5 Big Sports Matches You Need to Watch this Weekend

The weekend is here, and there’s a wealth of sporting action to indulge in. We’ve rounded up the five biggest clashes and encounters that you can’t afford to miss:

All Blacks v Springboks (Rugby Championship

Saturday, 09:35

This weekend, the Springboks are up for the biggest test of their fixture list: taking on the All Blacks in New Zealand. Allister Coetzee’s men travel to Albany, which will be the first time the two teams meet at the QBE Stadium, and while the Springboks have improved dramatically in 2017, they face a difficult prospect in an ever-improving All Black side. That said, the New Zealanders have had their defensive frailties this year that the Springboks could exploit.

Prediction: All Blacks by 5. You can place your bets on the All Blacks v Springboks here.

Kings v Leinster (Pro 14 rugby)

Saturday, 14:15

The Southern Kings entry into the Pro 14 competition hasn’t been an easy one – they’re two losses from two games, but the PE team have a chance to rectify that with their first home game. Unfortunately, they’re playing the powerhouse of that is Leinster. It’s a difficult one to call, but the unpredictability and strength of the Southern Kings at home during Super Rugby has to be banked on. An upset could be on the cards.

Prediction: Kings by 3. You can place your bets on the Kings v Leinster here.

Golovkin v Alvarez

Sunday, 3:00

While Mayweather v McGregor did steal the mainstream headlines, real boxing enthusiasts will be itching to see Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin meet in a middleweight super-fight this weekend. The bout, between two fighters with only one defeat between them, sees the WBA, WBC, IBF and The Ring belts put on the line. Kazakhstan’s Golovkin, who has an unbeaten professional record with 37 wins and 33 knockouts, is edged for a win.

Prediction: Golovkin win by TKO. Place your bets via desktop or mobile

Chelsea v Arsenal

Sunday, 14:30

Arsenal’s woes were temporarily forgotten when they managed a comfortable 3-0 win against Burnley in their previous game, but they’re coming up against a hardy Chelsea side that will put up a far greater fight – and Wenger’s poor record against top 6 teams points toward a victory for Conte. Unfortunately, Chelsea simply have more quality throughout their squad and have shown more desire to rectify the problematic elements of their play, while Arsene Wenger doesn’t seem to learn from his mistakes. With that said, Arsenal have a gifted attack capable of punishing any defence, and if their forwards perform well they could still threaten Chelsea’s goal significantly.

Prediction: 2-1 to Chelsea. Place your bets on Chelsea v Arsenal.

Manchester United v Everton

Sunday, 17:00

Manchester United’s defence performed poorly away at Stoke, but their home form has been impressive this season as no team has managed to threaten their goal significantly. From Everton’s perspective, United is the last team they’ll want to play after suffering a sobering 3-0 loss at the hands of Spurs, and if they put up a similar show against United the powerful and quick United attack is likely going to punish them. United also managed a confidence boosting 3-0 win in the Champions League so they’ll feel good about their chances of dispatching any sides visiting the Theatre of Dreams.

Prediction: 2-0 to Manchester United. Place your bets on Manchester United v Everton.

If you’re looking to earn your weekend drinks off the guys at Sportingbet (it wouldn’t be the first time), you can place your bets on the upcoming sporting clashes here.

What are your predictions for this weekend? Which teams will come out on top in the respective encounters? Let us know by tweeting us @MenStuffZA!

More features to keep you busy:

Who Is The Fastest Rugby Player In The World?

Why Mountain Biking Has Exploded in South Africa

3 New Football & Rugby Boots for the End-of-Year Season