What to Watch: A weekend of cup drama and league showdowns

With the Premier League on pause for FA Cup action, English teams will be fighting for a place in the next round. But across the globe, it’s business as usual in the top leagues.

In South Africa, the headline clash in the Betway Premiership sees Mamelodi Sundowns hosting Kaizer Chiefs in a must-watch encounter. Meanwhile, in Spain, Real Madrid travel to face Real Betis, while Barcelona welcome Real Sociedad to the Camp Nou.

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ALL systems go for a classic PSL fixture

Betway Premiership: Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs

Saturday 1 March | 3:30pm (CAT)

Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs will face off at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Tshwane on Saturday afternoon, with the Brazilians looking to tighten their grip on the league title.

Already 15 points ahead of second-placed Orlando Pirates, Miguel Cardoso’s side secured their 17th win in 19 matches with a 4-2 victory over Sekhukhune United on Wednesday.

Chiefs, meanwhile, are desperate for a response after their crushing 4-1 defeat to SuperSport United on February 18. They also have an 11-match winless streak against Sundowns to break – adding extra urgency to their challenge.

Ironically, taking points off the log leaders would boost Pirates’ title hopes, highlighting just how tough this season has been for the Amakhosi.

ALL eyes on a huge game in the title race

Serie A: Napoli v Inter Milan

Saturday 1 March | 7pm(CAT)

Saturday's key Serie A title clash with Inter Milan couldn't have come at a worse time for Napoli as the former league leaders struggle through their worst form of the season.

Trailing Inter by a point after conceding top spot in limp fashion at Como last weekend, Napoli host Inter in Naples without a win in February and looking over their shoulders at dark horses Atalanta.

Napoli, who gave up a league lead they had held since late September with their 2-1 lakeside defeat, have picked up just three points this month and have developed a worrying tendency to throw away points from winning positions.

Conte described his team's performance at Como as "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" after a dire second-half display which led to Napoli's fourth match in a row without a win and a defeat which allowed Inter to sneak up to the summit.

Real need to give their ALL in a tough away game

LaLiga: Real Betis v Real Madrid

Saturday 1 March | 7:30pm (CAT

Real Betis are winless in their last nine LaLiga matches against Real Madrid (D5 L4), their longest drought against Los Blancos since a 12-game run between 2002 and 2007 (D6 L6).

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have dominated recent visits to Betis, losing just once in their last 10 away league meetings (W6 D3) — a 2-1 defeat in March 2020. However, they have drawn their last two trips to the Benito Villamarín and haven’t recorded three straight away draws against Betis since October 2004.

Interestingly, five of the last 11 LaLiga clashes between these sides have ended 0-0 (W4 D6 L1) — at least three more goalless draws than Madrid have had against any other opponent in that period (Osasuna, Villarreal, and Real Sociedad have two each).

Betis come into this clash with momentum, having won their last two LaLiga matches — as many as in their previous 12 combined (W2 D5 L5). They are now aiming for three consecutive league wins for the first time since February 2023.

On the other hand, Madrid have struggled on the road lately, failing to win either of their last two away games (D1 L1). They haven’t gone three straight LaLiga away matches without a win in the same season since May 2023 (L3).

Barca going ALL out to stay on top

LaLiga: Barcelona v Real Sociedad

Sunday 2 March | 5:15pm (CAT)

Barcelona have won 25 of their last 26 home games against Real Sociedad in LaLiga (L1), including 20 of their 21 home matches in the competition in the 21st Century. Only against Athletic Club (21) have they won more home league games in this period (20 against Sevilla).

Real Sociedad have won two of their last four LaLiga games against Barcelona (L2), one more than in their previous 16 meetings in the competition (W1 D2 L13).

Barcelona have scored in each of their last 37 home games against Real Sociedad in LaLiga (87 goals in total), their third-longest home scoring streak against the same opponent in the competition's history (40 against Athletic Club between 1986 and 2024, and 45 against Celta Vigo between 1942 and 2014).

Barcelona have won five consecutive LaLiga games for the second time this season, after winning in each of the first seven matchdays of 2024-25 between August and September.

Real Sociedad have won two of their last three LaLiga matches (L1), twice as many wins as in their previous six games in the competition (W1 D1 L4), although they are on their worst away run of defeats in the top-flight (L4) since February 2018 under Eusebio Sacristán (L4).

ALL to play for in the FA Cup

Emirates FA Cup: Manchester United v Fulham

Sunday 2 March | 6:30pm (CAT)

As Manchester United prepare to face Fulham in the FA Cup, all eyes will be on Bruno Fernandes, a player who has consistently delivered in the competition.

The Portuguese playmaker has been directly involved in 11 goals across his last 11 FA Cup appearances, scoring seven times and providing four assists. Remarkably, he has only failed to register a goal contribution in two of those matches, underlining his importance in knockout ties.

Fernandes’ creativity and goal-scoring threat will be crucial as United aim to progress further in the tournament. With his ability to dictate play, deliver precise passes, and strike from distance, he remains a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s attacking setup.

Fulham, however, will be determined to frustrate the Red Devils and pull off an upset. Marco Silva’s side have shown resilience this season, and with a well-organised defensive unit, they will be looking to contain Fernandes while exploiting any weaknesses in United’s backline.

Can Fernandes continue his FA Cup magic, or will Fulham find a way to neutralise his influence? Expect an intense battle as both teams fight for a spot in the next round.