What to watch for: Top-4 battles in Italy and Turkey, the Manchester derby, MLS and more

After the midweek cup fixtures, it’s back to league play. It’s a weekend full of big games with bigger ramifications, here’s what to watch for.

Cup competitions have gone through their latest stage, where now finalists are announced for the showpiece event in some countries. March is one of the more busier months of the season, and with that are games that are must-watch. Here are those for this weekend.

The Manchester Derby

Old Trafford is the stage for the182nd Manchester Derby.

The home side have quietly gone nine games unbeaten heading into this one, and have been made their mark against City this season. On two occasions, Manchester United have gone to the Etihad and won, 2-0 back in December and 1-0 in the Carabao Cup semifinal.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must be given credit for leading a squad still in contention for the Champions League. This is a team without Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford, two of their most influential players. And yet, Manchester United are three points back of Chelsea, whose game against Everton precedes the derby. Bruno Fernandes has rejuvenated the team’s midfield, scoring three goals and adding two assists. Expect him to play a big part in United looking to beat City a third time.

But if he doesn’t, it’s because Pep Guardiola has something up his sleeve. And at Old Trafford, he has never lost in league play. City will look to inflict another blow to United’s Champions League bid. Injuries are still a concern, as Aymeric Laporte is out for a number of weeks with a hamstring pull, while Leroy Sane is getting closer to match fitness.

Manchester United control their destiny sitting in 5th place, and can win the derby at home for the first time since September 2016.

Serie A’s biggest weekend in a long time

It’s arguably the best title race in the sport, and this weekend will showcase its beauty and utter sadness. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus epidemic overwhelming the country, the Italian government has ordered all sporting events to be played behind closed doors until April 3. And while the beauty will be the play on the pitch, the sadness is big games being played with no fans.

The biggest of these games is the Derby D’Italia between Juventus and Inter Milan. With much of the home-field advantage taken away, Inter will be confident of beating their rivals.The frosty reception Antonio Conte was likely to receive from the Old Lady faithful will have to wait for another time. Inter cannot lose this game as they’re six points behind Juventus, eight behind leaders Lazio.

Maurizio Sarri will want this one too, as the pressure mounts. His team are lacking a clear style of play and the results are sputtering. It’s their first game since the 1-0 Champions League loss at Lyon, and must keep pace in the title race while also keeping an eye towards the second leg.

Speaking of Lazio, the latest stop in their magical campaign is in Bergamo visiting Atalanta. Again, what was supposed to be a special occasion will have no fans on either side cheering. Both teams are the highest scoring in the league, and shared six goals in Rome back in October in a classic 3-3 draw. Gian Piero Gasperini has made Atalanta arguably the most entertaining team in all of Europe, they score at will as evidence by the 7-2 beatdown of Lecce last week.

They’re also on course for the Champions League quarterfinals after a 4-1 drubbing of Valencia weeks ago. Atalanta are unbeaten in six and three points clear of Roma with a game in hand in 4th place.

On the other hand, Lazio have been on a tear. Out of the main contenders for the Scudetto, not many expected Lazio to be leading the pack. Simeone Inzaghi boasts the leading goalscorer in Ciro Immobile who is currently on 27, on pace to break Gonzalo Higuain’s record of 36 in a single season. Luis Alberto leads the league with 12 assists, Atalanta’s Alejandro Gomez is second with 10.

You simply must watch this weekend of Italian football.

Sivasspor host Galatasaray for control of Turkey’s tight title race

In terms of teams and points, it’s the closest race in Europe. Four teams: Basaksehir, Trabzonspor, Galatasaray and Sivasspor are separated by one point. Basaksehir lead the chasing pack with 49 points, while the other three teams are tied for second on 48 points. Sivasspor hosting Galatasaray is the big one this weekend.

Sivasspor are unbeaten at home this season, collecting 30 points in their venue. Top scorer Mustapha Yatabare is a player to watch with 11 goals. Galatasaray won their last encounter 3-2 back in October. The home side went through a dour stretch to open the new year before winning their last two league games. Currently in 4th, a win at home will give Sivasspor a big advantage going forward.

Galatasaray, sitting in third, they boast the best defense in the league conceding just 18 goals. Fernando Muslera has 11 clean sheets and the team overall has the second best away record. Ryan Babel scored the winner back in October and departed to Ajax, so much of the attacking focus will go to Radamel Falcao. Omer Bayram leads the league with 10 assists and will continue dictating play.

Last season, Galatasaray won the league by two points and that could be the case again this season. This title race is among the many to keep your eyes on this year.

Patrick Vieira’s Nice face Monaco in local Ligue 1 derby

While not one of the more popular and headlining derbies, Monaco and Nice share a hatred for each other as they meet this weekend. The teams are two points apart in the table as they look to push for European qualification.

Robert Moreno has guided Monaco to a current five-game unbeaten run and are slight favorites to win at the Allianz Riviera. Wissam Ben Yedder is second in the goal-scoring charts, while his strike partner Islam Slimani is tied for second with 7 assists. Cesc Fabregas will be the usual influencer in midfield while Kamil Glik will shore things up in defense.

As for Nice, it’s been a steady season with some inconsistency. Patrick Vieira has his side on a three game unbeaten streak but have only won 7 out of 14 home league games. Kasper Dolberg has found new life in this team after leaving Ajax, but it’s the defense as a whole that’s let the team down. Nice have just four clean sheets in Ligue 1, which is second worst while Monaco have seven.

Expect this to be a fiesty affair as usual — Monaco have had 9 red cards handed to them while Nice have had 7 — Monaco are second in yellow cards, Nice are third. Whoever wins this will feel confident in catching up to Lille for the final European spot.

Week 2 of the MLS season

There were many takeaways from the opening weekend of the MLS. Minnesota United raised eyebrows with a 3-1 away win at Portland, and will look to continue their away success traveling to San Jose. The two expansion teams in Inter Miami and Nashville both lost their openers but will look to turn it around against DC United and Portland respectively.

The loss of Josef Martinez via a torn ACL is a huge loss for both Atlanta United and MLS as a whole. The Five Stripes host Cincinnati, while old-time rivals New England and Chicago face off Saturday. If there’s one game to watch, it’s the Eastern Conference semifinal rematch between New York City and Toronto FC. Coronavirus fears are not expected to halt the game between Seattle and Columbus.