The football weekend is once again packed with matches worth watching. Not just in Belgium but across Europe, top clubs are battling for crucial points in their respective leagues. Read about the most interesting games of this weekend in this article.
Friday, January 17
For Gent, the year began with a disappointing match against Dender. The Buffaloes could only manage a 0-0 draw in 90 minutes. They remain just inside the top six, with local rivals right behind them. This weekend, the Buffaloes have an opportunity to pick up points against Charleroi’s Zebra’s, who currently sit in 9th place. Charleroi will travel without some fans due to issues during a home match against Union. Gent has the home advantage with their supporters, but it remains to be seen if Charleroi will struggle without their usual backing.
Saturday, January 18
For AC Milan, the year began with two important matches. They beat Juventus in the Supercoppa semi-finals but lost to city rivals Inter in the final. This weekend, they face Juventus again, who currently have three points more in Serie A. Juventus aims for a top-four finish, which guarantees a Champions League spot. AC Milan must first climb into the top six to secure a European ticket. Juventus, however, won’t want to lose at home for the second time in two weeks.
On the same day, Beerschot travels to Club Brugge. It’s a tough task for the league’s bottom club, who face the defending champions and second-placed team in the Jupiler Pro League. A draw against local rivals Antwerp likely didn’t boost their confidence much, while Club Brugge secured a convincing 0-3 win against Anderlecht last week. On home turf, the Blauw-Zwart will make life difficult for the Mannekes, though Beerschot might emerge stronger. It was surprising when Beerschot scored the opening goal just 16 seconds into the Antwerp derby.
In Italy, Napoli visits Atalanta. The league leaders aim to extend their lead in Serie A against the Europa League winners. Atalanta, however, wants to solidify their top-four position and will give it their all. This match also sees a thrilling face-off between Romelu Lukaku and Charles De Ketelaere, both enjoying strong seasons in Italy. Their last encounter in Naples ended in a 0-3 loss for Napoli, a heavy blow. The Partenopei will be determined to claim all three points this time.
Sunday, January 19
In the Premier League midtable, Tottenham and Everton face off. Everton is dangerously close to the relegation zone, with only a one-point gap over Wolverhampton and Ipswich. They urgently need to collect points, but Tottenham also has work to do. The Spurs are in 13th place with just 24 points, which is far below expectations for the North London side. To salvage their season, they need to climb the table quickly or perform in the Europa League.
If Union wants to stay in the title race, they need to catch up with Genk and Club Brugge. This weekend’s match against OH Leuven might be the perfect opportunity. Leuven, on the other hand, is inching closer to the relegation zone. It’s tense near the bottom, with teams separated by just one point. The same tight margins apply in the top six, just behind leaders Genk and Club Brugge. Every point will be fiercely contested until the final standings are determined.
A similar story unfolds in Antwerp’s match against Westerlo. The Kemphanen are barely inside the relegation zone, but Cercle Brugge and OH Leuven are just one and two points ahead, respectively. Westerlo will be looking for another upset against a big club, as they played a strong match against Club Brugge in December. Antwerp, however, comes into this game with confidence after a big cup victory against Union.
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