Each Friday, I curate a list of the most thrilling football matches that you won’t want to miss over the weekend. From intense rivalries and critical top-table showdowns to relegation battles and star-studded performances, there’s something exciting for every football fan.
This week, we’ll journey through England, Germany, Italy, France, and Scotland, featuring a final showdown, league deciders, a monumental derby, a possible title clinching, and significant fights for honors and European spots!
– Exploring how sixth place in the Premier League could secure Champions League qualification
– The Championship promotion race: Who’s making the leap to the Premier League?
– Hearts, Celtic, Rangers: Who will seize the Scottish Premiership title?
Premier League, Matchday 35
Kickoff: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. BST
With only three points separating these fierce northwest rivals, Manchester United currently sits third after a remarkable interim period under Michael Carrick. A victory against their historic adversaries would solidify his case for the permanent managerial role, especially with passionate support from the home crowd at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils hold an 11-point advantage over sixth place and could secure a Champions League return next season with a win, marking their first appearance in this prestigious competition in three years.
Despite their lackluster performance lately, United continues to find ways to win, with Bruno Fernandes just one assist away from tying the Premier League record of 20.
For Liverpool, positioned eight points clear of sixth place, a victory at Old Trafford would restore some credit to manager Arne Slot, who has faced criticism due to earlier performances. With aspirations for a top-five finish, Liverpool appears on track, but a loss in Manchester would be disappointing.
Mohamed Salah is uncertain for the visitors, as is Matheus Cunha for the hosts. Both Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak scored last weekend and could be key players in this highly anticipated matchup.
MY PREDICTION: Man United 2-2 Liverpool. I expect United to perform better than in their last match against Brentford, where they were outplayed despite winning. Liverpool should elevate their performance as well, leading to a thrilling draw.
UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinal, second leg
Kickoff: Saturday, 9 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. BST
The first leg at the Emirates last week showcased remarkable quality, with both OL Lyon and Arsenal exhibiting their skills despite key mistakes from Lyon’s goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
Arsenal secured a 2-1 win after a strong second half, driven by increased intensity and aggression, though they benefitted from a few fortunate opportunities.
OL is equipped with a talented squad, and the first-leg defeat was only their second of the season. They must launch a strong effort on Saturday. They previously overcame Wolfsburg, winning convincingly in the second leg to advance to the semifinals after a tough first leg.4-0 after extra time). Manager Jonatan Giráldez has a deep bench filled with options, reinforcing their competitive strength.
There’s a sense of déjà vu as these teams faced off in last year’s semifinal, where Lyon took the first leg but Arsenal rallied back to triumph 4-1 in France. This time, Arsenal stands as the reigning European champions, and that experience could prove invaluable. The Lyonnaises cannot afford any missteps from the first leg and must be highly efficient if they seek a Champions League final appearance for the first time since 2024.
MY PREDICTION: Lyonnes 2-1 Arsenal, with Lyonnes winning on penalties 4-3. I anticipate an electric atmosphere at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, with the French giants posing significant problems for the Arsenal defense. It may go to extra time and penalties, in which the hosts could emerge victorious.
1:48
Krieger backs Arsenal to defeat OL Lyonnes
Ali Krieger and Lianne Sanderson preview Arsenal’s second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinal against OL Lyonnes.
EFL Championship, Matchday 46
Kickoff: Saturday, 7:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. BST
What an exciting finale we have in store! With the final matchweek of a demanding Championship season upon us, there remains much to be determined.
The critical question is: who will join Coventry City in securing direct promotion to the Premier League? Ipswich, currently in second place, is in the most advantageous position as they host a QPR side with little but pride to play for. However, right behind Ipswich lurks Millwall, just one point behind and facing the already-relegated Oxford United, and Middlesbrough, two points behind and traveling to Wrexham on Saturday.
Wrexham still has a chance to enter the playoffs, battling against Hull City (level on points with Wrexham) and Derby County (just a point behind). Hull faces Norwich City, while Derby compete against Sheffield United. Meanwhile, the relegation battle has concluded with Oxford, Leicester City, and Sheffield Wednesday already demoted.
All Ipswich needs to do is match or outdo the results of Millwall and Middlesbrough to secure their return to the Premier League next season after a year away. They deserve this promotion despite only winning one of their last five league matches (one win, three draws, and one loss).
