It’s all about survival in European soccer this weekend, with the key clashes in various divisions set to determine which teams will stay up.

In England, the quest to preserve top-flight status will go down to the final day. Elsewhere, the top two sides in the MLS Eastern Conference go head-to-head stateside, while the final team to be promoted from the Championship to the Premier League will be determined in a playoff final at Wembley.

In addition, get set for an emotional afternoon in the Bundesliga and an engrossing derby match from Argentina.

All kickoffs are in Eastern time, enjoy your weekend and enjoy the games!

 

Borussia Dortmund vs. Werder Bremen

Saturday May 23, 9:30AM, exclusively on fuboTV

There is plenty to play for at both ends of the Bundesliga, but all eyes will be on the Westfalenstadion on Saturday, as Jurgen Klopp says farewell to the Borussia Dortmund crowd when they welcome Werder Bremen.

Although this will be an emotive occasion, there’s plenty riding on this one. If Dortmund—who are in seventh position—can avoid defeat against eighth place Werder they’ll secure a place in the Europa League for next season. Given BVB were languishing near the depths of the Bundesliga at the start of 2015, it represents a staggering turnaround.

Bremen are a team that are currently struggling for form too. One win in their last six games has allowed BVB to reign them in during the latter stages of the campaign and given such a poor streak of matches, it’s tough to see them notching the win needed at the Westfalenstadion.

Klopp will be the main attraction here though, along with Sebastian Kehl, who will be playing his final game for the club after 14 years with the Ruhr side. The Dortmund boss has always been a man that wears his heart on his sleeve, so expect tears to flow come the final whistle on Saturday afternoon.

 

New England Revolution vs. DC United

Saturday May 23, 7:30PM, MLS Live

League leaders DC United have a brilliant opportunity to take control of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer, as they travel to New England Revolution for what will be an engrossing affair.

Supporters of United will be keen to see a little more swagger from their side. Granted, they can’t do much better than topping their division, but so far this season Ben Olsen’s team have been grinding out results. The lack of fluidity in their play is something which was clear in their last outing, as Philadelphia Union nicked a 1-0 win.

The hosts are also looking a little vulnerable on the cusp of this critical encounter. New England have really struggled for rhythm in recent matches and their 4-2 loss to Sporting Kansas City last time out was their worst performance of the campaign so far. Jay Heaps’ will be desperate for his players to bounce back with a victory that would see them take top spot.

DC would move five points clear with a game in hand should they bag three points at Gillette Stadium. That kind of incentive should ensure we say an intriguing fixture at the top of the Eastern Conference.

 

Hull City vs. Manchester United

Sunday May 24, 10:00AM, NBC and NBC Sports Live Extra

Hull City’s survival chances are hanging by a thread, but they could still potentially get themselves out of trouble should they turn over Manchester United at the KC Stadium on the final day of the season.

Steve Bruce has never beaten his former side in any match as a manager. But with his players aware of what needs to be done and what is sure to be a raucous home crowd backing Hull, this Tigers team simply has to step up in this one.

The Red Devils could be ideal opponents too. As was evident by the videos surfacing this week, Louis van Gaal and his side seem in relaxed mood; in addition, the draw to Arsenal last weekend means that barring a mathematical miracle, United will finish the season in fourth spot. As such, Hull will be hoping to capitalize on any potential complacencies.

Even a win might not be enough for the Tigers. If Newcastle United can beat West Ham United at St James’ Park, the Toon Army are safe and Hull are down. But given John Carver’s side have failed to pick up a win in any of their last 10 games, if Hull can pull off a famous victory over their illustrious opponents, it should be enough to keep them afloat in the top flight.

 

Racing Club vs. Independiente

Sunday May 24, 2:00PM, live on NGSN (free 90 day trial) and live audio on Rabble.tv with Sam Kelly

Although the derby match between Boca Juniors and River Plate is the most illustrious in Argentinian football, the clashes between Racing Club and Independiente are not far off in terms of entertainment value.

The Avellaneda Derby, as it’s known, produces some stunning color and incredible displays of fandom in the stands. Just like any local rivalry, when these two teams meet, there are often fireworks on the field too. Given that both sides are in desperate need of the points, this should be a cracking occasion.

Independiente will be big underdogs for this one. Not only do they face the ominous task of traveling to the Estadio Presidente Juan Domingo Peron—where 60,000 raucous Racing fans will jeer their every touch—but they are in terrible form. Jorge Almiron’s men are languishing down in 14th position coming in to this weekend, having failed to win any of their last six league matches.

They may feel Racing could be there for the taking, though. After all, they suffered a disappointing defeat to Guarani in the Copa Libertadores in midweek. However, Diego Cocca’s side have won all six of their home matches in the league so far this season and they’ll be desperate to extend that impeccable record against their nearest rivals.

 

Middlesbrough vs. Norwich City

Monday May 25, 10:00AM, beIN SPORTS and fuboTV and live audio on Rabble.tv with Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer

Bidding to replace either Newcastle or Hull in the Premier League will be Norwich City and Middlesbrough, as the two gear up for the most lucrative game in football under the Wembley arch.

Both sides were extremely convincing in their respective semi-final encounters and there are few who would argue with the notion that they are the finest two sides in the division outside the promoted pairing of Bournemouth and Watford. The result should be a brilliant match-up between two quality outfits.

Middlesbrough were superb in both games against Brentford, eventually running out 5-1 aggregate winners. Aitor Karanka’s men have been lauded throughout the campaign for their exceptional defensive displays, but with players like Patrick Bamford and Jelle Vossen leading the line, they’re attacking options have been greatly understated.

Against Norwich City, all facets of this Boro team will have to fire. Alex Neil has got the Canaries humming a happy tune since he took over as boss and after beating local rivals Ipswich Town in their two-legged semi-final, they’ll be bouncing towards Wembley for this critical game. Given the form of both sides, this is an extremely difficult one to call.

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattJFootball