Manchester Derby is another huge test for United’s mini-revival
Mourinho has his mojo back just in time as his United squad head to the Etihad. They enter the match as clear underdogs (a role Mourinho is always keen to embrace) against a City side that have scored 23 and conceded 2 in their last 6 matches. United are coming off of two momentum-boosting late wins, but their actual performances suggest that a more ruthless City side will be capable of overcoming United’s newfound grit. Of course, the last Manchester Derby was perhaps the best half of football for United under Mourinho, as they stormed back from 2-0 down at half to win 3-2 and delay City’s title. United have momentum, but City’s attack will be too much for Smalling and Lindelof to contain, we predict a 2-1 City win.
Bayern can turn around tough start with Der Klassiker win
Despite the crisis in Munich last month, as Bayern went four matches in all competitions with out a win, they’re still just four points behind league leaders Dortmund. Yet, last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Freiburg won’t do much to inspire confidence. Dortmund had a tough midweek matchup against Atletico Madrid, losing 2-0, but remain undefeated in the Bundesliga as they’ve scored 30 goals in 10 matches, 7 more than any other team. With Dortmund playing at home in front of the yellow wall, we think they’ll come out on top as 3-1 winners.
What else to watch for
Juve travel to Milan where Gonzalo Higuain is racing to be fit against his former club. There’s extra motivation as he asserted Juve kicked him out for Ronaldo’s arrival. Milan are 10 points behind undefeated Juve and we see a 2-1 Juve win Sunday in Milan.
PSG head to Monaco as Thierry Henry attempts to turn around a Monaco side that has won just once in all competitions this season and are a massive 29 points behind PSG. This won’t be the weekend for a revival – we predict a comfortable 3-0 win for PSG.
The Copa Libertadores final will at last feature South America’s (and perhaps the world’s) ultimate derby as Boca Juniors host River Plate in the first leg on Saturday. River won the last matchup in September 2-0, but we think Boca will manage a 1-0 win at home this time.