Football fans head into every season eagerly anticipating the big matches. These could be local derbies or rivalries which have built up over time. With the big leagues, Champions League and qualifications games for UEFA Euro 2020, there is no shortage of games for the football enthusiasts out there.
The UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying games is kicking off in March 2019 and will lead to a UEFA European Championship co-hosted by 12 countries. From a supporter perspective, it will without a doubt be interesting to see if the fans will be discouraged to support their teams playing in countries like Russia, Azerbaijan and Hungary, as English fans raised their concern of safety for the 2018 World Cup.
With the current 2018/19 campaign heading into the Christmas period already, people will have an idea on what games they’d like to see next season, whether it’s based on the games played this campaign or simply through rivalry. We’ve picked out a few of the best fixtures below.
England vs France
England have been a work in progress under Gareth Southgate, enjoying a very impressive World Cup campaign in Russia. They made it to the semi finals before being ousted by Croatia, with the Croats then going on to be beaten by France in the final. It would be a real test for England against France as it would show them exactly where they rank in world football, while France could also use it as a marker to show that they’re still the best around. A match between the two giants during the Euro qualifications or playoffs would be on of the most exciting games to follow on an international level.
Manchester City vs Liverpool
Arguably two of the most potent attacking forces in world football right now. Many would suggest Liverpool are City’s closest rivals in the Premier League title race, especially as their attacking trio of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane can cause any team problems. City are blessed with an enormous amount of talent all over the park, but Jurgen Klopp keeps improving Liverpool, and next season he could have them primed for overthrowing Pep’s side from their Premier League throne.
Spurs vs Arsenal
Spurs are still waiting to move into their new home, with no official moving in date yet announced. As a team, they’re ticking along nicely once again, but you’d imagine they will start to spend money as their rivals continue to spend and leave them behind.
Arsenal, Spurs’ North London rivals, look a rejuvenated side under Unai Emery, and you’d imagine after a couple more transfer windows that they’ll be an even stronger outfit. While the balance may have shifted over the last few years in North London, could it be about to shift again? It will probably come down to who spends best.
Juventus vs Manchester United
Manchester United and Jose always seem to come in for criticism, you’d say fairly at times, but they’ve shown that they can still mix it with the best already this season. In the Champions League, they headed off to Turin for a huge tie against Juventus, falling behind to a Cristiano Ronaldo strike just after the hour mark. However, Juan Mata and an own goal in the final four minutes saw United leave Italy with a memorable victory, and Mourinho well and truly stoked the flames at full time on the pitch. If these footballing giants meet again in the Champions League next season, it will have the feel of a grudge match for sure.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
This season has been nothing short of a disaster for Real Madrid so far, with them already having to replace manager Julen Loptegui. They’re off the pace in La Liga and succumbed to a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of bitter rivals Barcelona. Barca, as you’d expect, are going well and are currently sat at the top of the table looking good for the title. The 5-1 defeat will live long in the memory of everyone connected with Real Madrid, and they’ll be keen to avenge that humiliation next season, where you’d expect Real to be back closer to the levels they’ve produced over the last few years.
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