European leagues: the break is over and 3 big games are back on the menu
Manchester City host Liverpool on Saturday, a fixture that has become the big modern classic of English football in recent years
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Man City v Liverpool, the new classic
After two long weeks of international break, Europe's domestic leagues are back, and the Premier League is getting things under way with a bang. The weekend opens with a heavyweight clash between Manchester City and Liverpool, kicking off matchday 13. In recent years it has become English football's big classic. Last season the Reds were left trailing, but they have come back strongly this term. Mo Salah's side are second on 27 points, one behind today's opponents.
Salah vs Haaland, Guardiola vs Klopp, blue and red in the stands at the Etihad Stadium. Everything is in place for a hard-fought contest. Kick-off is at 12:30 GMT. The last league meeting between the two sides ended in a 4-1 win for Manchester City. It is also worth noting that the two teams have won the last 4 league titles between them. The Reds were crowned champions in 2019-2020, while the Skyblues are three-time reigning champions.
🎥 Our 4-1 win at the Etihad against Liverpool last season 🔙 pic.twitter.com/CV8TMLbbXt
— Manchester City (@ManCityFra) November 24, 2023
Newcastle v Chelsea, two sides chasing Europe
Manchester City v Liverpool will not be the only big game in England this weekend. Still in the north of the country, Newcastle host Chelsea. It is 7th against 10th, admittedly, but both sides were expected to be challenging near the top at the start of the season. It is a good chance for the Magpies (20 pts) and the Blues (16 pts) to close in on the European places. Newcastle also have a decisive week ahead, as after Chelsea they face PSG in the Champions League. Eddie Howe's players, meanwhile, are coming off a 0-2 defeat at Bournemouth.
The Blues, for their part, are on the back of two encouraging results: a 4-1 win over Tottenham and a thrilling 4-4 draw with Man City. That should give fresh hope to a team that is gelling more and more under Mauricio Pochettino.
Read also: Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson: "When I was younger, I loved Cristiano Ronaldo"
Juventus v Inter
In Serie A, Sunday brings a derby between Juventus and Inter Milan. The second-placed side (29 pts) host the leaders (31 pts) on 26 November at 19:45 GMT. The Old Lady, who have rediscovered their bite, hope to move ahead and take top spot. However, they will have to be at their best to get past the Nerazzurri. The visitors have won 10 games, drawn one and lost just one in Serie A. They have also scored 29 goals and conceded only 6 in 12 matches. A real machine. Juve have also lost only once, with 2 draws and 9 wins. Both sides arrive in excellent form for this contest.