5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶 | OneFootball

What a weekend we have to look forward to in the footballing calendar.

Here are fixtures outside of the Premier League to look out for.

Sunderland v Middlesbrough

We’ve been without the Newcastle and Sunderland derby in the Premier League for some time but we can’t diminish another North East derby in the Championship.

Sunderland v Middlesbrough doesn’t hold the same bite as the other clash but these are still two teams that don’t particularly like each other very much.

The compelling aspect about this weekend’s clash is both teams go into it with every chance of earning promotion to the top flight with Middlesbrough flying high under the stewardship of former Manchester United player Michael Carrick.

Boro have lost just one of Carrick’s 12 games in charge, the first, and go into this meeting in the playoffs while their hosts are just three points away from breaking into the top six.

Maybe there will be a North East derby in the Premier League next season after all.

Spice rating: Mild 🌶

Athletic Club v Real Madrid

Real Madrid aren’t quite the same Real Madrid in 2023 as they were in 2022.

A 2-1 defeat to Villarreal was followed by a tepid fight put up in the Supercopa de España final defeat to Barcelona.

It looked as if that poor form was continuing for the majority of their Copa del Rey clash with Villarreal on Thursday, falling 2-0 behind at half time and looking capable of shipping more goals.

But Carlo Ancelotti’s men showed their mettle to come back and win 3-2, they will be burning to get back out on the pitch and sort out their LaLiga form.

A boisterous San Mames awaits to put Real’s mentality to the test.

Spice rating: Medium 🌶 🌶

Hibernian v Hearts

Scotland isn’t all about Celtic v Rangers you know.

There’s enough heat and spite between two teams from Edinburgh to keep you entertained this weekend, no doubt about it but Easter Road will be at full pelt.

A local derby in the Scottish Cup fourth round? Sign us up.

Spice rating: Hot 🌶 🌶 🌶

Juventus v Atalanta

Juventus’ surprise title tilt took a massive blow last Friday when they were put to the sword in the 5-1 defeat to Napoli.

Max Allegri’s side hadn’t conceded in eight games leading up to that loss and were building up enough steam to be considered back amongst the title race

The Old Lady will be looking to get back on the horse right away, and they have a mouth-watering fixture ahead of them on Sunday.

Atalanta are looking like Atalanta again, having scored 13 goals in their last two games including that 8-2 win over Salernitana last time out.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will jump above Juventus with a win and suddenly be in with a shot of catching the league leaders themselves.

This one could go either way, get the popcorn ready.

Spice rating: Fire 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Feyenoord v Ajax

It’s De Klassieker time, and there is something special building at De Kuip.

Feyenoord go into this game in an unusual position – better off than their most hated rivals Ajax.

Arne Slot’s side lead the Eredivisie going into this weekend five points ahead of the champions as they look to win the title for the first time since 2017.

Ajax look in the midst of a mess currently having not won in their last five games and finding themselves five points behind the league leaders.

Feyenoord haven’t got the better of Ajax since 2019 but there is a feeling they can land a blow this weekend.

Will they finally get one over the enemy or will Ajax save their season?

Spice rating: Insane 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