Man City v Arsenal and Real Betis v Atletico Madrid feature in our games of the week

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 18:43 30/01/2019
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  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

    We are almost at the business end of a splendid season in the top five leagues across Europe. With the additional cup fixtures needing extra attention, variables like squad rotation also come into the equation while tackling a game in the weeks and months ahead.

    Meanwhile, football fans are treated to an increased number of games across all competitions. The Champions League is just around the corner but a host of mouthwatering fixtures await us this weekend, as we count the days until European football’s grandest competition returns.

    As always, we take a look at the best fixtures across the top five leagues in Europe.

    LA LIGA

    Real Betis will make sure Atletico Madrid work hard for their win

    Real Betis will make sure Atletico Madrid work hard for their win.

    Fixture: Real Betis v Atletico Madrid

    Where: Estadio Benito Villamarin

    When: Sunday

    Time: 18:15

    With Barcelona hosting an upbeat Valencia and Real Madrid taking on dark horses Alaves, choosing the best game in La Liga is not an easy task.

    However, Betis hosting Atletico should stand atop the podium, mainly due to the contrasting styles of the two teams and the fact that the hosts are in desperate need of a win.

    When the two teams met earlier this season, Los Rojiblancos edged out Betis marginally. Diego Simeone’s men are on an 18-game unbeaten run, having avoided defeat since their 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo on matchday three. Betis have won just one game in their last five, despite dominating most of them.

    Antoine Griezmann and Giovanni Lo Celso will be key for their respective teams in this key clash.

    PREMIER LEAGUE

    Manchester City are in very much need of a win against Arsenal

    Manchester City are very much in need of a win against Arsenal.

    Fixture: Manchester City v Arsenal

    Where: Etihad Stadium

    When: Sunday

    Time: 20:30

    A blockbuster fixtures awaits us in the Premier League this weekend as the defending champions take on Arsenal in a bid to overcome the midweek defeat against Newcastle United.

    Unai Emery’s men have had a mixed start to 2019 as they followed a 2-0 win over London rivals Chelsea with a defeat against Manchester United which led to their exit from the FA Cup.

    It does not help Arsenal’s case that City hold a 13-3 aggregate in the last five games between the two teams in all competitions.

    Both need a win and it all comes down to who wants it more. Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling will have to be on top of their game to see off Arsenal, as the visitors hope that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will set off the fireworks.

    SERIE A

    AS Roma Turkish forward Cengiz Under

    AS Roma Turkish forward Cengiz Under

    Fixture: Roma v AC Milan

    Where: Stadio Olimpico

    When: Sunday

    Time: 23:30

    It’s number four taking on number five in the Serie A this weekend. Roma have been the superior side in the last five games between the two clubs, winning three of them. However, Milan edged the Giallorossi 2-1 earlier this season, making this fixture anyone’s game.

    Both teams are unbeaten in their last four games but were winless in their previous fixture in the Serie A. Roma shared points with Atalanta in a six-goal thriller, whereas Napoli and Milan played out a goalless draw.

    A win for Roma could move them into a Champions League spot and a draw or Milan win will do little to disturb the table.

    New signing Krzysztof Piatek will be looking to kick-start his Milan career in inspiring fashion as Edin Dzeko will be hoping to build on his brace against Atalanta.

    BUNDESLIGA

    FBL-GER-CUP-LEVERKUSEN-BAYERN-MUNICH

    Fixture: Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich

    Where: BayArena

    When: Saturday

    Time: 18:30

    Bayern Munich head to the BayArena on Saturday as they attempt to extend their seven-game winning run in the Bundesliga.

    Leverkusen have experienced mixed fortunes, but they did well to follow up their 1-0 defeat to Borussia Mochengladbach with a thumping 3-0 win of Wolfsburg.

    Niko Kovac’s side cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win when the two teams met earlier this season and they will start as outright favourites here.

    Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz feature in the midfield battle as Robert Lewandowski and Kevin Volland will fight it out in the final third to assert supremacy.

    LIGUE 1

    Nabil Fekir

    Nabil Fekir will be called upon to shine for Lyon as they take on the champions.

    Fixture: Lyon v Paris Saint-Germain

    Where: Parc Olympique Lyonnias

    When: Monday

    Time: 00:00(+1)

    Lyon will be hoping to be the first team to beat PSG in Ligue 1 this season, but if the result from the reverse fixture is anything to go by, the hosts have a herculean task ahead of them.

    PSG stomped past Lyon, scoring five and keeping a clean sheet. Kylian Mbappe scored four of the goals and, with Neymar sidelined, all eyes will be on the Frenchman on Sunday night (Monday morning UAE time).

    Lyon are undefeated in their last four games and will be looking up to Memphis Depay and Nabil Fekir for inspiration to overcome the champions.

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