5 games to watch: Liverpool vs. Manchester United rivalry renewed

Here are five of the best matches around Europe this weekend, including Liverpool and Manchester United renewing their rivalry on Sunday, Dec. 16.

This weekend is the rare weekend where there are not a lot of great games in any of the major European leagues. The majority of contenders are playing teams in the bottom half of the table. With the winter break nearing, teams will want to string together a couple of wins before getting some much-needed time off (unless they play in the Premier League).

5. Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Bayer Leverkusen — Sunday, Dec. 16, noon ET (FSMP)

Quietly, Eintracht Frankfurt have been one of the highest scoring and most exciting teams in Europe. Eintracht are fifth in the Bundesliga, thanks to a strong attack that has scored 30 goals. Strikers Luka Jovic and Sebastian Haller have combined for 19 goals. Frankfurt have lost two straight games going into their game Sunday against Bayer Leverkusen. Sunday’s game should be a back and forth game with two attack-minded clubs.

Heiko Herrlich’s team got off to a terrible start to the season, picking up only eight points in the first eight games. Over their last six games, Leverkusen captured 10 of a possible 18 points. Bayer have a young and talented attack with Julian Brandt, Leon Bailey and Kai Havertz, who is considered the brightest young German player. The problem for Leverkusen this season has been their inability to prevent goals. Leverkusen have conceded 23 goals in 14 games.

4. Torino vs. Juventus — Saturday, Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

Juventus continue to set records this season. After 15 games, Juve have a record 43 points and hold an eight-point lead over Napoli. On Saturday, Juventus look to extend their unbeaten streak against their city rivals Torino. Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic have formed a great partnership in their first season together, combining for 17 goals. Torino are battling for the final Champions League spot in Serie A. The Bull are just four points back of fourth-place AC Milan. Over their last 10 games, Torino have picked up 17 points. They will likely take a defensive approach to the game and try getting as many defenders behind the ball as possible. When Torino look to attack, they will try to get Andrea Belotti the ball in dangerous positions. Belotti leads the club with five goals this season.

3. Manchester City vs. Everton — Saturday, Dec. 15, 7:30 a.m. ET (NBCSN)

Manchester City’s dreams of an unbeaten league season came to an end last season when they lost 2-0 to Chelsea. The Citizens dropped one point behind of Liverpool in the title race. On Saturday, City host Everton at Etihad Stadium in what should be an entertaining game.

After missing a couple of games with a groin injury, Sergio Aguero could return to the starting XI. City are at their best when Aguero is leading the attack. Everton were lucky to draw 2-2 with Watford last weekend. Lucas Digne scored a 96th-minute equalizer to give the Toffees there second straight draw, dropping them to seventh in the table. Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson have combined to score 14 goals this season and will have to be at their best on Saturday if Everton are going to hand City their second straight loss.

2. Atalanta vs. Lazio — Monday, Dec. 17, 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

After being eliminated in the Europa League qualifying stages, Atalanta took a nose dive over their next six Serie A games, picking up only two points. The terrible stretch left them just above the relegation zone. However, following the October international break, Atalanta turned their season back around, winning five of their next seven games to climb right back into the race for Europe. Atalanta enter the weekend in seventh place and only four points behind fifth-place Lazio, their opponent on Monday. Lazio are fighting for a Champions League spot this season after coming up just short last year. Following four straight draws, Lazio are one point behind AC Milan in the race for fourth. Ciro Immobile scored his 10th goal of the season last weekend, tied for the second most in Serie A and will lead the line for Lazio against Atalanta.

1. Liverpool vs. Manchester United — Sunday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. ET (NBCSN)

Liverpool and Manchester United are the two most successful clubs in England and their rivalry is one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the world. On Sunday, the clubs renew their rivalry at Anfield after midweek Champions League games, that saw both clubs advanced to the knockout stage. The Reds were able to beat Napoli at Anfield, in a game that they had to win, or they would have dropped to the Europa League. Mohamed Salah scored the winner to maintain his excellent form. Since Oct. 20, Salah has scored 10 goals in his last 12 games. The Red Devils qualified for the knockout stage prior to the final game in the group stage. With a spot in the round of 16 secured, Jose Mourinho rotated his squad and lost 2-1 to Valencia.

Liverpool are unbeaten in the Premier League this season and have won five straight games. While the front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Salah often get all of the headlines for scoring goals, the Reds have been the best defensive club in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s team have conceded only six goals, with Virgil van Dijk playing like one of the best center-backs in the world.

United have been incredibly frustrating this season. The Red Devils have one of the most talented teams in the league but have yet to put it all together for any long period of time. Mourinho has been quick to take credit for any success the club has experienced but is just as quick to blame his players when things go wrong. After three straight disappointing draws, United picked up their first win since Nov. 3, beating Fulham 4-1 last weekend. The Red Devils will look to build on that win and hand Liverpool their first loss of the season.