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Following a crazy midweek schedule in European football, another installment of weekend league fixtures is upon us.
All the major leagues are now a few games into their 2021-22 season and steadily gathering momentum.
But the upcoming set of clashes is only going to add more fuel to the fire as we have some really incredible match-ups in store.
Ahead of the highly anticipated kick-off, let's look at the five big matches you should be following this Saturday and Sunday.
#5 Lazio vs AS Roma (Serie A)
The Rome derby is quite underrated. It never gets as much attention as other major derbies in Europe's top five leagues, but that doesn't mean it's not worth looking forward to.
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In fact, it's quite the opposite. Lazio and AS Roma share a fierce rivalry, fueled further by fanatic ultras. They turn the match into a spectacle with their raucous support from the stands.
The Derby della Capitale this weekend, the 177th in official games, is particularly enticing as both sides are currently on a tear, scoring 12 times each.
Le Aquile have been a fearsome attacking outfit for quite some time now. But the arrival of Jose Mourinho has turned the Giallorossi into one too, spearheaded by Tammy Abraham.
He'll come up against another prolific striker, Ciro Immobile, in what could be a fiery key battle between them. Meanwhile Pedro gears up to face his former side Roma this weekend for the first time since leaving in the summer.
A nail-biter clash.
#4 Real Madrid vs Villarreal (La Liga)
Real Madrid and Villarreal are currently on a contrasting run of form.
Los Blancos are leading the pack with five wins in six games and a ridiculous 21 goals scored. Meanwhile, the Yellow Submarine are languishing below mid-table, having won only once so far.
So, it should be straight-forward for Carlo Ancelotti's men and hence not that exciting, right? Get this - of the last eight clashes between the sides, Madrid have won only thrice, drawing four times.
Villarreal, right since their promotion to the Spanish top-flight in 2013, have been a bogey team for Real Madrid. Hence, Los Blancos won't be taking anything for granted this weekend.
#3 Inter Milan vs Atalanta (Serie A)
The two highest scoring Serie A teams from last season, Inter Milan and Atalanta, have arguably been the most exciting sides to watch in recent years.
While the Nerazzurri successfully ended Juventus' dominance to clinch their first Scudetto in 11 years, Gli Orobici have caught everyone's imagination with a fiery brand of football.
The re-emergence of both these sides in recent years has sparked a new rivalry in the Italian top-flight. We're all so much better for it as the fixture never fails to deliver.
Inter, despite losing some of their key figures in the summer, are going strong and look set for another sustained title assault.
But their Bergamo rivals have been struggling lately, especially due to an uncharacteristic lack of firepower that has seen them score only six times in five games.
#2 Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
About a thousand miles away from Rome, there's another enticing derby to watch out for. Fallen giants Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur clash in their 204th North London derby.
In recent years it has been unlike the duels of the past which promised goals galore and nail-biting moments. It's now become an ordinary fixture between two sides who've seen a precipitous decline in form. But you still get to witness some good moments like Erik Lamela's rabona goal last season before getting sent off.
Last season, both capital clubs finished outside the top six places in the league for the first time in 15 years. Even though Spurs started well in terms of wins, neither team has really been impressive on the pitch so far in the new campaign either.
Their upcoming clash, however, will be a test of what direction these clubs are headed in.
#1 Chelsea vs Manchester City (Premier League)
The reigning European champions meet the reigning Premier League champions for the first time since their showpiece Champions League clash in Porto in May.
The excitement is palpable, with everyone eagerly waiting to see what Pep Guardiola has in store for Chelsea this season. The Blues had their numbers last season, defeating Manchester City on three consecutive occasions.
Both teams have made a good start to the new season. Although Thomas Tuchel's side are still unbeaten, a distinction held only by Manchester United and Liverpool besides them after five games.
Despite having an enviable attacking unit spearheaded by returning hero Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea have scored just one goal more than City. This is even after the Cityzens only have one recognized striker in their squad.
However, both teams have conceded just one goal each, the best defensive record in the league. So don't expect a goal-fest, although it's going to be an intense tactical battle.
