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What to Watch: Another Thrilling Football Weekend on the Cards

football11 April 2025 09:30| © SuperSport
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© SuperSport

ALL is set for an electrifying weekend of football action as the race for glory heats up across Europe’s top leagues and South Africa’s premier cup competition.

Whether you're a fan of Spanish LaLiga, the Premier League, Italian Serie A, or the Nedbank Cup, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a rundown of the key matches you won’t want to miss, all available live on SuperSport.

Liverpool are ALL fired up to take one step closer to the title
- Premier League: Liverpool v West Ham
- Sunday 13 April | 3pm (CAT)

An electrifying clash awaits at Anfield as Liverpool take on West Ham United! The Reds have been a fortress at home, losing just one of their last 57 encounters against the Hammers in all competitions. With a stunning record of 42 wins and 14 draws, Liverpool have triumphed in their last nine home games against West Ham.

West Ham, on the other hand, have struggled against Liverpool in recent years. Since their Premier League double over the Reds in the 2015/16 season, they've managed just one win in their last 17 league meetings. However, Graham Potter's men will be looking to break their four-game winless streak in the Premier League and make a statement.

Liverpool have already thrashed West Ham twice this season, scoring five goals in both the EFL Cup and Premier League. No English top-flight team has ever achieved this feat three times in a single season, and the Reds will be eager to set a new record.

Anfield has been a fortress for Liverpool, with the team winning each of their last five Premier League games at home. They've secured 11 victories in their 13 home league matches since their last defeat to Nottingham Forest in September. Luis Díaz has been in scintillating form, contributing to goals in each of his last four Premier League appearances.

Mohamed Salah will be looking to end his goal drought, having gone four games without a goal or assist. Meanwhile, Graham Potter's unbeaten run at Anfield adds an intriguing subplot to this encounter.

Los Blancos going ALL out to bounce back from defeat
- LaLiga: Alaves v Real Madrid
- Sunday 13 April | 4:15pm (CAT)

Historically, Alavés have struggled against the mighty Whites, winning only four of their 37 LaLiga encounters (D2 L31). However, recent history shows they can occasionally pull off a surprise, with two wins in their last 11 meetings.

Alavés have found some spark lately, winning two of their last four LaLiga matches (D1 L1). This is a significant improvement under Eduardo Coudet, who previously managed just one win in 11 games (D6 L4).

Real Madrid, despite their dominance, have shown vulnerability, losing three of their last nine LaLiga matches (W4 D2). This is a stark contrast to their previous 62 league games, where they only suffered three defeats (W46 D13).

Real Madrid have won their last four away games against Alavés and could make history by becoming only the second team to win five consecutive visits to Vitoria, following Osasuna's six straight wins from 2006 to 2023.

While Alavés have shown signs of improvement, Real Madrid's historical dominance and recent form make them the favourites. But in football, anything can happen, and Alavés will be hoping to leverage their home advantage and recent positive results to challenge the visitors.

ALL eyes on how United play in a tough test at Newcastle
- Premier League: Newcastle v Manchester United
- Sunday 13 April | 5:30pm (CAT)

Newcastle are on the brink of history, aiming to complete their first league double over Manchester United since the 1930-31 campaign. Their confidence is sky-high following a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford in December.

Man United, on the other hand, are struggling with their away form, having lost their last two Premier League games at Newcastle. They haven't faced three consecutive defeats at St. James' Park since 1969-1970. Newcastle have dominated recent encounters, winning four of their last five meetings in all competitions, a stark contrast to their previous 41 clashes.

Interestingly, Newcastle's last eight victories over Manchester United have all been to nil. They haven't won a single game against the Red Devils when conceding since a memorable 4-3 victory in September 2001. A win for Newcastle would make them the fourth team to achieve the Premier League double over Manchester United this season, a feat not seen since 1957/58.

Man United's offensive woes continue, failing to score in 12 different Premier League games this season, the most since 1989/90. Newcastle, meanwhile, have been in fine form, winning 11 of their last 15 league games. Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been underwhelming, averaging just 1.15 points per game, one of the lowest in the club's history.

ALL to play for in the Nedbank Cup
- Nedbank Cup| Mamelodi Sundowns v Kaizer Chiefs
- Sunday 13 April | 6pm (CAT)

Prepare for an electrifying clash as Mamelodi Sundowns host Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semifinal on Sunday, April 13. The AmaKhosi are determined to end their decade-long trophy drought, but the Sundowns stand in their way with a formidable record.

This marks their first Nedbank Cup meeting since the competition's inaugural year, where Sundowns triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout and went on to lift the trophy. Here’s what you need to know ahead of this highly anticipated match:

These two giants will clash for the fourth time this season. Sundowns have dominated the previous encounters, winning both league matches (2-1 and 1-0) and a resounding 4-0 victory in the Carling Knockout. With no secrets left between them, it’s all about who executes their game plan better on the day.

Sundowns have not lost to Chiefs in their last 12 meetings, a streak dating back to 2021. They’ve won nine of those matches, including some emphatic victories (5-1, 4-0). However, Chiefs still lead the overall head-to-head with 41 wins to Sundowns' 38, and 32 draws. The goal tally is neck-and-neck, with Chiefs scoring 125 and Sundowns 124.

Namibian striker Peter Shalulile has been a thorn in Chiefs' side, scoring eight goals in these fixtures, surpassing the previous record held by Lovemore Chafunya. Shalulile’s impressive tally includes goals from 10 starts and one substitute appearance. He also netted twice for Highlands Park against Chiefs, making him a player to watch.

This semifinal promises to be a thrilling encounter with high stakes and intense rivalry. Who will emerge victorious and move one step closer to lifting the Nedbank Cup? Don’t miss it!

ALL roads lead to the Derby della Capitale
- Serie A: Lazio v Roma
- Sunday 13 April | 8:45pm (CAT)

This Sunday, the Stadio Olimpico will be the stage for a thrilling Rome derby as Claudio Ranieri leads AS Roma in a crucial clash against Lazio. With Champions League aspirations on the line, this match promises to be a spectacle of passion, strategy, and high stakes.

Both Roma and Lazio are in the thick of the battle for the remaining Champions League spots. Inter Milan and Napoli are vying for the Scudetto, leaving a fierce competition for the other two places in Europe's elite club competition.

Roma currently sit seventh, two points behind sixth-placed Lazio, with seven matches left in the season. The Giallorossi have been unbeaten in the league since a disappointing defeat at Como in mid-December.

Lazio, on the other hand, are riding high after an impressive victory against former title contenders Atalanta. Marco Baroni's side is right back in the top four picture, just two points behind fourth-placed Bologna. With a tight cluster of teams from third to eighth separated by only six points, every match is crucial.

This derby is more than just a battle for bragging rights in the Eternal City. It's a pivotal moment in the race for European football. Both teams have everything to play for, and the outcome could have significant implications for their seasons.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, fans on both sides are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable clash.

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