Five "Can't Miss" Games This Weekend
MLS Cup Final: Columbus Crew vs. LAFC- Sat. 4:00 PM EST
Photo: massive-report.com
Whether you’re a diehard fan of the MLS or tend to keep up with the European soccer scene, this one is a must-watch. MLS’ playoff system is one of the best attributes of the league and this year’s gauntlet culminates with one of the original MLS clubs in the Crew taking on a relative newcomer to the league in LAFC. Both squads finished third in their conference but have been on a tear in the playoffs. The California side cruised past the Houston Dynamo 2-0 in their conference final match, while Columbus advanced thanks to an extra time winner over fellow Ohio club FC Cincinnati.
English Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Arsenal- Sat. 12:30 PM EST
The EPL season has been turned on its head in recent weeks as the topflight has been full of upsets and thrilling contests. This weekend’s clash between Aston Villa and Arsenal is one of the season’s most compelling. The Gunners sit atop the League standings while Villa is just three points behind in third place. The squads are two of the most in-form teams in all of Europe, both sides have gone unbeaten in their last four league matches. Arsenal have been led in large part by their stout defensive play, while Villa’s offense has been humming all year under the direction of manager Unai Emery. Saturday’s meeting not only impacts the teams involved, but also has wide-ranging title implications.
Bundesliga: Dortmund vs. RB Leipzig- Sat. 12:30 PM EST
Dortmund and RB Leipzig have been mainstays near the top of the German Bundesliga for years and this season is no different. Fourth place Red Bull enter the match just one point ahead of fifth place BVB. While both squads have had their ups and downs this campaign, the talent on display this weekend is certainly something to keep an eye on. Leipzig wonderkid Xavi Simons has firmly established himself as one of the best young players in the world. The Dutchman leads the league with seven assists to go along with his four goals. Dortmund have found success this season against teams in the lower half of the table, but BVB has failed to come out against the leagues’ best. A win for either side would help to bridge the gap between the top three teams and the rest of the table.
Photo: bvbbuzz.com
Bundesliga: Stuttgart vs. Leverkusen- Sun. 9:30 AM EST
It’s been a while since there’s been a team other than Bayern Munich or Dortmund making a legitimate push for the title, but Leverkusen have changed that this season. Manager Xabi Alonso has transformed the side into one of the most entertaining and intriguing teams in all of Europe. Leverkusen are three points ahead of second place Bayern Munich and five points above their opponent this weekend, third place Stuttgart. Both sides have already surpassed preseason expectations as the two have been impressively consistent this campaign. Leverkusen has not lost a league match all season while Stuttgart has not dropped a contest in over a month. The clubs may be unfamiliar to some American fans, but this weekend’s tilt is the perfect entry point for viewers looking to get into the German topflight.
La Liga: Barcelona vs. Girona- Sun. 9:30 AM EST
At the beginning of the LaLiga campaign you’d be hard pressed to find many casual fans or die-hard supporters who would’ve guessed that Girona would be tied in points with league-leading Real Madrid come December. Leverkusen and Stuttgart have certainly been surprises this year, but Girona’s performance in the Spanish top division has been the story of the season. Third place Barcelona find themselves four points behind their fellow Catalonian-side Girona. While Girona’s record of 12-1-1 is certainly impressive, this weekend’s match is just the second time that they’ll meet Barcelona, Real Madrid, or Atletico Madrid.
