Sport Planet – a look at this week’s titanic clashes
With most football leagues around the world heading into the ninth round of play this week, fans can expect fireworks with some exciting heavyweight clashes on offer.
In England, Chelsea travel to Old Trafford to take on Louis van Gaal’s new-look Manchester United, but it will be in Spain where most eyes will be focussed on as Real Madrid host Barcelona.
Here are this week’s picks…
La Liga
Real Madrid vs Barcelona, Santiago Bernabeu, Saturday, October 25.
The Spanish football fraternity is set to be divided as Barcelona travel to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with a meeting with arch rivals Madrid. Luis Enrique’s men have been quicker out of the blocks compared to their closest rivals, having just dropped two points, while Madrid have dropped six. Los Blancos have been on an upward spiral in recent times, however, and find themselves just four points behind leading Barca. Both teams though, come into this one with little between them on the form book.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm.
My prediction: Madrid 3-3 Barca.
Lionel Messi needs one more goal to match Telmo Zarra’s La Liga all-time goal record of 251 goals. A brace for the four-time Ballon d’Or winner at the Bernabeu will see him become La Liga’s all-time leading goal scorer.
English Premier League
Manchester United vs Chelsea, Old Trafford, Sunday, October 26.
United will be given their biggest test this season thus far when Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea come to town. Despite their leaky defense, the Red Devils, led by Angel Di Maria, have been impressive at home. But Chelsea have been great. The Blues sit pretty on top of table, five points ahead of Manchester City, and are yet to lose. It’s not too often you hear of United being underdogs at their ‘Theatre of Dreams’ stadium, and this time is just one of those.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm.
My prediction: United 2-3 Chelsea.
German Bundesliga
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Bayern Munich, Borrusia Park, Sunday, October 26.
Both are yet to lose, both lead the log, it’s second versus first. Borrusia will be determined to close the gap on Pep Guardiola’s men – who hold a four-point advantage on the summit. Bayern, who average almost three goals per game thus far, will be looking to open up a sizeable gap with a win all but putting them in the driving seat.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6.30pm.
My prediction: I expect the German status quo to remain the same, Bayern to edge it 2-1.
