Five Must-See Football Matches This Weekend

The weekly ritual continues with another edition of what not to miss this weekend around Europe's top leagues in the world of football. NFL jerseys


Sports Pundit's Game of the Weekend
Chelsea v Arsenal
English Premier League
Sunday, 5pm (CET)

The weekend's standout fixture is Sunday's London derby between English leaders Chelsea and third-placed Arsenal. Last weekend's home loss to Manchester United may have taken the wind out of Arsenal's title challenge, but they're still only six points behind the Blues and, of course, this is a derby.

And Chelsea haven't been setting the world on fire recently after a disappointing midweek draw at struggling Hull City meant the Blues couldn't extend their league lead to the extent they'd hoped to. The pressure is mounting on skipper John Terry, but the return of Didier Drogba (who scored a lovely free-kick midweek) will boost Chelsea.

Despite all that, Chelsea's outstanding home form makes them the favourites here, although Arsenal were the last side to win at Stamford Bridge way back in November 2008. Cesc Fabregas struggled against the Red Devils last weekend and a lot more will be demanded of him this Sunday if Arsenal are to get up.
\VfL Wolfsburg v Bayern Munich
German Bundesliga
Saturday, 3.30pm (CET)

Last season's German champions Wolfsburg entertain hot-to-trot Bayern in Saturday's pick of the bunch in Germany. Wolfsburg's title defence has gone pear-shaped and they've now got a new boss, Lorenz-Guenther Koestner. But Bayern, who've won 9 in a row in all competitons, are hardly ideal opponents for the interim boss.

And Bayern will be bolstered by the return from injury of French star Franck Ribery, alongside winger Arjen Robben, who you suspect will trouble Wolfsburg with their width, considering the champs play a narrow brand of football. But despite having not won since early November, Wolfsburg remain dangerous with the likes of Grafite and Edin Dzeko in their side and you never know.

Tottenham v Aston Villa
English Premier League
Saturday, 6.30pm (CET)


Fourth-placed Spurs play host to seventh-placed Aston Villa in Saturday's late kick-off in the Premier League. The match becomes all the more important considering both clubs are hoping to claim that fourth and final UEFA Champions League spot and are currently only separated by two points.

Last weekend's win at Fulham brought a bad spell for Villa who pose a threat on the break with pace and power at White Hart Lane. Spurs, on the other hand, will be fresh from their midweek FA Cup triumph over Leeds where in-form Jermain Defoe hit another hat-trick.

FC Basel v Young Boys
Swiss Super League
Sunday, 4pm (CET)

The Swiss top flight finally returns this weekend after their winter break and what better way to get back into it, than with a clash between top two Basel and Young Boys. The Bern-based club haven't won the league since 1986, but lead the way this term by 7 points from closest rivals Basel.

After a slow start to the campaign Basel returned to form just before the break, so there's no doubt this contest will be crucial to the outcome of the title. Can Basel's Alexander Frei inspire his side, or will Young Boys striker Seydou Doumbia continue his free-scoring?


Ajax v FC Twente
Dutch Eredivisie
Sunday, 4.30pm (CET)

Steve McClaren's title challengers Twente face a huge task with a journey to Amsterdam ArenA to face Ajax who are unbeaten at home this Eredivisie season. The Dutch title race is quite the battle with PSV and Twente proving near perfect in their records of 17-4-0.

Indeed, any slip-up could prove detrimental to either sides' ambitions and Twente's journey to third-placed Ajax presents a possible blemish. The free-scoring Ajax, led by topscorer Luis Suarez, mightn't find scoring so easy against Twente who are sound defensively. This is sure to be worth watching.