Ahead of another weekend of football, Jon Turner picks his five must-see matches.
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ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE
Al Wasl v Al Nasr, Thursday, Abu Dhabi Sports HD, 8pm
The big derby of the UAE football fixture list this weekend takes place in Bur Dubai as Al Nasr make the short trip across town to Al Wasl. One place and five points separate third-placed Nasr and fourth-placed Wasl in the Arabian Gulf League table, and a win for Nasr would go a long way to securing a place in the Asian Champions League for next season. Wasl have only lost once this season at the Zabeel Stadium, while Nasr have a solitary defeat on the road, so something has to give on Thursday evening. Central to Wasl’s chances are Brazilian forward pair Fabio de Lima and Rogerinho, who recently signed for the club to surprisingly replace Edgar Burno. Nasr will look to their foreign foursome of Luis Jimenez, Jonathan Petroipa, Jire Kembo Ekoko, and Nilmar to guide them to victory. This could be a high-scoring affair.
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FA CUP FOURTH ROUND
Derby County v Manchester United, Friday, BeIN Sports 11HD, 11.55pm
Kicking off the FA Cup fourth-round action on Friday night, Manchester United and their under-pressure manager Louis van Gaal face a tricky task at Championship club Derby County. A home defeat to Southampton in the Premier League last time out means United have now won just three of their past 13 matches across all competitions. Blocking United’s path to the fifth round is a Derby County side that were flying but have not won in five league matches, losing three. Despite their struggles, United will be favourites to win this encounter, but such is “the magic of the cup”, Derby will fancy their chances. Defeat will inevitably lead to more doubts surrounding the immediate future of Van Gaal.
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FA CUP FOURTH ROUND
Liverpool v West Ham United, Saturday, BeIN Sports 11HD, 9.30pm
One of two all-Premier League contests, this should be a cracking game. Sixth-placed West Ham sit one place above Liverpool in the league table and are in good form having won three of their past five league meetings, including a 2-0 victory over Saturday’s opponents already this month. Liverpool will enter the tie in buoyant mood fresh from booking their place in the League Cup final with a penalty shoot-out win over Stoke City and a remarkable 5-4 win at Norwich City in the Premier League last weekend. A difficult one to call, but should West Ham manager Slaven Bilic opt to include Dimitri Payet in his line-up then the London club could well leave Anfield with their place in the fifth round secured.
In Pictures: Klopp, Mignolet and Liverpool survive Stoke scare to reach League Cup final
PRIMERA LIGA
Barcelona v Atletico Madrid, Saturday, BeIN Sports HD, 7pm
Arguably the tie of the weekend. First hosts second in the Primera Liga with both teams in impressive form. Level on 48 points, Barcelona lead Atletico Madrid on goal difference having played one game less. A win for the Catalans would put some daylight between them and Atletico, but Diego Simeone’s men should prove one of their toughest assignments of the season so far. Atletico had won four in a row before being held to a goalless draw by Sevilla on Sunday, while Barca have won four of their last six, drawing the other two. Brazilian striker Neymar remains an injury doubt, although Barca will welcome back defender Gerard Pique after his one-match suspension. Given Atletico’s defensive solidity, this should be a closely fought contest, with Barcelona likely to just shave it.
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SERIE A
AC Milan v Inter Milan, Sunday, BeIN Sports HD, 11.45pm
One of the most famous and historic derbies in football will be played out at the San Siro on Sunday night, with both clubs out to get their seasons back on track. Inter set the early pace in Serie A but have since slipped to fourth following a run of one win in their last five. Milan, meanwhile, are down in sixth as their inconsistent form, which includes just three wins in the last 10 matches, continues to hold back their hopes of a push into the top four. Despite scoring in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg this week, Mario Balotelli will not start the match as he continues to build up his fitness. Another match that is likely to be settled by a single goal.
In Pictures: Mario Balotelli and AC Milan take step toward Coppa Italia final
