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Upcoming days will bring many treats and football festivities for fans. Over the weekend, there will be plenty of intriguing matches in national championships, and the approaching Champions League will, as always, captivate the attention of millions of enthusiasts.
2012.11.03, Saturday
English Premier League
Manchester United (2nd place) - Arsenal (6th place)
Recent victories in the last five league matches: 4:2
One of the most interesting matches in the English Premier League this weekend. Manchester United is only one point behind the leader Chelsea and hopes that Chelsea will either lose away or at least play a draw with the mid-table team Swansea City. First and foremost, the Red Devils will need to defeat Arsenal at home.
Manchester United has been playing steadily recently. In October, the team earned 9 points out of a possible 12, and on Saturday, they will aim to increase the point tally by three.
Arsenal, depleted of their long-time leader Robin van Persie and Alex Song this season, are still trying to find their form. In the last five league matches, they have secured 2 victories, 1 draw, and suffered 2 losses, results that are not particularly pleasing to the team's coach or fans.
It will be interesting to see how the fans will react to Robin van Persie's appearance at the opponent's home ground. Usually, in such situations, every touch by the player is met with loud whistles. The reality will soon be revealed.
Italian Serie A
21:45 Turin Juventus (1st place) - Milan Inter (2nd place)
Recent victories in the last five league matches: 5:5
Late on Saturday evening, the strongest current Italian teams will meet. Turin Juventus has not lost in 49 consecutive Serie A matches and has dropped only 2 points in this year's championship. Milan Inter has won their last 8 league matches and is trailing Juventus by 4 points. It is interesting to note that the team leading Serie A does not have a forward who consistently scores goals; it's a collective effort. On the contrary, Inter's Diego Milito and Antonio Cassano have been productive this season, each scoring 5 goals. This should be an exciting and eventful match, but don't be surprised if it ends in a draw. Inter wouldn't be too disappointed with taking a point away from Turin.
2012.11.06, Tuesday
UEFA Champions League
21:45 Manchester City (4th place) - Ajax (3rd place)
Recent victories in the last three league matches: 0:1
A rematch. That's how we could describe this clash in one word. Remember, the hosts won the last match in Amsterdam (3:1). If Manchester City wants to advance to the next stage of the Champions League, they must secure a victory. It's not an impossible mission, but a defeat in Amsterdam and only 1 point in the group suggest that anything can happen in this match.
Considering the lineups and team budgets, Manchester City is undoubtedly the favorite in this encounter, seeking redemption in front of their fans. It is also worth mentioning that this match could determine who will participate in the UEFA Europa League (for teams not advancing to the next stage of the Champions League).
UEFA Champions League
21:45 Real Madrid (2nd place) - Borussia Dortmund (1st place)
Recent victories in the last three league matches: 2:2
Another crucial match for both teams. Borussia Dortmund has already shown that good team play and understanding can overcome even a team composed of the world's best footballers. After 3 rounds, Dortmund leads Group D with 7 points. Who could have expected that? In the last round's match at home, Borussia defeated the star-studded Real Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks. This didn't sit well with the Spanish club, and they will definitely want to get revenge, especially playing at their fortress, the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. After the defeat to the Germans, Jose Mourinho didn't dramatize the situation, but it will be interesting to see what tactical surprises he has prepared for Borussia.
2012.11.08, Thursday
UEFA Europa League
19:00 Anzhi Makhachkala (2nd place) - Liverpool (1st place)
Recent victories in the last three league matches: 1:2
Another rematch. The first meeting between these teams at Anfield ended in a tough victory for Liverpool with a score of 1:0. Many sports fans were curious to see how Samuel Eto'o, the highest-paid player in the world, performs for Anzhi. This time, Liverpool will have to travel to Moscow. The match might take place in sub-zero temperatures, which often surprises visitors from the west.
