FA Cup fifth-round action and a top-of-the-table Serie A clash feature in our best football picks of the upcoming weekend.
Here are our five must-watch games.
5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶
Newcastle vs Brighton
Newcastle vs Brighton is arguably the pick of the FA Cup fifth-round ties. While it’s hardly the David vs Goliath contest this competition is famed for, it’s a clash between two teams with genuine ambitions of upsetting the elite.
Newcastle have already reached the Carabao Cup final and will hope for progress at St James’. The Magpies have won 13 of their last 17 in all competitions but could be without leading scorer Alexander Isak.
Which of the last 16 #EmiratesFACup captains will be lifting the trophy at the end of the season? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/aHth2VWjV0
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 25, 2025
Brighton, meanwhile, are seeking a fifth straight win. With four of the ‘Big Six’ already eliminated, the FA Cup is opening up for a surprise winner.
Spice rating: Mild 🌶
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Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have no room for error in the run-in as the champions look to recover an eight-point gap to Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso’s side take on Eintracht Frankfurt this weekend, a team who have exceeded all expectations to sit third in the table.
Frankfurt failed to throw a spanner in the works of Bayern’s title charge last time out, but could effectively end Leverkusen’s defence with a win on Saturday evening.
Spice rating: Medium 🌶🌶
AC Milan vs Lazio
AC Milan host Lazio this weekend as the Rossoneri desperately try to keep in touch with the European places. Down in eighth, the visit of fifth-placed Lazio is the perfect chance to claw back some precious points.
Milan boast a strong record in this fixture, having won their last five meetings with the capital club at the San Siro. However, Sergio Conceiçao’s side head into the clash after successive league losses.
Spice rating: Hot 🌶🌶🌶
Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
La Liga’s title race is shaping up to be the best in Europe this season. Just a point separates the top three heading into this weekend when third-placed Atletico Madrid hosts Athletic Bilbao in the capital.
❝Athletic Club had a great campaign last season and this one is fantastic as well. Very good in LaLiga and very good in Europa League. I hope they have the chance to reach the final on their home, because it would be good for Spanish football❞.
— Simeone 🎙 pic.twitter.com/jqNHabtqvx
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 28, 2025
It’s a meeting of the league’s two best defences, while the Basque visitors can not be counted out of the title picture.
Ernesto Valverde has led Athletic into fourth and just six points from the summit. With the prospect of a shock title challenge and a potential Europa League final at their own San Mamés Stadium, it could be a season to savour for the Spaniards.
Spice rating: Fire 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Napoli vs Inter
There’s a titanic top-of-the-table tussle in Italy as Napoli welcome Inter Milan to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Inter reclaimed top spot last weekend after Napoli were held for the second straight game, though there’s just a point between the sides in the table.
A sweet, sweet strike 😮💨#InterLazio pic.twitter.com/lFnYNCPrth
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 26, 2025
Atalanta will also be keeping a close eye on Saturday’s showdown, with the Bergamo-based outfit just three points from the top and dreaming of a maiden Scudetto.
Antonio Conte will hope to get one over his old employers, as he looks to lead Napoli to the title. Conte could become the first manager to lead three different clubs to the Scudetto after past successes with Juventus and Inter.
Spice rating: Insane 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
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