The final international break before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar wrapped up on Tuesday, signaling the start of European football.
The Bundesliga, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Premier League, and Serie A are all returning to the pitch this weekend, some squads worse for the wear.
There are two or three big games happening in England alone, so it might be worth investing in a VCR – here are the top soccer matches in Europe this weekend.
Bundesliga
Match: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Union Berlin
When and Where: Saturday, 6:30 am PST, ESPN+
Scouting Report: Frankfurt has been up and down this season, steadily working themselves up to seventh in the Bundesliga table. But Union Berlin is the cream of the crop, with USMNT snub Jordan Pefok raising his team to the top. Pefok should be back, should be fun to watch.
Prediction: 3-2, Union Berlin
LaLiga
Match: Mallorca vs. Barcelona
When and Where: Saturday, Noon PST, ESPN+
Scouting Report: Barcelona’s freshly-injured defense will have their hands and feet full with upstart Mallorca’s high-flying attack, led by Pablo Maffeo. This could be a tough away test for La Blaugrana with Jules Kounde, Ronald Araújo, Frenkie de Jong, and Memphis Depay all out with knocks picked up over the international break.
Prediction: 3-2, Barcelona
Ligue 1
Match: PSG vs. Nice
When and Where: Saturday, Noon PST, beIN SPORTS
Scouting Report: No one is arguing this match will be competitive – we are simply stating that this game is the only one, in all of Europe, to feature Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi, all in one place. Expect a blowout here as the three stars continue their tune-ups for Qatar.
Prediction: 5-0, PSG
Premier League
Match: Manchester City vs. Manchester United
When and Where: Sunday, 6:00 am PST, NBC Sports
Scouting Report: Though Arsenal will fight Tottenham for the top spot in London early Saturday morning, we’re betting on the Manchester Derby to be the most entertaining (plus, ARS-TOT is at 4:40 am PST). Manchester City might blow them out, but who knows? Ten Hag’s Man U has shown resolve. Should be a tight one till Erling Haaland does the inevitable.
Prediction: 3-1, Man City
Serie A
Match: Inter Milan vs. Roma
When and Where: Saturday, 9:00 am PST, Paramount+
Scouting Report: Inter Milan has been up and down this season, fighting their way to seventh in the contentious Serie A table (much like Frankfurt in the Bundesliga). Roma is performing only slightly better at sixth – pour some coffee and enjoy the rumble in Milan.
Prediction: 2-2
Which games are you going to be watching this weekend? Sound off below!
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