Soccer Games to Watch This Weekend (2/12/16)

As the week wraps up, the fun begins in the world of soccer. This weekend is full of high-profile games, and is an opportunity for you to experience soccer in many countries.

To me, this weekend is a great opportunity for the average BPL fan to explore other leagues such as the Serie A (Italy) or the Bundesliga (Germany). It’s great to explore and even possibly find a league that you find more interesting.

So, what games should you tune in to?

England

Let’s start with the most popular league that never lacks excitement.

2/13, 10:00 A.M. EST: Crystal Palace vs. Watford

This match isn’t a top four clash, but it is a mid-table one. Palace sit one point behind Watford, and a win for the Eagles could propel them up to 9th place. For Watford, they can move up to 8th place and continue their dream season following their promotion to the league.

2/14, 7:30 A.M. EST: Arsenal vs. Leicester City

Rise and shine fans, here’s the top of the table clash that many will tune in to (although it is a very early kick off time). First place Leicester, who are defying all odds, go to third place Arsenal. Leicester are 5 points ahead of Arsenal (and second place Tottenham), and a win for the Foxes following their 3-1 victory at Manchester City would have people begin to believe Leicester could actually do it. But a win for the Gunners would bring Arsenal right back with Leicester. In-form Mahrez and Vardy look to continue their dominance, while Petr Cech looks to be a wall in their run.

2/14, 11:15 A.M. EST: Manchester City vs. Tottenham

Another top-four clash, except it’s the battle to step up and fight for the title. Tottenham have finally found themselves in a position to succeed rather than fail. Sitting in second, they are only 1 point above their opponents. The interesting thing about this game is that Tottenham could win 2-0, but could just as well lose 4-0. A key player missing for Manchester City is Kevin De Bruyne, so their attack will need to find a way to provide a spark.

Italy

2/13, 2:45 EST: Juventus vs. Napoli

Oh look, a 1st vs. 2nd match. In Italy, league leaders Napoli travel to Turin to face powerhouse Juventus. Juventus have won the last 4 Serie A titles, and each season it begins with “Who can take down Juventus?” This year, Napoli seem to be the front-runners to finally have a new champion. The main man for Napoli, Gonzalo Higuain, chose to remain in Italy after a supposed offer from Chelsea. The Argentinian has scored 24 goals this season, but in second with 13 goals is fellow Argentinian but Juventus starlet Paulo Dybala. The impeccable Juventus defense looks to prevent what many have called “the most entertaining team in Italy” from putting on a show. If Juventus wins, they take first place. However, a victory for the away side puts them in the driver’s seat.

2/14, 2:45 EST: Fiorentina vs. Inter Milan

Another match between two teams that are fighting for third place. Fiorentina, who sit in fourth, are currently one point above Inter, who have fallen out of form over the course of this season. They both are chasing Roma, who are one point above Fiorentina and two above Inter.

Germany

To begin, the Bundesliga has started to take off in the United States. With Fox broadcasting games, the league will only grow. Last week, Stuttgart vs. Hamburg was broadcasted on Fox’s main channel. These aren’t the most popular teams, but the fact that they are getting T.V. time in America will really allow the league to expand in popularity.

2/14, 11:30 A.M. EST: FC Bayern Munich vs. FC Augsburg

This isn’t a match that determines who takes a commanding position for the title or a European spot. Instead, it’s the Bavarian derby. 14th place FC Augsburg look to stun world powerhouse Bayern Munich. It probably will end in a Bayern win, but who doesn’t like a derby?

It’s a weekend that will be exciting for many fans. I look forward to relaxing and watching the world’s most popular sport, but also will enjoy watching leagues that I don’t normally watch.

Want to chat during a match? Think another match is worth tuning into? Follow me on Twitter @NoahZiegler.