Five of the best football fixtures for you to watch this weekend, including a Championship promotion battle and two heavyweight clashes in Serie A.
Here are our five must-watch games.
5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶
Burnley vs Sunderland
Ok, we admit there’s hardly a less glamorous sounding fixture in English football but the push for Premier League promotion is heating up. Just three points separate the top four in the Championship as things stand, as second-placed Burnley host a Sunderland side in fourth.
The Black Cats arrive at Turf Moor buoyed by the loan capture of Enzo Le Fee from Roma. It’s a stunning coup for Sunderland, who can leapfrog the Clarets with a win this evening.
We’ve got Le Fée, Enzo Le Fée… 🎶 pic.twitter.com/P045runw0W
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 10, 2025
Spice rating: Mild 🌶
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Newcastle vs Bournemouth
Two teams with grand ambitions face off in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, as Newcastle host Bournemouth.
Eddie Howe’s hosts are flying right now and can set a new club record of 10 consecutive wins at St James’ Park. That form has propelled the Magpies into the top four, with Alexander Isak having scored in eight straight games.
Bournemouth, however, will be no walkover and have not lost in the league since November. It’s nine unbeaten for the Cherries, who drew 2-2 at Chelsea in midweek.
Spice rating: Medium 🌶🌶
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Arsenal closed the gap on leaders Liverpool after beating Tottenham in the North London derby this week.
The Gunners looked back to their usual level at the Emirates, a welcome sign ahead of Aston Villa’s visit to the Emirates. Aston Villa boss Unai Emery masterminded home and away victories over his former side last season and will be out to derail Arsenal’s title challenge again. Villa have won three straight games since the turn of the year.
Spice rating: Hot 🌶🌶🌶
Juventus vs AC Milan
Juventus continued to creep towards the most underwhelming Invincible campaign of all time. Thiago Motta’s side are unbeaten in Serie A this season, though sit 13 points behind leaders Napoli.
The draw specialists recorded their 13th stalemate in 20 games last time out and third in succession in the league. Milan, meanwhile, are another giant who have fallen on harder times. Seventh in the table, the Rossoneri can move level on points with Juventus with a win this weekend.
A delightful dink brought to you by @RafaeLeao7 😉⚽#ComoMilan #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/ybg3ZL0USD
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 15, 2025
Sergio Conceicao’s appointment has led to an upturn that included Supercoppa Italiana success this month, beating Juventus and Inter to lift the trophy.
Spice rating: Fire 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Atalanta vs Napoli
There’s a huge showdown in Bergamo this week as Serie A title challengers Atalanta take on top-of-the-table Napoli.
Just four points separate the sides in the table, in a contest that could have huge ramifications on the Scudetto chase. Napoli lead as things stand and have won five on the spin to reclaim top spot. Atalanta, former leaders, have stumbled of late with three successive draws.
The stage is set.
Spice rating: Insane 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
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