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WHAT TO WATCH: ALL set for another classic football show

rugby24 January 2025 07:45
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Another action-packed football bonanza awaits this weekend on SuperSport! Fans are in for a treat as the world’s best leagues deliver high-stakes showdowns, unforgettable moments, and gripping narratives that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

Whether it’s title races heating up, underdog stories unfolding, or tactical masterclasses on display, this is a weekend no football enthusiast will want to miss.

Here is a selection of our matches to watch this weekend, all to be televised live on SuperSport.

Premier League: Liverpool v Ipswich
Saturday, 25 January | 5pm (CAT)

All eyes will be on the league leaders as Liverpool aim to secure another three points against Ipswich. The Reds have dominated this fixture recently, winning their last three league meetings with Ipswich by an aggregate score of 13-0. They last won four consecutive league matches against the Tractor Boys between 1963 and 1969.

However, Ipswich have defied the odds at Anfield in the past, winning two of their last three away league games against Liverpool, despite failing to win any of their first 27 visits (D8 L19). Their most recent visit, though, ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat in 2002.

Liverpool are formidable at home, winning their last 10 Premier League matches against promoted teams with a combined score of 34-7. They are unbeaten in 17 league games (W12 D5), with their only loss this season coming in September against Nottingham Forest. Manager Arne Slot now holds the longest unbeaten start to a Football League season for a Liverpool manager since William Edward Barclay in 1893-94.

 

 

Statistically, Liverpool boast the highest xG in the league this season (50.2), while Ipswich have the second-highest xG against (45.8), highlighting the challenge for the visitors.

Serie A: Napoli v Juventus
Saturday, 25 January | 7pm (CAT)

Napoli continue their push for the Serie A title when they host Juventus, with manager Antonio Conte facing his former club. Conte, a legend at Juventus as both a player and a coach, will aim to end Juve’s unbeaten league run and solidify Napoli’s lead at the top of the table.

Conte achieved great success with Juventus, winning five Serie A titles and the Champions League as a player, and guiding them to an unbeaten league season in 2011-12 as manager. Now at Napoli, he is targeting similar achievements after seeing off third-placed Atalanta last weekend in a thrilling 3-2 win.

With Inter three points behind Napoli (and holding a game in hand), the title race has narrowed to two contenders. Napoli’s recent performances show they have the resilience needed to claim the Scudetto, with Conte’s tactical expertise proving to be a key factor.

Premier League: Manchester City v Chelsea

Saturday, 25 January | 7:30pm (CAT)

An all-important clash unfolds at the Etihad as Manchester City host Chelsea. City are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League meetings with Chelsea (W5 D2), but Chelsea remain above them in the table at this stage of the season for the first time since 2016-17.

Chelsea have struggled defensively at the Etihad, keeping just one clean sheet in their last 16 visits while failing to score on seven occasions. Despite a recent dip in form, City have picked up momentum with three wins in their last four league matches, scoring 14 goals in that run.

However, City have lost their last three Premier League matches immediately following midweek European fixtures, a worrying trend they’ll look to reverse. Chelsea, on the other hand, are winless in their last three away league games (D2 L1) and have struggled to replicate their earlier attacking form.

LaLiga: Real Valladolid v Real Madrid

Saturday, 25 January | 10pm (CAT)

League leaders Real Madrid visit Real Valladolid as they aim to extend their stay at the top. Real Valladolid have lost their last six matches against Los Blancos in LaLiga without scoring, their longest scoreless run against them in the competition.

Real Madrid have also dominated recent visits to Valladolid, winning their last four away matches and scoring in their last seven. Valladolid, however, are in strong form at home, winning their last two LaLiga matches without conceding. A third consecutive home win would mark their best streak since 2022.

Madrid are looking to secure a fourth straight league win for the second time this season, having last achieved the feat in September.

Nedbank Cup: Richards Bay v Orlando Pirates

Sunday, 26 January | 3pm (CAT)

Orlando Pirates begin their Nedbank Cup title defense with a tricky away fixture against Richards Bay. This is the first Nedbank Cup meeting between the two teams, but their recent encounters in other competitions suggest a tight affair.

 

 

Richards Bay knocked Pirates out of the League Cup quarterfinals last season, winning 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw. However, Pirates have enjoyed the upper hand in league meetings this season, completing a double over Richards Bay.

In their previous six meetings across all competitions, Pirates have won three times, Richards Bay once, and there have been three draws, with only five goals scored in total (Pirates 4, Richards Bay 1). Another cagey encounter could be on the cards as the sides face off for the third time this season.

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