After a dramatic Saturday that saw giants like Liverpool and Bayern Munich falling to shock defeats, the action continues across Europe this Sunday, with some huge matches on offer.
Five Matches you Should Look Out for
Hertha Berlin Falling Into Relegation Trouble
After a season that started with expectations of qualifying for Europe, Hertha Berlin are on the verge of sleepwalking into a relegation battle and in danger of dropping out of Germany’s topflight.
With just under a third of the season left to play, die Alte Dame are a cautious point from safety and have won just once since the turn of the year.
By contrast, their opponents RB Leipzig have been handed a route back into the title race, after recently crowned World Champions Bayern Munich were toppled in a shock defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
A Leipzig win against Hertha would cut the deficit to a slender two points at the top of the Bundesliga, with the league’s top two scheduled to meet at the start of April.
Manchester United Push for Europe Against Struggling Newcastle United
By their manager’s own admission, Manchester United were never in a title race in the first place. Whilst their league position at one point may have said otherwise, the Red Devils’ inconsistency now means their only concern heading into the final part of the season is confirming Champions League football.
Four points in front of unlikely challengers West Ham United, Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side will be looking to capitalise on the poor form of another United, and take three points against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
A resurgent Fulham side has dragged the Magpies, amongst others, into real danger at the foot of the Premier League, with just the three points separating the pair.
Whilst the pressure mounts on Steve Bruce, a first win at Old Trafford in eight years might just be the perfect remedy to Newcastle’s stuttering season.
Milan Derby Match-Up Biggest In A Decade
It is ten years since any other side than Juventus won Serie A, yet with the disjointed Andrea Pirlo project floundering, the Scudetto is likely to have a new winner come the end of the season.
The last winners of the title in Italy are the team that currently sit second in the table: an AC Milan side littered with talent cruised to a title win that season, finishing six points ahead of city rivals Internazionale.
Heading into the final instalment of the Derby Della Madonnina, the Milanese neighbours occupy first and second once more. Inter first on 50 points, AC behind them on 49.
A win for the Nerazzurri could provide a cushion for them to tie up the title with ease, whilst the Rossoneri need three points to keep their assault on the league alive.
Paris Saint-Germain Seek Yet Another Title Charge in Top of Table Match
Whisper it, but there might just be a title race unfolding in France. After almost the perfect decade of league wins for Paris Saint-Germain, their dynasty could be coming to an end.
Ligue 1 is one of many top leagues throwing up some shock results this campaign – six points separate the top four, with any from Lyon, Lille, PSG or Monaco in with a chance of lifting the trophy come May.
After a promising start to the season, Monaco stumbled before Christmas and seemingly dropped out of the title picture. Yet, without defeat in eleven matches across all competitions, Niko Kovac’s side are once again challengers and could cut the gap to as little as three points with a win on Sunday night.
The only issue, their opponents: PSG might not have had the immediate bounce they expected after the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, yet high off a resounding victory over Barcelona midweek, his side will be filled with confidence.
A PSG win and Monaco can wave goodbye to any title hopes. A Monaco win and Ligue 1 enters its final stages without any hints as to who is best placed to finish top.
Arsenal Push For Europe Against Manchester City
Whilst leagues across Europe are shaping up to be the most tightly contested in years, the Premier League appears to be acting as a procession for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s third triumph in four years.
Having been out of it in November, a record-breaking winning streak has launched the Blues to the top of the pile and pretty much out of sight. Ten clear of second-place Manchester United and sixteen ahead of holders Liverpool, it’s fair to say City are favourites to win it all.
Their lead at the top could be extended further with victory away from home against an indifferent Arsenal side, whose only priority remains securing European football for a 29th consecutive season.
Within touching distance of the European places and having played a game more than those above them, failure to pick up points against the league leaders could leave their route into next season’s continental competition solely reliant on Europa League glory.
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