Title deciders!

This weekend will be marked with loads of high-profile matches across Europe. Fans and players are experiencing tight nerves as the weekend looms.

In England, all football eyes will be fixed on the clash between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates. This tie means a lot to both sides- for one reason it is a London derby. Chelsea will want to win this game in other to have a chance of climbing back into the top four and clinch a Champions League spot for next season. A loss in this game will cast gloom to their qualification chances. There is a bit of revenge clinging to this encounter, as Chelsea will want to pay Arsenal back with the bad coin they used when the gunners won with a 3-5 score line at the Bridge back in October.  

Arsenal on the other hand will do everything possible to be run out winners at the end of 90 minutes. They need the win to consolidate on the third position which is mathematically eyed by Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle. A third place finish is increasingly necessary as Chelsea increased their chances of progress to the Champions league Final. By UEFA rules, if Chelsea peradventure lifts the Champions league cup, they will automatically qualify for next season’s CL as defending champions. Therefore, fourth-place team will be relegated to the Europa league….and this is a fate Arsenal will want to avoid. We must as well keep eye on other top matches like the other London derby between struggling QPR and inconsistent Tottenham. I will also be keen on outcome of the result of the Man U vs Everton.

On to Spain, the el clasico is the cream of the weekend. It is not just a normal el clasico, but also a title decider. Some of the facts that will make the meeting intriguing are here outlined.

·         Many refer to it as the clash between the two best players in the world- Messi  and Ronaldo. Both players are tied on number of goals scored in the la liga.

·         Barca have not lost in their last 11 games in the la liga, and are unbeaten at Nou camp in 54 matches, with astonishing 167 goals scored in all competitions.

·         Madrid on the other hand, are enjoying 18 games unbeaten streak in la liga, but have been unable to beat Barca in a liga match since 2008.

If Barca wins, they would have successfully cut the gap on the table to a single point lead by Madrid- a lead which was 10 points early this year. This may put pressure on Madrid, and any further stutter will give back the title to the defending champions.

If all goes well this weekend, the Serie A will resume action. The juicy match to look forward to, will be the battle between Juventus and AS Roma. Juve currently top the league table with a lone point and will need a win to keep off second placed AC Milan. On Roma’s part they need to put out their best in other to beat unbeaten Juve, so as to keep their Champions league dreams alive.

In Germany, there will also be a title decider as a win for Dortmund against Monchengladbach will seal the title for them. Having lost only once in their eight previous meetings, Dortmund should be in a celebratory mood.

The tussle between second-placed billionaires, PSG, and modest first-placed Montpellier continues, as both side are engaged in different encounters. A slip can be very costly at this stage of the season.

May all referees’ decision be less controversial as we fight to save the beautiful game of football.

Let’s have your predictions.