Exciting Football Derbies to Watch This Weekend
In this weekend’s highlights, Julien Laurens predicts thrilling encounters in football, notably the highly anticipated matches featuring Arsenal against Spurs and Inter facing AC Milan.
Starting this week, I will highlight the most exhilarating games in the football world every Friday, showcasing derbies, critical matchups, and tactical battles for fans to relish.
High Stakes in the Mediterranean
Nice vs. Marseille
Ligue 1, Matchday 13
Kickoff: Friday, 2:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM GMT
The local rivalry between Nice and Marseille, dubbed the Derby de la Méditerranée, is renowned for its intense fan culture. Due to safety concerns, Marseille supporters are barred from attending the match. Both teams are keen on securing a vital win.
Nice, currently in ninth place, is reeling from three consecutive losses, finding themselves five points short of the Champions League spots. Meanwhile, Marseille, sitting second and eager to overtake Paris Saint-Germain, hopes to capitalize on this match as a stepping stone.
These clashes are often filled with goals and drama, evidenced by previous match-ups yielding a total of 24 goals in the last seven encounters. Last season, Luis Henrique’s spectacular effort for Marseille highlighted the fierce rivalry. A notable incident in recent history occurred in 2021 when the match was suspended after a player was confronted on the pitch.
MY PREDICTION: Nice 1, Marseille 3. Despite some injuries, Marseille’s squad depth gives them an edge against a struggling Nice side.
An Important Clash for Spain’s Strugglers
Valencia vs. Levante
La Liga, Matchday 13
Kickoff: Friday, 3 PM ET / 8 PM GMT
This week’s edition of the Derby del Turia features Valencia and Levante, both currently languishing in the lower half of the La Liga table, with only four wins between them. Their rivalry is historical, dating back to 1920, with Valencia holding a slight edge in overall victories.
It’s the first encounter since Levante’s promotion after years in the Segunda División. Valencia has a formidable home record against their rivals, with Levante having not won at Mestalla since 1937.
Budding talents will be on display, including Etta Eyong for Levante and Javi Guerra, who is starting to make a mark for Valencia.
MY PREDICTION: Valencia 1, Levante 1. An intense, competitive match seems likely, given the struggles both teams have faced in front of goal this season.
Fierce Rivalry in the Danish Superliga
F.C. København vs. Brøndby
Danish Superliga, Matchday 15
Kickoff: Sunday, 8 AM ET / 11 AM GMT
The Copenhagen derby, referred to as the New Firm, is one of Denmark’s fiercest rivalries. F.C. København has historically had the upper hand, but Brøndby currently sits second in the league, just ahead of their rivals.
Brøndby’s Nicolai Vallys will miss the match due to injury, but their squad includes young talents like Filip Bundgaard who is poised to step up.
MY PREDICTION: F.C. København 2, Brøndby 2. Expect an exciting match filled with goals, given both teams’ attacking styles.
Historic Steel City Derby
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Sheffield United
English Championship, Matchday 16
Kickoff: Sunday, 7 AM ET / 12 PM GMT
This storied rivalry dates back to 1890 and is marked by intense competition. With United struggling at the bottom and Wednesday facing similar woes, tensions will be high.
Sheffield Wednesday will aim to recover from a 12-point deduction due to financial issues. Both teams are in dire need of a win to bolster their season.
MY PREDICTION: Sheffield Wednesday 1, Sheffield United 2. The key players for United might well make the difference in this derby matchup.
North London Derby with High Stakes
Arsenal vs. Tottenham
Premier League, Matchday 12
Kickoff: Sunday, 11:30 AM ET / 4:30 PM GMT
This iconic rivalry represents more than just local bragging rights as Arsenal and Spurs battle for crucial points in the league standings.
Arsenal will be without Gabriel due to injury, but their defense is expected to hold up against Spurs’ inconsistent attack. Tottenham will need to harness the creative potential of their players to make a mark.
MY PREDICTION: Arsenal 2, Tottenham 1. Home advantage could be vital for the Gunners in this classic encounter.
Clash of the Titans in Serie A
Inter Milan vs. AC Milan
Serie A, Matchday 12
Kickoff: Sunday, 2:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM GMT
Known as the Derby della Madonnina, this clash between Inter and AC Milan has a rich history dating back to 1908. Both teams are in contention for top honors in Serie A this season.
Inter are currently pushing for the title, while Milan hopes to close the gap. Expect a tactical showdown, especially with key players like Lautaro Martínez for Inter and Rafael Leão for AC Milan shining on the pitch.
MY PREDICTION: Inter Milan 2, AC Milan 1. Home advantage could see Inter emerge victorious, despite AC Milan’s attacking threats.
NWSL Championship on the Line
Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC
NWSL Championship Final
Kickoff: Saturday, 8 PM ET / Sunday, 1 AM GMT
Two of the league’s most familiar rivals meet again in the NWSL final – their 44th encounter – featuring teams led by Spanish coaches and filled with talent.
With key players on both sides ready to shine in this high-stakes match, it promises to be a thrilling showdown. The unpredictability of playoffs means anything can happen.
MY PREDICTION: Washington Spirit 0, Gotham FC 1. Gotham’s solid defensive pairing could be the key to keeping Washington at bay while netting a crucial goal.
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