Weekend forecasts: Is Arsenal capable of resisting Man City? Can Atlético secure the Copa del Rey?

Every Friday, I highlight the most thrilling or significant football matches to catch over the weekend. From intense derbies to top-of-the-table showdowns, crucial relegation battles to world-class players clashing, and intriguing tactical encounters, there will be something for every fan to appreciate.

This week, we focus on England, Spain, France, Portugal, and Germany, featuring the Premier League title race, a cup final, a major derby, a potential championship celebration, along with key contests for titles and European qualification.

A Premier League title showdown?
Manchester City vs. Arsenal

English Premier League, Matchday 33
Kickoff: Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. BST

The Premier League title decider is upon us! On Sunday, at the Etihad Stadium, the top two teams in the country meet on Matchday 33, and the victor (if there is one) is likely to secure the league title. This is significant! It’s what all the neutral fans were hoping for, and it has arrived.

However, it may not be a visually appealing match. Expect a physical contest, interspersed with moments of brilliance from players like Rayan Cherki or Eberechi Eze. Arsenal can settle for a draw, which would keep them as favorites to claim the league trophy at the season’s conclusion. Nevertheless, their recent form has not been stellar, and they must regain their defensive strength and structure to achieve the desired outcome.

The anticipated returns of Eze and Piero Hincapié to full fitness will be beneficial, while Bukayo Saka and Jurriën Timber might also return. William Saliba, David Raya, and Gabriel Magalhães will play crucial roles: they must not allow City too much space to exploit or too much time on the ball, as the Citizens currently have the upper hand.

City’s form is undeniable: they triumphed over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final a month ago, and they recently overwhelmed Liverpool and Chelsea in the FA Cup and Premier League, respectively. With Cherki, they arguably have the league’s standout player at the moment, and Pep Guardiola will certainly be optimistic about their chances this weekend.

The gap stands at six points between them and Arsenal, with City having a game in hand and the Gunners holding a slight advantage in goal difference (+38 to +35). Guardiola outmaneuvered Arteta tactically in the League Cup final at Wembley with a 4-2-4 formation when out of possession, and he is likely to employ a similar strategy on Sunday. Bournemouth also executed this effectively against Arsenal last weekend. Arteta and his squad will need to be better prepared to handle what City presents.

MY PREDICTION: Man City 1-1 Arsenal. I would appreciate an exciting match filled with goals and opportunities, showcasing performances from both teams that will be remembered. However, I don’t anticipate that will occur! I expect a hard-fought battle—somewhat cautious, with City controlling more of the ball, but ultimately, nothing will separate the two teams.

Copa del Rey final this weekend
Atlético Madrid vs. Real Sociedad

Spanish Copa del Rey final
Kickoff: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST (watch on ESPN+)

play3:26How Matarazzo sparked Real Sociedad’s rapid revival

Real Sociedad coach Pellegrino Matarazzo discusses his attraction to the club and how he transformed them from relegation contenders to Copa del Rey finalists in just a few months in charge.

In a sense, Saturday’s cup final could be termed the “Antoine Griezmann derby.” It features his first club, where he began his professional career, and his second club, where he established himself as one of the world’s elite players. This will be a particularly significant evening for the Frenchman, especially just weeks before he embarks on a new chapter with Orlando City in Major League Soccer!

This final is ideal for him. Both clubs hold great significance for him, and while Atlético also has an exciting Champions League semifinal against Arsenal on the horizon, their primary focus is on this domestic final. The last time Atlético claimed the Spanish Cup was in 2013, while Real Sociedad won it in 2020 under Imanol Alguacil, with Sociedad’s manager Pellegrino Matarazzo aiming to bring another trophy celebration to the streets of San Sebastián.

