5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶 | OneFootball

The football season really is approaching the business end now as we take a look at the must-watch fixtures this weekend.

Early El Tráfico showdown

Spice rating: Mild 🌶

We’ve only played five games in the fledgling MLS season but there’s already a blockbuster clash from Los Angeles on Sunday night.

In the fixture known as El Tráfico, one of only two crosstown derbies in the league, LA Galaxy welcome Western Conference table-toppers LAFC across the city.

Although LAFC only entered MLS in 2018 as an expansion team, their rise has been swift and they have won four of their opening five games this season to set the early pace.

But there is one thing they have yet to achieve during that time and it is an away victory in the City of Angels’ big derby. Could this be their moment?

Napoli’s credentials set for tough test

Spice rating: Medium 🌶 🌶

Four years ago, Napoli faced Fiorentina in April in a game that killed off their Scudetto challenge at the final hurdle.

Having won against Juventus in Turin the week before, it put the title in the Partenopei’s hands – only for them to stunningly collapse 3-0 in Florence seven days later.

This time, they take on the Viola hoping that it will continue their building momentum and instead propel them on to ending their long wait for title glory.

After Milan’s slip at home to Bologna last weekend and Napoli’s impressive win in Bergamo, they are again within a point of the league leaders.

This is perhaps the toughest test of Luciano Spalletti’s side’s remaining seven games. A win would be vital.

Turkey’s fieriest fixture returns

Spice rating: Hot 🌶 🌶 🌶

There are some fixtures that will always capture the attention regardless of current form or position.

And Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray in the Intercontinental Derby is undoubtedly one such game.

Neither side are enjoying a vintage campaign, with Fener third and 15 points off Trabzonspor at the top, while Gala are even further back in 13th.

But Istanbul, and Turkey as a whole, will come to a standstill on Sunday night when these two teams meet, with the home side itching more than ever for victory.

Surprisingly, Fenerbahçe’s fearsome fanbase have not enjoyed a victory on their own turf in this fixture since Dirk Kuyt’s late winner in 2015. They will be desperate for that to change.

Union out to land lethal derby blow

Spice rating: Fire 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

It is no exaggeration to say that this is the biggest Berlin city derby ever.

That can be taken literally, in that it will be played in front of a sold out Olympiastadion for the first time in Bundesliga history, but also in terms of its significance.

Home side Hertha have endured a disappointing campaign and go into Saturday evening’s game in the relegation places.

Union have the chance, after suffering in the lower divisions for so long while their rivals have enjoyed top flight and European football, to potentially give Hertha a taste of their past suffering.

A win for the away side, who have marginally had the upper hand in this fixture, would not only keep Felix Magath’s side in serious jeopardy of the drop but also boost Union’s own European hopes. This can’t be missed.

Premier League title showdown

Spice rating: Insane 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

The Premier League’s best two teams, not just this season but for the past five years, lock horns at the Etihad in a huge title decider.

Since the start of the 2017/18 season, City have won a stunning 438 points from 546 on offer, while Liverpool aren’t far behind with 412 – putting them streets ahead of the rest.

During that time frame, they’ve also been the league’s top scorers, conceded the fewest and won the most games. This sees two elite outfits meet with a big prize on offer.

This Sunday evening, they meet in Manchester with the home side just one point ahead atop the table in a game that could play a massive part in determining the destination of the championship.

It looks impossible to call.