? Previews and predictions for a massive weekend

? Previews and predictions for a massive weekend

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.

Posted by Curt Baker
? Who made the Champions League Team of the Week?

? Who made the Champions League Team of the Week?

City scored six as Gabriel Jesus nabbed a hat-trick, Harry Kane scored two after the 78th minute to seal Spurs’ comeback, and Toni Kroos had a goal and two assists as Real Madrid strolled to a 5-0 victory.

Who was your standout player this week? Let us know on Twitter.

Posted by Curt Baker
See who made the FotMob EPL Team of the Week!

See who made the FotMob EPL Team of the Week!

The Egyptian King returned to form, Mane and Wilson got a brace, while Ross Barkley had a man of the match performance with a goal and two assists against Burnley.

Who was unlucky to miss out? Let us know on Twitter.

Posted by Curt Baker
See who made the FotMob EPL Team of the Week!

See who made the FotMob EPL Team of the Week!

Mesut Ozil’s Monday night magic, Anthony Martial’s double at the Bridge, and Jordan Pickford’s Palace penalty kick denial were a few of the special performances that earned a spot in our team of the week.

Who was unlucky to miss out? Let us know on Twitter.

Posted by Curt Baker
Weekend Preview: United head to Stamford Bridge, 1st vs. 2nd in La Liga

Weekend Preview: United head to Stamford Bridge, 1st vs. 2nd in La Liga

Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea chase title
United’s emphatic 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle before the break was their first in four attempts, but disguised another inconsistent performance. They open the EPL weekend against sneaky title-challengers Chelsea, who are even on points with City and Liverpool. Their fellow undefeated teams will have wins marked down, as Liverpool head to Huddersfield and City host Burnley – so Chelsea need three points to keep up with the title pace. Eden Hazard (who already has seven EPL goals) could quickly end United’s spark of optimism, although Mourinho has famously deployed Ander Herrera to bully him out of matches in the past.

Are Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Wolves for real?
The trio of Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Wolves are off to an unexpectedly bright start. Arsenal haven’t lost since their first two fixtures (against City and Chelsea), Bournemouth sit in sixth with more goals scored than Liverpool and Spurs, and Wolves are undefeated in all competitions since August 18.

Their positive start should continue this weekend as all three sides play at home this weekend as favourites. Arsenal host Leicester on Monday, who have had a mixed start to the season. Wolves have conceded just six goals so far and will welcome Watford to the Molineux. While Bournemouth face Saints who have scored just six goals in eight matches.

This weekend may not seem to be a litmus test of their credentials, but winning fixtures like these are what separates challengers for European places from the also-rans.

Sevilla head to Camp Nou as La Liga leaders
Sevilla have been the beneficiaries of Barca and Real Madrid’s early stumbles and find themselves sitting one point above Barcelona in first, despite two losses. Portuguese striker Andre Silva has been their primary catalyst, scoring seven goals in eight matches, including two in their 3-0 win over Real. Should they manage a historic victory at Camp Nou (where they haven’t won in 15 La Liga matches), they’ll have to be taken seriously as title contenders.

Real Madrid are on their worst scoring run in 33 years, going goalless in four consecutive matches. They take on Levante at home in a must-win match for manager Julen Lopetegui. Gareth Bale returned to full training on Thursday and should be available.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are even with Barcelona on points and could go top with a win away to Villareal on Saturday and a Barca-Sevilla draw.

Pressure mounts at Bayern
Bayern look like a squad in need of an overhaul as their aging stars have scored just one goal in their last three Bundesliga matches. They’re four points off the top in sixth and travel to face Wolfsburg on Saturday, who have had a mixed start.

Meanwhile, league leaders Dortmund travel to face bottom of the table Stuttgart.

Thierry Henry debuts as Monaco manager
Monaco haven’t won since August 11, giving Thierry Henry an opportunity to make an instant impact Saturday away to Strasbourg.



Posted by Curt Baker