5 Sports Matches You Need to Watch This Weekend

The weekend is here, which means there are some massive sporting clashes for you take note of. From European rugby giants clashing, long-time cricket rivals going head-to-head, and Premier League battles, we’ve rounded up what you need to know about the incoming fixtures.

South Africa vs England (Test Series – 4th Test)

Friday, 10:00

South Africa and England face off in the fourth and final game of the four-Test series at the SuperSport Park in Centurion from January 22, 2016. Although, the final game has been stamped as a dead-rubber with England having already won the Test series 2-0; South Africa, on the other hand, will play to ensure they are successful in salvaging some pride. Many have stressed on the fact that South Africa’s sole loss of the series was Dale Steyn’s absence. Obviously, Steyn has been leading the pack and to lose such a player at a critical juncture was a big blow for the Proteas. In the final test again, South Africa will be without their premium attacker Steyn, who is yet to recover fully from the shoulder injury.

Toulouse v Saracens (European Champions Cup rugby)

Saturday, 15:00

Saracens top the group by some distance while Toulouse are stone last. Saracens beaten just once this season, are buoyed by a scintillating performance by Owen Farrell when they beat Ulster 33-17 last week. Saracens have been ruthlessly efficient and they have been as difficult to break down away as they have been at home. Toulouse are European aristocrats but they have fallen on lean times. Still, they will be tough to beat at home but Saracens are more than capable.

Leicester vs Stoke (Premier League Football)

Saturday, 17:00

Leicester only trail Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal on goal difference, but have managed just one victory from their last five top-flight fixtures. A combined 28 league goals from Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy have been pivotal to their strong campaign so far, but neither player has scored or provided an assist since the 3-2 win at Everton on 19 December. However, Hughes insists Leicester must be treated with respect as they are title challengers on merit, though he is confident of Stoke’s chances after seeing his side hold Arsenal to a 0-0 draw on Sunday.

Bath v Toulon (European Champions Cup rugby)

Saturday, 17:15

Toulon are top of the pool by a point and still have to secure qualification for the next round. They were involved in an arm wrestle before Drew Mitchell scored a last minute try to secure them a 15-11 victory over the hitherto unbeaten Wasps last week. Toulon still have a lot to play for but Bath are out of contention. Bath’s defence has been as good as that of Toulon and Wasps and the French side will have a battle on their hands. They will however be hungrier for the win.

Arsenal vs Chelsea (Premier League Football)

Sunday, 18:00

Chelsea’s hopes of retaining their Premier League title may have long since gone, but they could yet deliver a major blow to Arsenal’s hopes of ending their long championship drought. A massive 19 points and 13 places improbably separate the two London rivals going into Sunday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium, but a victory would see the league leaders clear a lofty physical and psychological hurdle en route to what Arsenal hope will be a title party in May.

Which big sports encounter are you most excited about this weekend? Comment below and tweet us @MenStuffZA to let us know…