4 March 2011
There are plenty of great match-ups this weekend in both Europe and Africa, but MTNFootball.com has selected our top five, which could have a major bearing on the destination of the League titles in those countries.
FRIDAY, MARCH 4
Anderlecht vs Genk – Belgian Jupiler League
Genks hopes of a third-ever Belgian championship will get a massive boost if they beat champions Anderlecht in a top of the table clash on Friday night.
Genk lead Anderlecht on goal difference only at the top of the standings.
Both sides have 60 points but their match at Anderlecht will have more of a psychological impact than anything else.
That is because irrespective of the result both clubs are sure to qualify for the new play-off system that Belgium have introduced to determine the championship this season.
The top six sides in the standings compete against each other in a new league, which begins later this month, but start with half the points they earned in the regular season.
SATURDAY, MARCH 5
Juventus vs AC Milan – Italian Seria A
This is one of the traditional classic clashes in Italian football and it will be feisty again, even if Juventus are coming off two defeats after a difficult season so far.
AC Milan head the Serie A standings with a five-point lead over city rivals Inter. The latter will be hoping that seventh-placed Juve can do them a favour and win in Turin.
Milan have only won once at Juve since 2004, but that did come last season with a comprehensive 3-0 success.
SUNDAY, MARCH 6
Liverpool vs Manchester United – English Premier League
Manchester United’s midweek loss at Chelsea has allowed Arsenal back into the title race and The Gunners will be praying for a Liverpool win when the Red Devils travel to Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool have been extremely poor this season by their standards but they have improved marginally under manager Kenny Dalglish who returned to the post in January after 20 years away from the club.
Manchester United have won the last three meetings between the sides, including an FA Cup tie in January that ended 1-0.
Marseille vs Lille – French Ligue 1
Just two points separate the top four sides in France’s Ligue 1 after 25 matches played in what is an extremely tight championship this season.
Top of the table are Lille with 46 points and they travel to third-placed Marseille (45 points) on Sunday in what could be a decisive contest.
Their competitors for the title this season will probably be hoping for a draw, but a win for Lille and they can move clear at the top, while Marseille could leap-frog them were they to be victorious at home.
Bloemfontein Celtic vs Orlando Pirates – South African Premier League
South African Premier League leaders Orlando Pirates take their four-point advantage at the top of the table to Bloemfontein Celtic, who have yet to be beaten on their home patch this season.
Celtic are unbeaten in their 11 League matches in Bloemfontein this season, the only top-flight side yet to lose at home, while Pirates, by contrast, are the only side yet to lose on the road, having won eight and drawn three of their 11 matches to date.
Fifth-placed Celtic might not be in the title-race any more, but they can certainly have a major say in the destination of the trophy this season.
