5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶 | OneFootball

The men’s club football season may be on an international break but there are still plenty of interesting fixtures taking place across the goal this weekend.

It’s time to take a look at the spiciest.

Denmark v France

Reigning Nations League holders and defending world champions France’s recent preparations for Qatar aren’t going well.

And prior to the World Cup, there is the potential this weekend that they could suffer the ignominy of League A relegation in UEFA’s newest international competition.

They were winless in their previous four before finally snapping that streak on Thursday with victory over Austria and nothing less than that will do in Denmark.

If France fail to win and Ralf Rangnick’s Austria come out on top against Croatia, the defending champions will be relegated from the top tier.

It is poised perfectly, particularly after Andreas Cornelius’s heroics inspired the Danes to a smash-and-grab win in Paris in their previous meeting.

Spice rating: Mild 🌶

Liverpool Women v Everton Women

After a two-year absence from the Women’s Super League, Liverpool are back among the big time once more.

And their comeback also heralds the return of the Merseyside derby which will be contested at Anfield on Sunday night.

Katie Stengel’s double gave the newly-promoted side a shock win over Chelsea on the opening weekend, while a Lisa Evans goal sank the Toffees against West Ham.

It is the first derby to take place at Anfield since 2019 and on that occasion, over 23,000 fans attended to see Everton pick up a narrow win.

That figure is set to be eclipsed in a captivating clash that has been too long in the making.

Spice rating: Medium 🌶 🌶

Scotland v Republic of Ireland

Despite the Celtic cousins moniker that often accompanies this fixture, it always carries a degree of spice when these nations meet.

And they do so at Hampden Park on Saturday night in a game which could have major consequences for both in the Nations League.

Scotland pulled off a stunning performance on Wednesday night as they dismantled Ukraine 3-0 and if they can replicate that and win again, they will be promoted this weekend – if Ukraine fail to win in Armenia earlier.

The visitors need a win to remain in promotion contention (and rely on results elsewhere) but anything else could see them remain in danger of relegation ahead of their final fixture against Armenia next week.

Ireland’s stirring and unexpected 3-0 triumph in Dublin in June sets the stage for this one with the Scotland camp already talking of revenge and Stephen Kenny’s side determined to show that result and performance was no flash in the pan.

Spice rating: Hot 🌶 🌶 🌶

Arsenal Women v Tottenham Women

Not only is this fiery north London derby set to be a big occasion on the field, it is in line to make history off it too.

An attendance figure of over 50,000 is expected at the Emirates Stadium, which would set a new WSL record if that is the case.

And those who do have the hottest ticket in the capital this weekend will be treated to a superb spectacle.

Both sides were victorious in their opening games, although the Gunners were most impressive on matchday one, shooting to the top of the table by blitzing Brighton for four.

And they have also never been beaten by their rivals in competitive action. Can Spurs finally end that hoodoo in front of a record-setting crowd?

Spice rating: Fire 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Italy v England

This repeat of last year’s Euro 2020 final promises fireworks in Milan.

Neither side has built upon their respective runs to Wembley, with Italy infamously failing to qualify for the World Cup once again and England being humiliated by Hungary home and away.

Those displays mean that Gareth Southgate’s side now have no margin for error at San Siro and must win to avoid suffering a first Nations League relegation.

Italy, who drew in England on their previous meeting in this competition, can still keep their finals qualification hopes alive, starting with a victory in this one.

With pressure on both coaches and fans of each nation frustrated by recent fortunes, there is more than just Group A3 points at stake in this one.

Spice rating: Insane 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