Derbies, MLS, Carabao Cup and a Premier League record: What to watch for
By Harvey Cruz
With derbies, the MLS kicking off and plenty of Premier League action, it’s weekend unlike any other. Here’s what to watch for.
If there’s one thing to realize, it’s that this sport never stops. Whether it’s domestic leagues, Champions League, Europa League, or CONCACAF Champions League, the sport lives on every single day. And this weekend is no different, let’s take a look at what’s in store.
El Clasico, and other huge derbies around Europe
We’ll start with the biggest game in the world, Real Madrid vs Barcelona. One of the biggest shocks last weekend was Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at mid-table side Levante. What made matters worse was the loss of Eden Hazard to a fractured ankle, and Barcelona taking over the top spot by two points.
The loss to Manchester City at home in the Champions League showed how much Hazard will be missed. High-profile games such as that and El Clasico were why the Belgian was brought into the club, but he may not return this season. The goals have dried up for Karim Benzema lately, but Zinedine Zidane will still rely on him as Luka Jovic struggles to overtake his starting spot.
As for Barcelona, it took patience but their 1-1 draw at Napoli makes them favorites for the second leg. Their 5-0 thrashing of Eibar took them top and now go to the Santiago Bernabeu where they haven’t lost in league play since October 2014.
Their squad should be a case study in mismanagement, and their injury worries are catching up to them. Gerard Pique limped in Naples, but could still start. Their midfield play is slow without Frenkie De Jong, as Lionel Messi tries to perform magic on a pitch on a weekly basis. The game between these two at the Camp Nou was scoreless, but don’t expect that this time around. Both teams have weaknesses, La Liga’s decider could come down which team exposes the other.
The Derby D’Italia comes to Turin as Inter Milan look to keep chase with Juventus. The screws are slowly turning for Maurizio Sarri following their 1-0 defeat at Lyon. Their midfield has been labeled as weak and against the French club, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t score for the first time this year. A win for the Old Lady will surely put Inter out of the title race, while second-place Lazio host Bologna Saturday.
Inter Milan have conceded the fewest goals in the league with 22. Antonio Conte’s first season has gone pretty well, but now leads a team that hasn’t won at their fierce rivals since November 2012. A win would be massive and will make sure this fun title race stays intact for another week. Sadly, the derby will take place in an empty stadium due to the coronavirus outbreak in Italy.
Other derbies around Europe — the underrated kind — are Lyon vs Saint-Etienne and Crystal Palace against Brighton Hove & Albion. Lyon need a win to keep pace with top-four in Ligue 1, while their rivals need a win to stay away from the relegation places. Saint-Etienne won the reverse fixture in October, but haven’t won at Lyon since March 2014. Brighton and Palace are fighting to stay away from the relegation dogfight, the Seagulls haven’t won since December.
The Return of MLS
It’s the 25th season of Major League Soccer. The league has grown tremendously since it’s inception in 1996 and has never been more popular. DC United hosts Colorado Rapids to kick off the season, while two new teams debut — Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF.
New signings such as Javier Hernandez, Alan Pulido, Jurgen Locadia and others will look to light up the league and show their worth. Despite the Seattle Sounders winning the MLS Cup, all eyes will be on Los Angeles FC following their record-breaking 2019 season under Bob Bradley. Staying in the Western Conference, the Portland Timbers, Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City will look to improve upon last season.
The Eastern Conference will still be tough conference to go through. New York City FC had their best season in franchise history last year, and are expected to continue the trend under first-year manager Ronny Deila. Atlanta United will come on strong as long as they have Josef Martinez, while Gonzalo Martinez is primed for a breakout sophomore season. Toronto FC is a team to look out for after their MLS Cup final appearance, while Montreal Impact will try to make waves with Thierry Henry as manager. The Red Bulls are expected to take a step backward, so is Cincinnati and Orlando.
Thankfully, the playoff format last season brought in glowing reviews and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement has been agreed upon. Now it’s time for the games to be played.
The Carabao Cup and a Premier League record in sight
Well, would you look at this, a cup final to begin March. Manchester City play Aston Villa with the chance to win the Carabao Cup for the third straight year. Pep Guardiola’s side had one of their greatest European nights ever winning at the Santiago Bernabeu, and are huge favorites to lift the trophy on Sunday.
Aston Villa may see an upset where many may not. A win would bring much happiness to a tough season that currently pits them in a relegation fight. It’s got a David versus Goliath type feel, but Wembley is a fine stage of this sort. Expect City to smash Villa.
On the domestic front, there is a Premier League record on the horizon. Leaders Liverpool will look to win their 19th-straight league game against Watford Saturday. Jordan Henderson is a huge miss and has arguably been the team’s MVP, but it gives Naby Keita and Alex-Oxlaide Chamberlain a chance for big minutes.
Watford are 19th, one point off safety and haven’t won since early January. Nigel Pearson will likely set up his team to hit Liverpool on the counter, but the latter have too much quality, and should set the record with ease.