Domestic soccer makes its return this weekend, and as is often the case on the back of an international break, some intriguing results will be anticipated when various teams take to the field for a host of enticing matches.

We’ve got two ties from the Premier League involving teams looking to settle scores from last season, one of European soccer’s most iconic derby matches and another intriguing clash from Serie A to savor. In addition, there’s a vital first-leg between two longstanding rivals in the MLS Cup, as the season approaches a fascinating finale.

All kick off times are in Eastern time.

Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the games!

 

Arsenal vs. Manchester United

Saturday, November 22, 12:30PM, NBC and NBC Sports Live Extra

Whenever Arsenal and Manchester United lock horns there’s a guarantee that you’re going to see some of the brightest talents in the Premier League. And although you could probably assemble a fine XI from the players that these two giants of English football currently have sidelined due to injury, a game between these two is always an unmissable occasion.

It’s the kind of fixture that can provide a platform for a team to build on, and for Manchester United, it’s an opportunity to secure their first win against one of the Premier League’s most illustrious names under the tutelage of Louis van Gaal. But with key men like David de Gea and Daley Blind returning from the international break with injuries, it’ll be a tough ask for the Red Devils.

Arsenal’s recent form will give them hope, though. The Gunners have surrendered leads in both of their last two games, and pressing questions are being asked of Arsene Wenger. In Alexis Sanchez they have one of the Premier League’s most in form players, though, and you suspect he’ll cause myriad problems for what looks likely to be a makeshift United defence.

Clashes between these two have typically been volatile affairs down the years and the side that finishes up second best here will surely come under some big pressure. Nonetheless, this should be an intriguing 90 minutes between two of the Premier League’s finest attacking sides.

 

Lazio vs. Juventus

Saturday, November 22, 2:45PM, beIN SPORTS & DishWorld

Juventus once again look like the team to beat in Serie A his season, but there are few tougher places for the Bianconeri to visit than the Stadio Olimpico, where they will face Lazio in what’s set to be a fascinating affair.

Massimiliano Allegri’s team currently lead the race for the Scudetto by the three points from Roma and after trouncing Parma 7-0 in their last domestic outing, they’re a team that look to be hitting form as Serie A moves into Week 12. In Carlos Tevez they have a player in prolific form too; the Argentine scored a stunning individual goal last time out and has netted eight times in 10 domestic appearances.

Lazio’s excellent run of form was ended when they were beaten by Empoli last time out, but their home record has been almost perfect so far this season. Stefano Pioli’s side have taken 21 points from a possible 24 available on home soil and will be looking to keep pace with the Champions League chasers with another victory here.

The Biancolesti held Juve to a 1-1 draw in an ill-tempered affair last season, and with a raucous crowd backing the hosts expect another fiery encounter between these stalwarts of the Italian game.

 

LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders

Sunday, November 23, 5:00PM, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN.com & MLS Live

After fighting it out for the supporters shield towards the end of the regular season, these two clash again with the MLS Western Conference Championship and a place in the MLS Cup Final at stake.

The first leg of this MLS Cup tie will be played at the StubHub Centre, and Galaxy have received a timely boost ahead of this one with the news Robbie Keane has been released from international duty with the Republic of Ireland to prepare for the clash. The match will also be Landon Donovan’s final game in front his adoring home crowd, and he’ll be hoping to sign off in style.

Donovan’s swan-song and the prize at stake should do plenty to stir a fervent atmosphere amongst the supporters in attendance, but Seattle have the class within their ranks to spoil the party. When the teams met towards the end of the regular season it was the Sounders who came out on top, taking four points from a possible six on offer in the two clashes.

With Donovan, Keane, Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins set to take the field for this one, goals are surely guaranteed here. And with the MLS Cup Final fast approaching, expect no quarter to be given by either side as they strive to book their spot at the end-of-season finale.

 

Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool

Sunday, November 23, 8:30AM, CNBC and NBC Sports Live Extra

Brendan Rodgers returns to the spot where Liverpool’s title dream was ended last season, as the Reds look to banish some demons against Crystal Palace. Liverpool surrendered a three-goal lead to the Eagles in the final knockings of their clash last season, in what has become one of the most iconic collapses in Premier League history.

But Rodgers will be keen to put those raw memories behind him and ensure his players looks forward. After all, Liverpool are a team in desperate need of a victory after suffering consecutive Premier League defeats and should they slip up again in south London, this team’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League come the end of the campaign will be bleak.

When the Reds locked horns with the Eagles last season Tony Pulis had Palace playing with a cohesion and intensity. They’ve yet to establish quite the same balance under the tutelage of Neil Warnock, but they’re a team who will feel as though they have the counter-attacking quality and set piece prowess to cause big problems for this ropey Liverpool back line.

It’s always intriguing to see how a team fares when revisiting a venue at which they suffered a telling blow and you suspect there will be a big mental challenge for much of this Liverpool squad to overcome when they take to the Selhurst Park pitch for Sunday’s early kickoff.

 

Milan vs. Internazionale

Sunday, November 23, 2:45PM, beIN SPORTSbeIN SPORTS Espańol & DishWorld

Whenever the two Milanese giants meet it’s always a unique occasion, and that’ll be no different with AC and Inter lock horns at the San Siro on Sunday.

This clash will receive extra attention though, with Roberto Mancini set to take charge of his first of game of his second spell as Inter boss. Picking up a win over their longstanding rivals would give the Italian some critical early momentum, but after a very poor start to the season for the Nerazzurri, there’s looks to be no quick solution to Inter’s problems.

Their rivals are also undergoing something of a transitional period; Milan are currently languishing seventh in the Serie A standings, two places ahead of Inter. Pippo Inzaghi has steered the Rossoneri to a better start than the one they endured last season, but watching Milan has been wholly frustrating in the early stages of the campaign.

The Milan derby has lost some of its gravitas following turbulent spells for both clubs, but that shouldn’t detract from a fervent atmosphere and a full-blooded affair. This match represents a fine opportunity for one of these two teams to get their season started in earnest should they pick up a vital three points.

 

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattJFootball

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