4 big matches you cannot miss this weekend
We have finally arrived at one of those rare weekends in the football season where it is filled with amazing, enthralling football matches between traditional rivals all over Europe. This is the time where friends and families are divided right through the middle and banter amongst fans would be at its absolute peak! We take a look at the top 4 derby matches to look forward to this weekend in the Premier League, the Spanish La Liga and the Italian Serie A.
#1 North London Derby - Tottenham vs Arsenal
The stakes are high, the pressure is intense! Arsenal travel across North London to play Tottenham in the 180th North London Derby at White Hart Lane in the weekend’s early lunchtime kickoff.
The prize? An important lead in the battle for a top four spot and a place in the coveted Champions League next season (almost every season culminates in this particular battle for both these teams), and also for the bragging rights over North London for the remainder of the season. The Spurs and the Gunners head into this tie riding on great results which saw Tottenham claim an astounding 5-3 victory over table toppers Chelsea at home while Arsenal claimed an unexpected 2-0 victory at the expense of champions Manchester City at the Etihad.
Tottenham have no new injury concerns and are heavily reliant on the duo of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, who have performed admirably for the hosts and have combined to take them to victory on numerous occasions this season. Arsenal on the other hand have Alexis Sanchez ruled out due to a hamstring problem but are rapidly improving ever since losing 2-0 to Southampton. The recent returns of Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott along with the form of their spearhead Olivier Giroud will no doubt give them enough confidence to secure a vital three points at the Lane.
Spurs have acquired MK Dons youngster Dele Alli and saw the departure of long-serving winger Aaron Lennon to Everton on loan while Arsenal have strengthened their backline with the signing of Gabriel Paulista from Villareal in the recently concluded transfer window.
In the corresponding fixture last year, the two teams were separated by a Tomas Rosicky rocket early in the game. Hope it is a match worthy of the hype.