SK Predicts: Looking ahead to all the European fixtures of the weekend beginning 18 November 2016
Club football makes a welcome return after the international break, and fans across Europe can look forward to a blockbuster weekend. Manchester United vs Arsenal, the Madrid derby, Der Klassiker and the Derby della Madonnina all take place on the same weekend, a veritable feast of football for the eyes.
There are plenty of intriguing storylines at the top and bottom of the tables across Europe, with closely-fought races in all of the Serie A, Bundesliga, Premier League, La Liga and Ligue 1. With players coming back from gruelling trips abroad on international duty, there is plenty at stake in terms of injuries as well, with managers facing a true dilemma.
Taking factors like form and player fitness into consideration, here are Sportskeeda’s predictions for the weekend beginning 19th November 2016. (All times in IST)
Serie A
Saturday, 19th November
Chievo 2-2 Cagliari (7:30 PM)
Udinese 1-3 Napoli (10:30 PM)
Sunday, 20th November
♦ Juventus 4-1 Delfino Pescara (1:15 AM)
The Old Lady will be hoping to extend their sizeable lead at the top of the Serie A table. Gonzalo Higuain’s confidence might have taken a hit after misfiring for Argentina, but Juve’s record signing should be fit enough to partner with fellow Argentine Paolo Dybala to put Pescara’s defence to the sword. The relegation candidates might not have enough of an answer when faced with the Juve juggernaut and we can look forward to a footballing rout in Turin.
Sampdoria 1-2 Sassuolo (5:00PM)
♦ Atalanta 2-3 Roma (7:30 PM)
The Giallorossi have a chance to stay in touch with Juventus at the top of the Serie A table, and will have to swat aside this season’s surprise package. Mo Salah, Edin Dzeko and Diego Perotti represent the most prolific attack in Serie A, and expect a repeat of last season’s superb 3-3 draw, although 2nd place Roma might have enough to pull off a vital victory against their opponents in 5th place.
Crotone 0-3 Torino (7:30 PM)
Empoli 0-0 Fiorentina (7;30 PM)
Bologna 1-1 Palermo (7:30 PM)
Lazio 2-0 Genoa (7:30 PM)
Monday, 21st November
♦ AC Milan 2-1 Inter Milan (1:15 AM)
The Derby della Madonnina returns to action with the odds heavily favouring AC Milan against their hated rivals, Inter Milan. The Rossoneri have enjoyed a bit of a revival this season under Vincenzo Montella’s tutelage including beating champions Juventus, with the manager relying on fresh faces to propel Milan up to 3rd in the table. The youthful talents of Manuel Locatelli and Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal should be enough for the red-and-black half of Milan to take the spoils.
As for Inter, a disastrous start under Frank de Boer has meant the Dutchman has made way for Stefano Pioli, but it is likely to be an unhappy debut in the Milan derby for their manager. The much-vilified Mauro Icardi remains the Nerazzurri’s only hope of getting anything from the game, but expect Inter to remain wallowing in 9th place in the table after the final whistle blows in the San Siro.