The international break lasted for what felt like eternity. Thankfully, a host of mouth-watering fixtures await us as club football returns this weekend
We take a look at the top ties from the top five leagues that you should be prioritising.
LA LIGA
Fixture: Atletico Madrid v Barcelona
Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: 23:45 GST, November 24, Saturday
Jan Oblak, Lionel Messi
This top of the table clash has to be the biggest game of the weekend. Barcelona look to recover from their 4-3 defeat against Real Betis as their opponents aim to carry on the momentum which faced a boost after the side’s 3-2 comeback win against Athletic Club.
The home side’s defensive depth will be tested with their four centre-backs Diego Godin, Stefan Savic, Jose Giminez and Lucas Hernandez battling against time to recover from their injuries before the big clash.
Barcelona will be without Philippe Coutinho (injury) and Ivan Rakitic (Suspension) and start as favourites.
PREMIER LEAGUE
Fixture: Tottenham v Chelsea
Where: Wembley Stadium
When: 21:30 GST, November 24, Saturday
Cristian Eriksen (L), Cesc Fabregas (C), Eden Hazard (R)
It’s derby time in London and a tempestuous clash awaits us as Tottenham and Chelsea lock horns for the first time this season.
The hosts can leap over their rivals and hence provide a dent to Chelsea’s title chances, given how Manchester City are galloping at the top.
Alvaro Morata – despite his shocker against Bosnia Herzegovina – is in good shape and there’s no better time for him to announce his arrival than a derby.
Harry Kane will want to continue his exploits from the Nations League game against Croatia and propel Spurs to the top three.
SERIE A
Fixture: Lazio v AC Milan
Where: Stadio Olimpico
When: 21:00 GST. November 25, Sunday
Suso
In a battle between the fourth and fifth placed team in the Serie A, we see a wounded Milan take on Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
Both teams have lost just two of their last six games and this fixture promises to be a closely contested affair.
Lazio faced a slump against Sassuolo last week, drawing 1-1 and Ciro Immobile will look to lead the charge against the Rossoneri.
Milan will look to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat against holders Juventus, with Suso hoping to inspire the visitors to a win that should take them to a Champions League spot.
BUNDESLIGA
Fixture: Wolfsburg v RasenBallsport Leipzig
Where: Volkswagen Arena
When: 18:30 GST, November 24, Saturday
Timo Werner
Wolfsburg need to put an end to their dismal run of home games which saw them drop all three points against Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Freiburg and share spoils with Borussia Monchengladbach.
On the other hand, Leipzig have not lost a single game since their 4-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the curtain raiser. In their last five games in all competitions against each other, the pair are deadlocked at two wins each and a draw.
Wout Weghorst and Timo Werner will be key for Wofsburg and Leipzig respectively.
LIGUE 1
Fixture: Lyon v Saint Etinenne
Where: Groupama Stadium
When: 00:00 GST, November 23, Saturday
Memphis Depay
Both teams head into this fixture without having lost a single game in their last four. Lyon sit in fourth place with 24 points in their 13 games. St. Etienne are a point and position below their opponents.
The visitors are can leap above Lyon and into a Champions League spot with a win.
Memphis Depay has been in fine form for both Lyon and his national team this season and will look to assert himself on the St. Etienne defence on Friday.
Tunisian forward Wahbi Khazri who has scored six goals in 12 games will be equally crucial to St. Etienne’s chances