5 games to watch: North London derby

Here are five of the best matches around Europe this weekend, including the north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.

Following midweek games in the Champions League and Europa League, the domestic seasons resume. After the first third of the season, the title races in England, Germany and Spain look like they will be tight throughout the season. In France and Italy, the title race is likely over but the races for the top four spots are very tight.

5. Alaves vs. Sevilla — Sunday, Dec. 2, 2:45 p.m. ET (BeIN Sports)

Almost every week in La Liga there is a new top team in the table. Sevilla beat Real Valladolid 1-0 to pass Barcelona to become the first place team in La Liga. The White and Reds have had a strong start to the season thanks to a front three of Wissam Ben Yedder, Andre Silva and Pablo Sarabia, who have combined for 19 goals.

On Sunday, Sevilla play Alaves, who are fourth in the table. Alaves, who are only three points behind Sevilla. Sandwiched between Sevilla and Alaves are Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, while Real Madrid are sixth. Needless to say, the title race in La Liga is going to be a back and forth face with multiple teams trading first place the rest of the year.

4. Liverpool vs. Everton — Sunday, Dec. 2, 11:15 p.m. ET (NBCSN)

The Merseyside derby is one of the longest-running top-flight derbies. Liverpool and Everton have played each other every season since 1962-63. Historically, Liverpool have got the better of Everton. While the teams have played to five draws over their last eight Premier League games, Everton have not won a Premier League game against Liverpool since Oct. 17, 2010. The Toffees will look to end their winless streak on Saturday when they go to Anfield for their first of two games this season.

The Reds are coming off of a disappointing Champions League loss against Paris Saint-Germain. Domestically, Liverpool are two points back of first place Manchester City. Jurgen Klopp’s side can’t afford to drop any more points if they want to keep pace with a City. Everton enter the weekend in sixth place with 22 points but are six points back of the top four.

3. RB Leipzig vs. Borussia Monchengladbach — Sunday, Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m. ET (FS1)

The most surprising team in the Bundesliga this season are not first place Borussia Dortmund but the other Borussia. Monchengladbach finished ninth each of the last two seasons. This season, Gladbach are second with 26 points after beating Hannover 4-1. The Foals have scored 30 goals in their first 12 games second only to Dortmund. Alassane Plea has been one of the best summer signings in the Bundesliga, scoring eight goals this season, while Thorgan Hazard, who has played his entire career in the shadow of his brother Eden, continues to improve as a player. This season, Thorgan Hazard has scored eight goals and created another five goals. While Monchengladbach have had a strong start to the season, they will be tested over the next few weeks. Matthias Ginter suffered a broken orbital bone against Hannover and will be out until after the winter break. Ginter had been playing at the highest level of his career prior to the injury and will be a major loss at the back for the Foals.

On Saturday, fourth-place RB Leipzig host Gladbach at Red Bull Arena. Leipzig were unbeaten over their previous 10 games before losing to Wolfsburg last weekend. The Red Bulls have been led by their front line of Timo Werner and Yussuf Poulsen, who have each scored six goals. Ralf Rangnick’s team will look to close the gap on Dortmund and Gladbach on Sunday. Leipzig enter the weekend, eight points behind Dortmund and four points behind the Foals.

2. Roma vs. Inter Milan — Sunday, Dec. 2, 2:45 p.m. ET (ESPNews)

Roma and Inter Milan finished third and fourth last season. This season, Inter are comfortably third but have little hope of catching Juventus. Roma have fallen off and are in danger of missing a European spot next season. Udinese beat Roma 1-0 last weekend, dropping the capital club to seventh in the table. Another loss could cost Eusebio Di Francesco his job as Roma would fall further back of a Champions League spot. Roma are only four points back of Lazio for fourth and cannot afford to drop any more points if they are going to finish in the top four.

1. Arsenal vs. Tottenham — Sunday, Dec. 2, 9:05 p.m. ET (NBCSN)

The north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham might be the most heated rivalry in England. Historically, the Gunners have more wins than Spurs. However, in recent years the rivalry has been won by Tottenham. Since the start of the 2014-15 season, Spurs have won three games to Arsenal’s one.

On Sunday, Arsenal host Tottenham at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners enter the game in fifth place, three points behind third-place Spurs. Arsenal beat Bournemouth 2-1 last weekend, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring his Premier League best eighth goal. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League games after losing two straight games to start the season. Tottenham played one of their best games of the season last weekend, beating Chelsea 3-1 behind great performances from Harry Kane and Heung-min Son. On Wednesday, Tottenham picked up a much-needed win over Inter Milan at the San Siro.