Ahead of an action packed weekend in the world of football, here are five games across Europe’s top five leagues and the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL, that offer the best viewing.
West Ham vs Bournemouth
This game made our list based on what happens whenever these two meet. In five previous meetings in the Premier League between them, they have provided excitement, having scored 23goals.
That’s more than four goals per game, on the average, and this includes in the reverse fixture at the Vitality stadium last year, which ended in a exciting six-goal thriller.
So, I expect the game at the Olympic stadium in London on Saturday to produce another fireworks, especially with the form of the likes of Marko Arnautovic, who has scored or assisted nine goals in his last nine games for the Hammers.
Callum Wilson has also scored four times in his last three games against David Moyes’ side, who are in form as well, having taken 15points from a possible 24.
Inter vs Roma
It ended 3-1 in favour of Inter, who went, saw and conquered AS Roma at the Stadio Olympico in the reverse fixture back in August. But that was an Inter side looking the real deal, and genuine title contenders.
Half way through the season, however, these two meet again, with neither looking anything but title contenders.
The Nerazzurri haven’t won a game since December 3, while Roma are on a run of four consecutive games without a win, which also stretches back to December 16.
https://twitter.com/Inter_en/status/954644563699920896
With such form, this encounter presents either side the opportunity to bounce back, with Inter hoping that top striker and captain, Mauro Icardi would rediscover the form that saw him score twice when they last met.
For Roma, it would be nice if Edin Dzeko, who scored the consolation goal in that rout, can also find his scoring touch, with just three goals in his last 13 outings.
Heartland vs Rangers Int’l
It’s the Oriental derby as newly promoted Heartland welcome their brothers from the coal city of Enugu, Rangers International, the 2016 champions.
https://twitter.com/HeartlandFC_ng/status/954419618155843586
However, after two games in the new season, both sides are still searching for their first win. The hosts are in a better position, though, having picked up two points while the signing of world famous Abu Azeez has failed to so far inspire Rangers, who are pointless, after back-to-back losses.
So, both sides will be hoping to record their first win of the season, and it promises to be a pulsating one when they meet in Owerri.
Rivers United vs Kano Pillars
Rivers failed to follow up their opening day win with a positive result in match day two, falling to defending champions, Plateau United in Jos.
But they will have a chance to return to winning ways when they host Pillars, who have picked four points from their first two games this weekend.
https://twitter.com/pillarsfc/status/953719887389712384
With Alhassan Ibrahim in good form, having scored two goals in two games, for the visitors, Port Harcourt is the place to be tomorrow.
Lyon vs Paris Saint-Germain
This game is surely set to rival the one in Italy between Inter and Roma as the clash of the weekend.
The league leaders are unbeaten in their last eight games, including the remarkable and historic 8-0 demolition of Dijon the last time out.
However, Lyon aren’t the helpless Dijon side, as their third position on the log lucidly shows.
Like PSG, Lyon are unbeaten in their last outings, with their last taste of defeat coming last month against Montepellier in the league cup.
For their visitors, the expensively assembled Parisiens, led by most expensive player in the world, Neymar, it’s an opportunity to extend not just just their unbeaten run, but also their lead at the top of the table.
It’s a battle between two of Ligue 1’s highest scoring sides, so, expect goals!!!
