Every Friday, I select the best or most exciting games not to be missed in the world of football each weekend. From derbies to top-of-the-table clashes, relegation six-pointers to world-class players facing each other or other interesting tactical battles, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
This week, we’ll take you to England, Italy, Spain, France and Morocco for the start of a huge tournament, a potential record, some Cup magic and some big-boy clashes!
Premier Leaguematch day 17
Kickoff: Saturday, 12:30 pm ET / 5:30 pm GMT
Considering the current form of each team, this is not as big a game as we would have liked, but it is still Tottenham against Liverpool, the two big clubs in the Premier League looking for form and consistency. bid goodbye to the visitors mohammed salah (for now) after the win against brighton and hove albion last week, but they are still looking for the right formula. What system is Arne Slott going to run? In this with whom? How well will the Reds perform?
To be fair, the questions are the same for Thomas Frank, whose Spurs side were battered nottingham forest Last weekend (3-0). It was a shameful defeat in the sense that Tottenham did nothing with the ball. Frank has been unable to develop anything offensively so far, and that’s a big problem. Will Spurs play in transition against Liverpool? This is the best opportunity for them because that’s all they know how to do. However, after some recent starting lineup mix-ups, the manager will have to pick the right players for this one.
My prediction: Tottenham 1, Liverpool 2. Liverpool will take advantage of Tottenham’s mediocre home form in the league this season.
Can Mbappe make Madrid history?
real Madrid versus Seville
LaLiga, matchday 17
Kickoff: Saturday, 3pm ET / 8pm GMT
The only reason this game is interesting is because of its possibility kilian mbappe (Heavy and full) To write your name in the Real Madrid history book. Yes, Xabi Alonso is still under a lot of pressure. Yes, a defeat on Saturday could see him sacked, but all eyes will be on Mbappé. One more goal and he will equalize Cristiano RonaldoThe record for most goals scored in a calendar year for Real Madrid was 59 in 2013. If he had scored two goals against Sevilla, the Parisian would have reached 60 and surpassed his ideal.
This would be an incredible achievement for Mbappé. He is obsessed with records, and especially when he can outperform Ronaldo.
My prediction: Real Madrid 3, Sevilla 0. Mbappé will do it. He would score twice to break a new record and finish the year by leading Real Madrid to victory.
serie amatch day 16
Kickoff: Saturday, 2:45 PM ET/7:45 PM GMT
Another weekend and another big clash between two giants of Serie A. Juve vs Roma in Turin fifth vs fourth, with only four points separating the two teams in the table. Both of them had a big 1-0 win on Sunday last weekend bologna For Luciano Spalletti bianconeri, And against on Monday como For Gian Piero Gasperini’s capital club.
After a heavy schedule over the past few weeks filled with European fixtures, this is the last game before the Christmas break and both must win. Roma are just three points behind the league-leaders inter Milan While Juve is four points behind in fourth place. Getting three points against a strong Roma team would be a huge thing for Spalletti.
My prediction: Juventus 1, Roma 1. I can’t see any winners in this. I would love a very aggressive and exciting fight, but I think it will be tough and hard-fought.
morocco Start AFCON with high expectations
morocco vs comoros
Africa Cup of Nationsgroup stage
Kickoff: Sunday, 2pm ET / 7pm GMT
This is the most anticipated AFCON opening game in a very long time. Morocco produced a brilliant performance on home soil on Sunday and there is excitement throughout the country. Morocco are looking to host the biggest-ever Africa Cup of Nations and are hoping for a first victory for their Atlas Lions since 1976.
Walid Regragui is doing amazing work with this team and has reached the semi-finals of the finals FIFA World CupBreaking the record for most consecutive wins, and now this is the biggest challenge of his managerial career. Win the AFCON on home soil and he and his players will become living legends in Morocco.
My prediction: Morocco 2, Comoros 0. Morocco will look to start their AFCON with a solid and comfortable win against one of the smallest teams in the tournament.
The magic of the cup lasts 4,350 miles
AS Gosier Vs. Lorient
coup de franceround of 64
Kickoff: Saturday, 2:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm GMT
The Coupe de France always offers some foreign ties due to the fact that some teams come from overseas French regions. AS Gosier of Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean islands are the last remaining side in the competition. They are located approximately 4,350 miles away from Lorient, who they will face in this round.
This is an incredible opportunity for amateur islanders. They arrived in Paris a week early, where their “home” game would be played. They’re training like Clairefontaine France The team trains during the international break, where they also pause to prepare for the biggest game in the club’s history. AS Gosier plays in the equivalent of the sixth tier of French football. Their star player is Claudio Beauvoir, former Guingamp, lyon, Celta Vigo And the Leganes forward who has had a great career and is now enjoying playing with his teammates at the age of 37.
On paper, Gosier has no chance against league 1 Side Lorient. They are fighting to stay up in the top flight, which is their priority, and they know how difficult this game is. The entire stadium will be filled with support for Gosier and the magic of the Cup.
My prediction: Gosier 1, Lorient 2. AS Gosier will be proud of their performance, but in the end Lorient will be too strong for them.