MY PREDICTION: Ipswich Town 3-0 QPR. I believe Ipswich will seize this opportunity for a celebratory return to the top flight, winning comfortably.
Serie A, Matchday 35
Kickoff: Sunday, 2:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 p.m. BST
This Sunday night may herald a new Italian champion, as Inter could clinch the Serie A title with a win over Parma or favorable results elsewhere.
Inter boasts a 10-point lead over defending champions Napoli, with four matches remaining. A victory would reinforce their status as the top team in Italy and their extensive history of success.
The season was expected to be challenging for the Nerazzuri under new manager Cristian Chivu, with a squad heavily reliant on veteran players. Despite some low moments (such as a derby loss against AC Milan or elimination by Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League), Lautaro Martínez and his team have proven to be the strongest domestically and now eye a Coppa Italia final against Lazio for a potential double.
Chivu has earned commendation for his debut managerial year, with Marcus Thuram recently stepping up in the absence of their injured Argentine striker.
On the flip side, Parma is comfortably safe under Carlos Cuesta, the former assistant to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal who has done exceptionally well in his first managerial role. They currently sit 12th in the league and are assured of Serie A football next season.
MY PREDICTION: Inter 3-0 Parma. With league title aspirations at stake, Inter will be eager to clinch victory on home soil against a Parma side with nothing to achieve.
Bundesliga, Matchday 32 (stream on ESPN+)
Kickoff: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. BST
This weekend features a pivotal clash between the Bundesliga’s third and sixth-placed teams, making it a significant contest for next season’s Champions League placements. While the criteria for fifth place’s qualification remains uncertain, the race for fourth and fifth is intensifying!
Leipzig currently holds a five-point lead over fourth-placed Stuttgart and looks fairly secure with three games left. However, Stuttgart must fend off challenges from Hoffenheim, which is level on points and trails only in goal difference (+20 to +16), and Bayer Leverkusen, just two points behind.
Moreover, Hoffenheim and Stuttgart are set to face off three hours earlier, ensuring that someone will drop points, potentially benefitting Leverkusen. Known for scoring prowess, they demonstrated this with Cologne, where they secured a 2-1 victory featuring a brace from Patrik Schick. While inconsistency has been a challenge, they’re optimistic about clinching a top-four spot.
Leipzig enters this game on a five-match league win streak, and with Yan Diomande emerging as a standout performer this season. Leipzig secured an impressive win over Eintracht Frankfurt recently, and they aim to replicate that confidence against Leverkusen on Saturday. Both this match and the one involving Hoffenheim are crucial for competing for Champions League positions.
MY PREDICTION: Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 RB Leipzig. This matchup promises excitement as Leipzig has averaged 14 goals across their last five matches. Yet, Leverkusen must capitalize on this opportunity to make a push for the top four, and I anticipate they will emerge victorious.
Scottish Premiership, Matchday 35
Kickoff: Monday 12:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. BST
As we reach the 34-game mark in the Scottish season, we enter a decisive mini-league phase for the top six teams, who will now compete amongst themselves to decide the outright champion.
Currently, Hearts leads the standings, three points ahead of Celtic (who face Hibernian this weekend) and four points ahead of Rangers, who visit Tynecastle Park on Monday.
So far, Hearts has been the standout team in the league, deserving of the title, but significant work lies ahead for manager Derek McInnes & Co. as they prepare for a showdown at Celtic Park against Celtic on the final day of the season. A home victory on Monday would likely eliminate Rangers from the title race, leaving them seven points adrift with only three matches remaining.
Hearts clinched a late winner last weekend in their derby against Hibs, courtesy of Blair Spittal. Their knack for securing late victories has been a theme this season, contrasting with Rangers, who suffered a last-minute loss to Motherwell.
Having been on a roll recently, Rangers now face high stakes – they must win this game to keep their title hopes alive. They previously triumphed against Hearts (4-2) in their last meeting, but Hearts won both of their league matchups before that.
MY PREDICTION: Hearts 2-2 Rangers. I foresee a tightly contested match with both attacking sides on display. Rangers, driven to win, may push aggressively, but ultimately, a draw seems likely, further complicating their title quest.