After two closely contested encounters in LaLiga (a 1-1 draw in January and a 3-2 victory for Atleti in March), another tense battle is anticipated. Atlético fought hard midweek to progress in the Champions League at the expense of Barcelona and will need to summon their strength for another high-pressure match just days later. Matarazzo, the American manager of Sociedad, has done an excellent job since his arrival (with only two losses in their last eight matches across all competitions), and they can even aspire to Champions League qualification, sitting just four points behind Real Betis in fifth. They will approach this match as underdogs but with confidence, and their current energy could be crucial if Atlético is still fatigued from their midweek efforts.

MY PREDICTION: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Real Sociedad. It is difficult to overlook Atlético in this final, and I believe Real Sociedad will put up a strong fight. They will be aggressive and well-organized, and while Atleti has already played 90 minutes of intense football this week, I expect Griezmann and his teammates will find a way to secure victory.

Will Bayern secure the Bundesliga title?
Bayern Munich vs. VfB Stuttgart

German Bundesliga, Matchday 30
Kickoff: Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. BST (watch on ESPN+)

play1:50Klinsmann: Kane is the player Bayern need to win the Champions League

Jürgen Klinsmann commends Harry Kane’s leadership qualities on the pitch as Bayern Munich advances to the UCL semifinals.

This match could have been particularly intriguing if Bayern still had something to fight for in the Bundesliga this season, but they do not. Instead, this could be the match where they are crowned German champions once again, retaining their title. They currently hold a 12-point lead over Borussia Dortmund in second place with five matches remaining, so the title should be secured on Sunday at the Allianz Arena.

Vincent Kompany and his squad have been exceptional in the league this season, suffering only one defeat (to Augsburg, surprisingly) while netting 105 goals in 29 matches—a remarkable average of 3.6 goals per game! They have been on another level compared to their competitors, with Michael Olise and Harry Kane standing out in terms of goals and assists: 31 and five for the Englishman, 12 and 18 for the Frenchman. Overall, Kompany has constructed an absolute powerhouse that no team in Germany can consistently rival.

However, Stuttgart will make an effort and will give it their best shot. They have been the third-best team in the league this season—thanks to Sebastian Hoeness for the excellent work he is doing—and are not far from a return to the Champions League. They currently sit third in the standings, level on points with Leipzig in fourth, two points clear of Leverkusen in fifth, and three ahead of Hoffenheim in sixth. The battle for a Top 4 finish will be thrilling, as fifth place may not secure a Champions League spot next season, but Stuttgart is in good form at present.

MY PREDICTION: Bayern Munich 3-1 Stuttgart. Bayern will not let this chance to win the title at home in front of their supporters slip away. Stuttgart is a strong team and could pose challenges, but overall, Olise and Kane will likely ensure the victory once more.

A crucial match in the top-five race
Chelsea vs. Manchester United

English Premier League, Matchday 33
Kickoff: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST

Both teams cannot afford to miss out on Champions League qualification, but they are coming off disappointing performances and need to rebound. Chelsea suffered a heavy defeat at home to Manchester City, while United lost at Old Trafford to Leeds, with Lisandro Martínez receiving a red card. This makes the upcoming match on Sunday evening under the lights even more critical.

The Blues are currently sixth in the standings, four points behind Liverpool in fifth with only six matches remaining. They cannot afford to miss out on Champions League football next season, as it could have significant implications for the club’s finances and Liam Rosenior’s future. However, to overcome United, they must adopt a winning mentality rather than a defensive approach as they did against City last Sunday! Rosenior miscalculated his tactics against Guardiola’s side and cannot afford to repeat that mistake this weekend.

In terms of player availability, Enzo Fernández is expected to return, which will enhance the team. He should not have been suspended by his own club in the first place! Chelsea has lost five consecutive matches, aside from their victory against Port Vale in the FA Cup, which is a concerning run of form.

