This weekend is yet another action packed week, full of thrill and soccer. Though this is a ripening time of any league but the week is throwing some matches which are carrying extra impact. I have picked 5 of my best and these goes in ascending order as follows-
5. West Ham V Norwich City-
This match is between relegation threatened teams. It could prove to be an eye opener for them. Both the teams will be looking for a win and collect all important 3 points to remain out of jail. West Ham nearly avoided relegation in the previous season. The club showed door to their mercurial Italian coach Paolo Di Canio who played splendidly at this London club in his prime as a player. New English coach Allardyce has taken over the charge but house is not set in order yet. For Norwich, scoring goal is a major area of concern. They are the worst scoring team this season with only 6 goals scored in ten matches so far. In soccer league games, you cannot win without finding the net. Look out for this match on 9th of this month at 2300 hrs.
4. East Bengal V Mohammedan Sporting-
The match is much like Tottnham V Arsenal of India. Both the teams have huge fan base. Interestingly, both are a shadow of their former best in domestic League. Mohammedan are back in I League after spending long years in exile of 2nd division. We have already seen hooliganism during their clash in Kolkata League this season. They must be looking to take revenge from their Kolkata neighbors. Shot in the arm for Black Panthers is Joshaimar who has scored 6 goals out of club’s total of 9 this season so far. East Bengal’s Brazilian coach Marcos Falopa is under heavy pressure for deliverance since his failed strategy of fielding lone stricker against Kuwait FC in SF 2nd leg of AFC cup. In I League, the team has tasted 2 defeats out of 4 so far. He will be looking for this win for assuring his chair. Chidi is off colour and is missing penalty as well. If you are an Indian soccer fan then this match is a perfect recipe on Sunday evening at 5:30pm.
3. Feyenoord V AZ-
Though Feyenoord is at 4th position, but they are only 2 points behind leader AZ in Eredivisie. A win at home can propel them to top and supply tonic for the rest of the season. Feyenoord has won only 1 time in their last 3 league games. They can improve this record. Alkmaar Zaanstreek will reach Rotterdam with a hat trick of wins to show. All eyes will be on Graziano Pellle, the Italian stricker who came back to Dutch league last year after 2 seasons in Italy. He will certainly feel fiendish pain in scoring against his former club AZ. He spent 4 seasons at AZ and won Eredivisie in 08-09 season. It will be a tough match for him emotionally. Match will be played on 10th of November and will start at 9pm.
2. Manchester United V Arsenal-
A decade ago, the result of this match was the decider of the English Champion. Slowly, Arsenal legged behind to their rivals. This time after many years, Arsenal will start the game as favourites. They are on top of EPL and Man U is struggling in the middle. Van Persie has scored 6 goals this season. Dutchman is superior to Giroud by only 1 goal. Both have played with each other for so many years at Arsenal. It will be a contest to watch which will kickoff at 9:40 hrs in the evening on 10th.
1. Juventus V Napoli-
It is a battle of North and South of Italy. Turin is called ‘Detroit of Italy’ where as Naples is known for it’s Mediterranean climate. Both are currently 2nd and 3rd spot holders of Serie A. Teams are locked at 28 points a piece, with Napoli has a slight edge with difference of 2 goals. Result of Champions League will surely influence their performance. Two Argentine, Tevez and Higuain who are enjoying their second coming, will try to outplay each other. Even after registering 10 wins out of 11, A S Roma is still in their reach. A loss will dent the dream of winning Scudetto. It will be a late match for Indian viewers, at 1:15 on Monday morning. Set the alarm to see the smile of old lady from Turin, if you are a Juventus Fan.