Soccer Weekend: Two-Minute Guide to Europe's Biggest Televised Games
By Mike Cardillo
European soccer is all over American television these days. Here’s a quick primer for what’s on and worth watching this weekend:
Saturday:
* 10 a.m. Everton vs. Burnley (NBCSN) — The best of a bad lot of early-morning EPL games. Burnley needs wins, fast, to avoid relegation. Everton features U.S. keeper Tim Howard and his beard.
* 10 a.m. Barcelona vs. Valencia (beIN) — Thanks to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez Barcelona can claim the banner of best team in the world, however due to a hiccup last week the Blaugrana’s lead in La Liga is down to two points over Real Madrid. Valencia sits in fourth place, so it shouldn’t be a total walkover for Luis Enrique’s team, which is fresh off a 3-1 win over PSG in the Champions League.
* 12:20 p.m. FA Cup Semifinal, Reading vs. Arsenal (Fox) — The pomp and pageantry of England’s FA Cup is sometimes lost on American audiences, but this is a semifinal at Wembley and that usually leads to a good occasion. Reading is 18th in the Championship (second division) but the Royals have advanced in the knockout competition. Arsenal, the defending FA Cup champs, has won eight straight in the Premier League. American international Danny Williams plays for Reading. Rooting against Arsenal to fail in a high-profile spot became a cottage industry over the last decade, but this team is full of likable players for the most part, making it difficult.
* 12:30 p.m. Chelsea vs. Manchester United (NBC) — Chelsea are seven points up on Arsenal with a game in hand, meaning the Blues have the EPL title essentially wrapped up. Even so, this is still a worthwhile game given Manchester United’s excellent recent form and the fact its two of the marquee teams in the league facing off. Away from the game itself, it’s interesting both network NBC and Fox will have English games head-to-head, meaning each network’s approach toward covering the sport will be on full display for audiences to dissect. My guess, Chelsea/Manchester United will get a better rating. The FA Cup is more prestigious, but there simply aren’t very many Reading fans in America.
* 2 p.m. Real Madrid vs. Malaga (beIN) — Can Ronaldo & Co. keep pace? There are six rounds of La Liga matches remaining after this one.
* 4 p.m. Juventus vs. Lazio (beIN, delayed) — No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the Italian Serie A standings sounds nice on paper, until you realize Juventus owns a 12-point lead and will have its attention firmly on the second-leg of its Champions League quarterfinal against Monaco on Wednesday.
Sunday
* 8:30 a.m. Manchester City vs. West Ham United (NBCSN) — The Manuel Pellegrini passion play continues. City will need all three points from the match to remain in the Top Four.
* 10 a.m. Liverpool vs. Aston Villa (FS1) — The other FA Cup semifinal. Liverpool’s season has sputtered, of late, but Brendan Rodgers team can still win a trophy. Stopping a rejuvenated Christian Benteke and the powers of Aston Villa’s bro-y manager, Tim Sherwood will be imperative. Expect lots of talk on the commentary about Raheem Sterling’s on-going contract saga.
* 11:30 a.m. Wolfsburg vs. Schalke o4 (GolTV) — If you’re in the mood for some German Bundesliga action … you’re in luck!
[As always, consult your local listings.]