The Red Devils are in a better position, sitting in third place and seven points ahead of Chelsea. However, a defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday would narrow the gap to four points, increasing the pressure and tension with so few matches left. Michael Carrick and his players performed poorly against Leeds, missing a significant opportunity to nearly secure their Champions League spot. The decision to start Bryan Mbeumo on the bench was puzzling, and Carrick must make the right choices again on Saturday, as he did at the beginning of his tenure against City and Arsenal. Recently (against West Ham, Bournemouth, and Newcastle), their performances have not been satisfactory, with only one win in their last four league matches.

MY PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-1 Man United. Chelsea must win to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive, and I believe they will. Enzo’s return will make a difference, as will United’s absence of Martinez in defense.

A grudge match as PSG aims for Ligue 1 title
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Lyon

French Ligue 1, Matchday 30
Kickoff: Saturday, 2:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 p.m. BST

Following their impressive performance against Liverpool to secure a spot in the Champions League semifinals, PSG returns to Ligue 1 to take another step toward yet another league title. They currently lead Lens by four points, with a game in hand against Nantes scheduled for next week, and they still have to visit Lens on May 13. By that time, they could have the title secured, but they must remain cautious on Sunday night at the Parc des Princes.

PSG will be missing Nuno Mendes and Désiré Doué, both of whom sustained injuries against Liverpool. While their injuries do not appear to be severe, Luis Enrique is unlikely to risk them with crucial matches against Bayern Munich approaching. A rotation of players is expected for this match, not because PSG is taking it lightly, but because key players require rest.

As for Lyon, they finally secured a victory last weekend after a streak of nine matches without a win! They still face numerous injuries and fatigued players; Endrick made an impact after coming on against Lorient last weekend, but the Brazilian star and the rest of the squad will need to exert themselves if they hope to achieve a positive result in the capital. They are in dire need of points, as they are in a fierce battle for a Top 4 finish and a Champions League spot for next season. Currently, they sit fifth, just one point behind Marseille in fourth and two behind Lille in third, with Rennes and Monaco also trailing closely behind! This match is crucial for both the title race and the Champions League qualification.

MY PREDICTION: PSG 2-1 Lyon. Lyon will need to be at their best on Sunday to even secure a draw, and I don’t foresee that happening. PSG, even with a rotated squad, will likely prove too strong.

A Lisbon derby in Portugal
Sporting CP vs. Benfica

Portuguese Primeira Liga, Matchday 30
Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. BST

The title race in Portugal is among the most thrilling in Europe this season: Sporting trails league leaders Porto by five points, but they have a game in hand and are on a winning streak. Their only league defeat came against Porto (who have also lost just once all season) back in August! They remain unbeaten in domestic competitions since then, and while they do not control their own destiny, they will continue to push forward.

Sunday marks the most significant match of their season thus far, facing their arch-rivals. Sporting drew 1-1 in the previous encounter in December and lost 1-0 in the Super Cup in July, so another closely contested match is expected between the two Lisbon clubs. Jose Mourinho and Benfica remain unbeaten in the league this season, which is a remarkable feat, but their nine draws—four more than Sporting and five more than Porto—are proving costly. They currently sit third, two points behind Sporting and seven behind Porto. They are aware that winning the league with this gap and only five matches remaining is unlikely, but they would love to surpass Sporting into second place—securing the final Champions League spot in Portugal—and apply pressure before Sporting plays their game in hand.

This season has been eventful for Mourinho and his squad, filled with both triumphs and controversies in the Champions League while trying to keep pace with Porto and Sporting since he took over from Bruno Lage in September. This match will be challenging, as Rui Borges and his Sporting team have been performing exceptionally well lately. The intriguing aspect of this league season is that Benfica could finish it unbeaten yet still not win the league; Porto, Sporting, and Benfica have collectively lost only two league matches throughout the entire campaign!

MY PREDICTION: Sporting CP 1-1 Benfica. I do not believe Benfica will lose this derby. Despite their need to win, they will prioritize not losing first. Sporting will need to be highly creative to overcome them, but I doubt they will succeed.