First things first, all our condolences go out to the team of Chapecoense; it was such a horrible tragedy and all we can hope is for the families to find peace in such a difficult time. With that being said, there are better days ahead and one of the beauties of this world is knowing there are things that can cheer us up when we feel upset, like sports.
Soccer is a sport everyone can follow and fall in love with and be emotionally attached to, and this weekend is one of those weeks we can all thank the heavens for. It's time to get you ready for the biggest games of the weekend.
1. Chelsea vs Manchester City
Saturday's early kickoff at the Etihad Stadium is the scene for the biggest game in England this weekend -- 1st place Chelsea visiting 3rd place Manchester City. It is tight at the top of the Premier League as both teams are separated by ONE point heading into this game. In fact, the top four teams are separated by THREE points heading into December.
Chelsea heads into this one on a hot streak -- six consecutive league wins, eight of 10 in all competitions. Antonio Conte is working his magic ever since changing into a 3-4-3 system, getting the best out of his players and making this squad look as dangerous as they've been in a while. Eden Hazard and Victor Moses are in incredible form and will look to pose problems against City's defense -- who hasn't recorded a clean sheet in over a month.
Man City comes into this one unbeaten in their last six league games, including winning their last two. Pep Guardiola has made his team buy into his philosophy and playing style -- the result is only one point away from the leaders in London. Chelsea has conceded just 10 goals so far this season, but City's attack is capable of scoring against any team in the league.
Last season saw City do the double in the league against Chelsea -- winning 3-0 at home and away against the Blues. Matches between these two are always of huge importance, and this top of the table clash is no different.
Matchup to Watch: Diego Costa (Chelsea) vs Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Two of the league's deadliest strikers will be on showcase here, both on 10 goals for the season and both in incredible form. Whichever team wins this game will surely be due to the presence of these talismanic figures: defenses beware!
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea
It'll be fun, tactical and wild throughout the 90 minutes in Manchester.
2. Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Simply put -- it's the biggest soccer game in the world.
This fixture never fails to entertain, with every occasion seeming bigger than the last and no matter what, this game will always be one to watch.
This campaign has been different for both Madrid and Barcelona. Los Blancos has been unbeatable -- and undefeated so far -- on top of the league on 33 points. Barcelona, meanwhile, is six points behind in second place, tied with Sevilla on points, as well.
This game is crucial as always -- for Real Madrid, it'll firmly establish their title credentials if they can win at the Camp Nou, along with winning at the Vicente Calderon a few weeks ago in the Madrid Derby. A win for Barcelona closes the gap with Real to three points and ends their undefeated streak.
Last season saw Barcelona humiliate Real Madrid at the Bernabeu 4-0, while Real won 2-1 at the Camp Nou while down to 10 men.
Matchup to Watch: Real Madrid's Attack vs Barcelona's Defense
Madrid has the highest scorers of La Liga, racking up 36 goals, and while Gareth Bale will be out for a while with an ankle injury, Isco or Vasquez will be a suitable replacement. Pair either one with Benzema and Ronaldo, and goals could be flying in.
That being said, Barcelona will have to be tight and smart at the back. Pique, Mascherano, and even Ter Stegen will have to be alert at all times. If not, things will get out of control, fast.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid
Games like these are hard to predict, which is why they're always fascinating to watch. Look for this to be one of the best games of the season.
3. RB Leipzig vs FC Schalke 04
One of the most incredible stories so far this season around Europe is that of RB Leipzig, a club formed in 2007, who is now in the Bundesliga for the first time ever in club history and is UNBEATEN so far, sitting three points above reigning champions Bayern Munich. Yes, Bayern is second and Red Bull is first; crazy times we live in.
No one could've predicted this, which makes this refreshing and wonderful to witness. However, it's only December and nothing's been decided yet -- so Leipzig still has work to do in order to shock the world. And this is a big test for them at home.
Manager Markus Weinzierl has righted the ship after a rough start to the season, where they lost their first five opening league games. To this point, Schalke haven't suffered defeat since that point back on September 25 -- a streak of 12 matches. Now 8th in the standings, a win would be a big feather in their cap. Not to mention handing Leipzig their first loss in the league.
Matchup to Watch: Timo Werner vs Schalke's Defense
Red Bull is tied with Borrusia Dortmund as the highest scorers in the league with 27 apiece. Timo Werner has seven league goals to his name, most on the team. He's the main man Schalke will have to mark in order to get a result away from home.
Prediction: RB Leipzig 2-2 FC Schalke 04
Both teams are in spectacular form. Expect goals in this one because this is a big game for both teams.
4. Fenerbahce vs Besiktas
The game of the weekend in Turkey pits title rivals Fenerbahce, in third, and Besiktas, in second. This is a huge battle that may ultimately decide who wins the league by the time the season ends.
Fenerbahce's loss against Genclerbirligi ended a run of seven straight victories in all competitions. What's more impressive is that they haven't lost a league match since September 11, which is a stretch of nine games. The always dangerous Robin Van Persie is currently fifth in the race of top scorers with six league goals in 10 games.
Besiktas comes into this game as one of only two teams currently unbeaten in the league -- the other being Basaksehir in first place. The reigning champions are four points ahead of their opponents this weekend and will want to keep their nice momentum going before their last Champions League group stage game next week.
Last season saw Besiktas win 3-2 at home against Fenerbahce in September, while the latter exacted revenge with a 2-0 victory last February.
Matchup To Watch: Cenk Tosun (Besiktas) vs Robin Van Persie)
Tosun has recorded seven league goals this season while Persie has six. Don't expect these two to have a quiet day at the office.
Prediction: Besiktas 2-1 Fenerbahce
Home-field advantage will be key for Besiktas, a second-half goal wins it for them.
5. Roma vs Lazio
Last, but certainly not least is the 145th edition of the Rome Derby, or as they say in Italy, Derby della Capitale.
It is jampacked at the top of the Serie A table right now -- FIVE points separate first-place Juventus from fifth-place Atalanta, who also meet this weekend. As it pertains to this game, these inner city rivals are separated by ONE point, with second-place Roma leading fourth-place Lazio, 29-28.
Roma has only lost once in the league since the beginning of October -- six wins, one draw and the one defeat as previously mentioned. Lazio hasn't lost in the league since September 20 -- spanning a run of nine matches. A win for either team not only gives them bragging rights, but could see themselves inch closer to leaders Juventus.
Last season saw Roma do the double over their hated rivals, winning 2-0 and 4-1. But the past is thrown away every time these rivals meet.
Matchup To Watch: Edin Dzeko (Roma) vs Lazio's Defense
Edin Dzeko is in the form of his life -- scoring 12 goals in 14 league games so far. That's tied for most in the league with Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi. It's part of the reason Roma has the highest scorers in Serie A with 33 goals so far. That being said, Lazio defenders -- especially center-backs Wallace and Stefan Radu -- will have to be wary of the threat posed by the big Bosnian.
Prediction: Roma 2-2 Lazio
Goals, tempers flaring and passion: it's the Rome Derby ladies and gentlemen, enjoy!
