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3 Must-Watch Sports Matches This Weekend
Which sporting fixtures can you not afford to miss this weekend? MenStuff gives you the low-down.
This weekend brings a host of sporting action to enjoy, including a Premier League clash that’s sure to be a cracker, a pre-season rugby friendly that will be anything but friendly, and a cricket match-up that will undoubtedly be packed full of entertainment.
Chelsea vs Manchester City (English Premier League)
Saturday, 19:30
The two most promising title hopefuls go head-to-head at the Bridge on Saturday evening, with the managerial battle between Pellegrini vs Mourinho coming to a boiling point.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, the participation of some of their star players is in doubt, as Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas look likely to miss out on the match altogether. In Man City’s favour, they see the return of Frank Lampard who will be sure to get a mixed reception from his old fans.
Saracens vs Bulls (pre-season friendly rugby)
Saturday, 17:00
Rugby fans becoming a little impatient waiting for Super Rugby to kick-off will be glad to know that the Bulls pre-season friendly against Saracens will be broadcast on SuperSport.
In something quite different to the Pretoria side’s usual preparion plans, the two-time Super Rugby champions are in London to face the mighty Premiership side that is Saracens. No South African team has managed to beat them, but the Bulls are looking to get their season off to a flying start following some disappointing performances last year.
South Africa A vs England Lions (international cricket)
Saturday, 10:00
Proteas Cricket World Cup squad members Quinton de Kock, Wayne Parnell and Aaron Phangiso and have been included in the South Africa A one-day squad for the third match against the England Lions in Potchefstroom on Saturday.
The England Lions lead the five-match series 2-0 after their 70-run win in Kimberley on Wednesday.
Which sporting encounter are you most looking forward to seeing this weekend?
B-Rad
January 30, 2015 at 10:12
Interested to see how to Bulls perform against Sarries. Province didn’t do too well last time, but I think the bulls want to prove a point this season. And Farrel is out, so there’s a chance.
Jay Jay
January 30, 2015 at 12:00
This is basically half the Bulls and the cheetah’s… Add in some Province players and that’s basically the Springboks.
James
January 30, 2015 at 11:43
It’s going to be heart breaking to see Lampard back at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have been inconsistent in their last few games, losing to Bradford in tha FA cup and beating Liverpool in the league cup. They are looking strong going forward with the like of Hazard, Willian and Oscar. Yet the defense is looking a bit shaken at times. I’m expecting Mourinho to start with Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry and Dave (Azpi) in the back four. Would be great to see Zouma get a start but these four have experience in this tie. I’m front of them it would have to be Cesc and Matic (hands down the best midfield combo this season). Mourinho has been starting Mikel instead of Matic in the last few games but it would be absolutely ludicrous to do this. Mikel has had a hot and cold season, probably more cold than hot. He’s played exceptionally in the Champions League and horribly in the Premier League. The three creating magic I front of them quite obviously has to be Hazard, Oscar and Willian. Mourinho might opt for Matic instead of Oscar (if Mikel does start – let’s hope not) as Oscar is still quite small. Up front can only be Chelsea’s “Street fighting man” Diego Costa.
This game is going to be huge. If Chelsea win they go 8 points ahead of City but if City win they close the gap quite substantially.
I had the privilege of being at this game last season and it was incredible. A late winner from Fernando Torres saw Chelsea beat City 2 – 1. I think the score will be the same this season.
Jeremy Proome
January 30, 2015 at 11:58
This really is going to be a season-defining encounter. Mourinho and Pellegrini also have a lot of pride at stake, so tensions will be high. Still no news on Costa’s involvement though. Waiting on a verdict from his appeal http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/2271903/diego-costa-awaits-appeal-verdict-as-chelsea-face-rap-for-media-snub
James
January 30, 2015 at 12:03
Well if he doesn’t play I don’t think that’s an issue. With Drogba and Remy as “back up strikers” I think Chelsea will have great options up front. Andre Schurrle can also play as a striker. It would be nice to see him get some game time.
James
January 30, 2015 at 11:46
I’m keen to see how City do without Yaya Toure in the midfield. They will most likely start Fernando in his place. It would also have been cool to see Bony make his debut but it’s pro better for the Afcon that Ivory Coast are still in the competition.
JHB_Boet
January 30, 2015 at 11:52
It’s about bloody time that some Rugga was on
JHB_Boet
January 30, 2015 at 12:13
The last proper rugby was the 7s
Stevie P
January 30, 2015 at 15:04
No one is going to give away too much. I reckon it’s going to be a second string line up.
Greg K
January 30, 2015 at 11:57
Will be a great idea to get De Kock, Parnell and Phangiso some extra game time before the World Cup. Parnell ended on a high but Phangiso didn’t have a good series against the West Indies. this will be a good test for them before the World Cup in February.
Jay Jay
January 30, 2015 at 11:58
I reckon Lampard is going to score the winner
James
January 30, 2015 at 15:03
Damn…. The ban has gone through, Diego Costa will miss the next 3 games. It’s lame that the FA jump on an independent commission’s ruling after they didn’t see anything wrong with it. Time and time again the FA are always a step behind.
Well I’m fine with either Drogba or Remy starting. I’m sure Drogba will start but it would be great to see Remy start. The pace of Willian and Hazard would complement Remy going forward.