performance against Inter Milan demonstrates improvement, and they will likely secure a comfortable win using the same tactical formation.
De Klassieker Takes Center Stage
Ajax vs. Feyenoord
Dutch Eredivisie, Matchday 16
Kickoff: Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. GMT
Although this year’s De Klassieker may not be the most compelling on paper, with Ajax struggling in crisis mode—sitting fourth and 14 points off leaders PSV Eindhoven—the rivalry remains intense. In a strange twist, Feyenoord recently suffered a shocking 4-3 defeat in the Europa League to FCSB after leading 3-1 at one point, and they too find themselves trailing PSV by six points.
This match presents a pivotal opportunity for Ajax manager Fred Grim, who took over six weeks ago after losing his first three games before turning the tide with three wins, including a Champions League triumph at Qarabag (4-2), demonstrating resilience. Key player Oscar Gloukh made a significant impact in recent matches, while forward Kasper Dolberg contributed with crucial goals. Despite their struggles, Ajax is demonstrating grit and determination amidst challenges.
For Robin van Persie and Feyenoord, this match is an excellent chance to inflict more pain on their historical rivals. With their own form not too impressive—three wins and six defeats in the last nine—they desperately need a victory to uplift the spirits after criticism about playing his 19-year-old son, Shaqueel. Both teams are seeking vital wins, promising an exciting clash!
MY PREDICTION: Ajax 2, Feyenoord 3. Expect a thrilling and chaotic match filled with goals, as Feyenoord appears to have the advantage.
Pressure on Xabi Alonso
Alaves vs. Real Madrid
Spanish LaLiga, Matchday 17
Kickoff: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. GMT
This match garners interest primarily because of the precarious situation Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso faces. His team has secured only two victories from their last eight matches across all competitions, far from satisfactory for a club of this caliber. The threat of dismissal looms large if he fails to achieve a win against Alaves.
The team’s recent midweek performance against Manchester City in the Champions League showed potential, but it also exposed their vulnerabilities. Numerous injury concerns, including key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Éder Militão, alongside suspensions and fitness doubts, complicate Alonso’s task. Nevertheless, failing to defeat Alaves under these circumstances would call into question his managerial capabilities.
Alaves currently sits 11th in the league, performing reasonably well at home with four wins, two draws, and only two losses. They are a solid defensive unit, even sharing the same number of goals conceded as Real Madrid this season (15), but their scoring output has been lacking at just 13 goals. Expect them to adopt a defensive stance, making life difficult for the Merengues with captain Andre Guevara leading their midfield.
MY PREDICTION: Alaves 1, Real Madrid 3. Though inconsistent, Real Madrid is expected to muster the strength needed for a victory to alleviate pressure on Alonso.
1:21
Who could potentially succeed Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid?
Alex Kirkland and the ESPN FC crew discuss the possibilities for Alonso’s replacement.
The Tyne-Wear Derby Returns
Sunderland vs. Newcastle
Premier League, Matchday 16
Kickoff: Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. GMT
This derby stands out as one of the most significant rivalries in England, eagerly anticipated by fans on both sides after an eight-year absence from the Premier League. The fierce competition reflects the proximity of the two cities, both historically and in this current season.
Regis Le Bris has transformed Sunderland, putting them in ninth place—well beyond expectations for a promoted side and just three points shy of a top-four finish. Remarkably, they remain unbeaten at home in the league this season.
Newcastle faces a steep challenge, especially after their intense midweek 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen. Struggling with an abysmal away record, they have only secured one victory outside St. James’ Park. This derby promises an uphill battle, requiring proper preparation.
MY PREDICTION: Sunderland 1, Newcastle 0. Given Newcastle’s poor away form and Sunderland’s impressive home record, expect Sunderland to prevail.
Can Fiorentina Break Their Winless Streak?
Fiorentina vs. Hellas Verona
Serie A, Matchday 15
Kickoff: Sunday, 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. GMT
Fiorentina finds itself as one of the two teams in Europe’s top leagues without a win this season, alongside Wolves in the Premier League. With six draws and eight losses from 14 games, their fall from a sixth-place finish last season to the bottom of Serie A is staggering. While they’ve fared better in European play, a domestic turnaround remains elusive.
Following the managerial change from Stefano Pioli to Paolo Vanoli on November 7, the squad possesses talent, including players like Moise Kean and Edin Dzeko, yet results remain disappointing. This match against bottom-placed Verona is a golden opportunity to break their winless streak, although off-field tensions with fans could create a challenging atmosphere.
Verona, in contrast, experienced a morale boost with their first win of the season last weekend against Atalanta (3-1). With the entire week for preparation, they arrive in Florence with increased confidence. Expect a defensive strategy against Fiorentina, aiming to capitalize on counter-attack opportunities.
MY PREDICTION: Fiorentina 2, Verona 1. This may be the moment Fiorentina finally secures their first league victory, embarking on their journey to climb the table.
A Classic Rivalry in France
Marseille vs. Monaco
French Ligue 1
Kickoff: Friday, 2:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 p.m. GMT
This matchup transcends mere local rivalry; it embodies the contest between working-class roots at Marseille and the wealth represented by Monaco, a clash of contrasting cultures. The historical richness frames a narrative where in the ’90s, Marseille, under president Bernard Tapie, faced a rising young manager in Arsène Wenger at Monaco. Today, while they now sit third and seventh with just six points between them, the stakes remain high.
Morton De Zerbi’s Marseille and Sebastien Pocognoli’s Monaco both celebrated victories midweek in the Champions League- Marseille against Union Saint-Gilloise (3-2) and Monaco against Galatasaray (1-0). Their league performance will heavily influence their aspirations, with Marseille aiming to keep pace with PSG and Lens, while Monaco aims to secure a top-four place.
The form of players like Mason Greenwood for Marseille and Folarin Balogun for Monaco adds excitement to the match, promising a tense and high-stakes atmosphere.
MY PREDICTION: Marseille 2, Monaco 2. Expect a draw, given Monaco’s inconsistency and Marseille’s recent home struggles.