Manchester United X Everton - Saturday 7:45AM ET
The Liverpool - Manchester showdown is a common theme in the Premiere League this week, and this one's an early start. Manchester are coming off of a surprise win at the San Siro on Tuesday. However Wayne Rooney's former club will look to extend their 3-game win streak in the Barclay's Card as they host the Red Devils at Goodison Park. But with commanding force in the midfield Marouane Fellaini out for up to six months, the Blues may find it difficult to run the midfield. With a healthy team I would give Everton the draw, but Manchester will win 2 goals to 1. At least one from Rooney, and Saha or Donavan net one for Everton.
Inter Milan X Sampdoria - Saturday 2:45 PM ET
The Serie A's 5th place Sampdoria have been in form as of late. They are undefeated in their last 5 matches with 4 straight victories. Jose Mourinho's side must be somewhat concerned in hosting Antonio Cassano and company prior to their Champions League battle against Chelsea. Although they sit comfortably ahead in the Italian League with a cushion of 7 points, this is a must win for the Nerrazurri. Inter will take this one 2-0, Sneijder and Balotelli as the scorers.
Manchester City X Liverpool - Sunday 10:00AM ET
By next season this could be an Arab showdown in Britain. But for now its just a battle of two English giants, fighting for spots in European competition. One point separates City from the Reds, who sit in 4th and 5th respectively. The City of Manchester Stadium will see a 1-1 draw, keeping things steady at the top of the table. Give goals to topscorers Carlitos and Fernando Torres.
Werder Bremen X Leverkusen - Sunday 11:30AM ET
Week 23 of the Bundesliga will see 1st place Bayer Leverkusen challenged by an inconsistent Bremen side. The team is on a 2 game win streak in the league after disappointingly losing 5 straight league fixtures. We'll see if Torsten Frings' boys can hold their own against league leaders Leverkusen at home. Leverkusen is virtually unstoppable this season, as they make an undefeated (13-0-9) run towards the German title this year. Expect to see Stefan Kießling score the lone goal away to keep Leverkusen in first.
Besiktas X Galatasaray - Sunday 12:00PM ET
It's a tight race in the Turkish Süper Lig. These two Istanbul giants will square off on in an action packed Sunday around Europe. Title-holders Besiktas currently sit in 5th place, just 7 points behind and one game less than leaders Fenerbahce. Galatasaray's stacked squad is 2 points behind Fenerbahce and also has one less game. Although they are coming off a tie and a loss respectively in the league, I see home-side Besiktas squeezing this derby out 1-0 in the Turkish capital.
FC Porto X Sp. Braga - Sunday 3:15PM ET
Regardless the result here, Benfica walk away beneficiaries of this clash of the North. Porto are coming off of a solid, yet lucky result against Arsenal, but sit 8 points behind Braga, and 9 behind leaders Benfica (who have a game in-hand on the northerners). This will be a tight game at the Estadio do Dragao. Although Braga is playing great and are the better side this season, Porto will come away with a much needed victory Sunday, 1-0.
Other notable matches this weekend
Maritimo X Nacional - Friday 3:15PM ET
Real Madrid X Villareal - Sunday 3:00PM ET
Mallorca X Sevilla - Saturday 4:00PM ET
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