If time is in short supply this week-end, Sunday is the day.
Glasgow Rangers v. Celtic Glasgow
Old Firm derby comes at a tepid moment for both Celtic and Rangers. Both clubs have been struggling in Europe and Rangers have struggled period, but the fierceness of the rivalry is intact and nothing in the world matters on this occasion other than winning the direct clash. Celtic have an edge in quality, but Rangers are at home, so it’s very likely everyone will go home with a point and thrills.
Chelsea – Liverpool
Liverpool look to bounce back from the mid-week disappointment in Florence by taking point(s) in London. Interesting to see what kind of energy Liverpool will display, much of that depending on Mascherano and Aquilani. With the exception of the Wigan calamity, Chelsea will look to maintain its almost perfect season and churn out three more points. Good match with lots of champions on the field.
Sevilla – Real Madrid
Maybe the match of the week, as both clubs are in excellent form. Sevilla routed Rangers 4-1 in Glasgow earlier in the week, playing with a lot of confidence and an irrepressible Luis Fabiano. Madrid might be without C. Ronaldo who got hit hard in the Marseille game, but there are plenty of options around Benzema, Higuain and Kaka. Prediction: Madrid will lose the first points of the season.
Roma – Napoli
Once upon a time an encounter with top of the table implications, it is now a clash between two big names trying to find their way. Roma completed a Sicilian trip successfully perhaps, taking a point in both Palermo and Catania, but it is still a club in psychological transition after Spalletti’s departure. Napoli got three desperately needed points last Sunday at home to alleviate the pressure on Donadoni, but – word is – only a string of positive results will save his job. Ironically, Spalletti is on the short list of possible replacements. Totti may or may not play, either way it is likely the points will be split: 1-1.