Top 5 matches to see this weekend: Liverpool vs Arsenal and more
If you are not following Winter Olympics in Sochi, football has plenty to offer in the upcoming weekend across Europe.
8.02.2014. Liverpool. Anfield.
Referee: Michael Oliver.
Probably the last chance for Brendan Rodgers to claim his title ambitions and leave Everton or Tottenham Hotspur, who meet at White Hart Lane, behind in the race for a Champions League spot. However, the manager has recently played down Liverpool’s chances to win the Premier League this season, but is eager to fight back after disappointing draw with West Bromwich Albion. Daniel Agger, Mamadou Sakho, Lucas Leiva and Glen Johnson are still unavailable.
Arsene Wenger has even more squad concerns with Ramsey and Kallstrom unavailable, Arteta, Wilshere and Vermaelen doubtful and Flamini suspended. Should The Gunners fail to get three points from Anfield, they will most likely drop to third place come Sunday night.
Lazio vs Roma
9.02.2014. Rome. Stadio Olimpico.
Referee: Daniele Orsato.
Roma hosted Napoli in the Coppa Italia semis on Wednesday and Rudi Garcia fielded his strongest side. I Giallorossi won 3-2 courtesy of Gervinho brace and a stunning strike from Kevin Strootman.
Roma are currently nine points behind leaders Juventus, but have one game in hand after their clash with Parma had been suspended last week due to waterlogged pitch. Lazio have not lost a single Serie A match since the appointment of Edoardo Reja as a manager. However, the White and Sky Blues sold their influential midfielder Hernanes to rivals Internazionale and will have to do without injured Ederson and suspended Lucas Biglia. Who’s going to supply Miroslav Klose is a big question.
Monaco vs PSG
9.02.2014. Monaco. Stade Louis II.
Referee: Stephane Lannoy
Quintessence of Ligue 1. Two nouveau riche clubs sponsored by foreign money that have become the biggest forces in French football, face each other at Mediterranean coast after a 1-1 draw in Paris back in September. Unfortunately, Monaco main star Radamel Falcao, is out of action for the rest of the season and the visitors, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front, look favorites. Should they get three points in Monaco, they will all but secure the French title. However, the southern club might start their new forward Dimitar Berbatov, who had arrived from Fulham.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal
8.02.2014. Madrid. Santiago Bernabeu.
Referee: José González
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been sent off for unsporting conduct in the match against Athletic Bilbao, is set to miss three La Liga games, including the clash against Villarreal. The referee, who showed him the red card, was suspended for a month, though, and banned from serving Real Madrid matches until the end of the season. Gareth Bale will be available with Angel Di Maria and Jese in great from. The Argentine midfielder was crucial in Wednesday 3-0 win against arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey semifinal. Villarreal lie fifth in the table but could climb to fourth with a win at Bernabeu.
Benfica vs Sporting
9.02.2014. Lisbon. Estádio da Luz.
Benfica, who top the Portuguese league, will play the crucial clash with city rivals Sporting without Nemanja Matic, who left for Chelsea. Ezequiel Garay is strongly tipped to move to Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg after the derby. Sporting Lisbon are in the title race for the first time in many years and could jump past Benfica should they win at Estadio da Luz.
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In the summer Rodgers said Arsenal are no better team than Liverpool... we'll see tomorrow..