What to Watch This Weekend: The Eternal Derby

By: Daryl | October 3rd, 2008

GAME OF THE WEEK:

Serbian Superliga - Red Star Belgrade vs Partizan Belgrade
When: Sunday, October 5, 17:00 CET
Where: Stadion Crvena Zvezda, Belgrade

Why: One of the most heated, violent and dynamic derbies in world football, this one’s extra special because of all the recent happenings in Belgrade. Partizan, last year’s title holders, are doing quite dandily, sitting in first place after 6 games. Red Star, on the other hand, has been marred by poor performances (culminating with the firing of coach Zdenek Zeman early in September), and could find themselves slipping out of the title hunt with a loss.

But their on-the-field troubles pale in comparison to the controversies off: they’ve come under heavy fire after their players wore t-shirts supporting their ultra convicted of attempted murder on a police officer; their bank accounts are frozen due to unpaid debts; and hooligans have attacked club suits and players alike, slapping one winger in the face at practice.

Can’t say I’d want to be there (at least not without Kevlar), but this is certainly one of the most intriguing games every year in football. Must see.

Streaming: Here
Video of crazy fans: Below…

Finally, click here for more images of Red Star vs Partizan games.

Premier League - Chelsea vs Aston Villa
When: Sunday, October 5, 1500 GMT
Where: Stamford Bridge, London
Why: Not traditional big four encounter, but it’s first versus third in the Premier League. Chelsea have injuries, Villa have the only 100% consistent first XI in the Premier League. Also, it was 4-4 last season.
Streaming: Here
Betting: Here

African Champions League - Dynamos vs Cotonsport Garoua
When: Sunday, October 5, 1500 GMT
Where: Rufaro Stadium, Harare
Why: Zimbabwean Dynamos have overcome all kinds of adversity to make it to the semis. If you like heartwarming underdog stories, then this is the game for you. Unless they lose.

La Liga - Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
When: Saturday, October 4, 2200 CET
Where: Camp Nou
Why: Barcelona have found something resembling form recently, even though it mostly involves Leo Messi scoring deep into added time. Atletico are down in seventh but have caught the eye, and will likely come to the Camp Nou ready to attack. Because if Sergio Aguero played for your team you’d attack too.
Streaming: Here

Bundesliga - Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen
When: Saturday, October 4, 15:30 CET
Where: Mercedes Benz Arena, Stuttgart
Why: Because Werder Bremen are always worth watching.
Streaming: Here
Betting: Here

MLS - Columbus Crew vs LA Galaxy
When: Saturday, October 4, 1930 EST
Where: Columbus Crew Stadium
Why: It’s D-Day for Beckham, Donovan and the rest of the Galaxy. If they lose in Columbus they can pretty much kiss their MLS playoff hopes buh-bye.
Streaming: Here

Know of any other big games from around the world this weekend? Share the knowledge in the comments.