Weekend Watch: A Pat on the Back will do

It is a holiday weekend for those in the United States and the UK, which means we have that much more time available to watch the Beautiful Game. This weekend we see a few cups at stake, drama at the top of the table in Spain, drama at the bottom of the table in Italy, and loads of other games you should keep an eye on.

Saturday

Celtic v Dunfermline – Break out the Haggis! It is time for the Cup Final in Scotland. Celtic have lifted the trophy 33 times. Dunfermline have won it but twice, the last time being in 1968.

VfB Stuttgart v Nurnberg – Break out the Bratwurst! It is time for the German DFB Pokal Final. Bundesliga champions Stuttgart have won it 3 times, the last time being in 1997. Nurnberg have also won it thrice, but not since 1962.

Bristol Rovers v Shrewsbury Town – Break out the Caffeine! It is time for the English League Two Playoffs Final. This one is being played at the new Wembley and undoubtedly will be more fun to watch than the FA Cup. Bristol Rovers have been in League Two since relegation in 2001. Shrewsbury Town have been there since being promoted in 2004. One of these teams goes up, the other stays where they are.

Troyes v Lens – The objective for Lens in the final week of Ligue 1 action is simple. Win against already relegated Troyes and they’ll clinch a Champions League spot. If they draw or lose, they’ll open up the door for Bordeaux who travel to Toulouse. If both Lens and Bodeaux bite the bullet, Rennes could grab the third spot.

Sunday

FC Sevilla v Real Zaragoza – The absurdly close race in Spain sees Barcelona facing Getafe and Real Madrid against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday. Sevilla will have the pressure on Sunday when they take on a Real Zaragoza side that is currently in UEFA Cup position.

Yeovil Town v Blackpool – Wembley is the site of another playoffs final this time for English League One. Yeovil Town look to continue their rise after working their way out of the Conference in 2003. Blackpool haven’t played in the top division since 1970/71. A win today will leave them one league below the top.

Serie A Relegation – There are five teams within danger of landing in the final relegation spot. Sounds like a perfect weekend for Serie A match fixing shenanigans. If it comes down to goal difference Catania Calcio are screwed. They are -24 heading into the week.

Pachuca v América – Two of the heavyweights in Mexico slug it out in the Premier Division Clasura Final. This one should be very, very fun to watch.

Ajax Amsterdam v AZ Alkmaar – A spot in the Champions League is on the line. AZ Alkmaar have a 2-1 advantage from the first leg but will be playing in Amsterdam for the return leg.

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Category: World Football