A defining weekend looms large in La Liga, as the league leaders welcome the second placed side in what’s set to be a fascinating clash of styles.

Elsewhere, Premier League soccer is on hold as sides resume their quest for FA Cup glory. There are two standout ties, including an all top flight clash on Saturday evening before a possible upset chance on Sunday between two sides that are four tiers apart.

In Serie A, we’ve got a big derby match to look forward to and the division’s in-form side in a clash which could see them surge to the top of the table.

All kick-offs are in Eastern time. Enjoy your weekend and enjoy your football!

 

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid

Saturday, January 30, 10:00AM, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS En Espanol, fuboTV and KlowdTV

Barcelona have the chance to leave a massive dent in the title hopes of Atletico Madrid this weekend, as Diego Simeone’s side make the trip to Camp Nou.

Currently, the Blaugrana are level on points with Atletico having played a game less. That’s after Lionel Messi bailed Barcelona out of trouble against Malaga in their last league outing. A win here would make them very difficult to hunt down and at the Nou Camp this season the European champions have been imperious.

If any side in world soccer can go to Barcelona and stifle their attacking talent, it’s Atletico. Although they were unable to break down a mean Sevilla back line last time out, they’re a side who are so reliable at the back, having kept another clean sheet in that contest. Their stellar back line will have to be at full tilt to escape from this one unscathed, though.

By contrast, if Atletico can steal a win, it makes them front runners once again, while also opening the door to their city rivals, Real Madrid, to get back in the hunt. Either way, plenty hinges on this heavyweight showdown in Barcelona.

 

Liverpool vs. West Ham United

Saturday, January 30, 12:30PM, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Soccer 2GO

Having lost to West Ham United twice already this season, Liverpool will be seeking to make amends when they host Slaven Bilic’s side at Anfield in what’s one of the ties of the FA Cup fourth round.

Jurgen Klopp’s side enjoyed cup success earlier in the week. Granted, the Reds were made to battle hard against a diligent Stoke City, who won the second leg at Anfield to take the game to penalties. But Liverpool, as they do so often, held their nerve in a penalty shootout to secure their progression into the League Cup final.

That could help West Ham looking ahead to this clash. Not only will this Liverpool side be a little drained having gone through 120 minutes of football in midweek, perhaps having already secured a final spot in the League Cup they may take their eye off the ball. The Hammers have been in fine form themselves too.

Especially against Liverpool, who they’ve beaten on two occasions already this term, the most memorable being a 3-0 victory at Anfield. A rejuvenated Reds side will probably prevent a similarly lopsided scoreline, but you certainly wouldn’t back against them progressing in this one.

 

Chievo vs. Juventus

Sunday, January 31, 6:30AM, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS En Espanol, fuboTV and KlowdTV

Chievo are the next side tasked with halting the Juventus juggernaut, as they seek to stop the Bianconeri taking top spot in Serie A early on Sunday.

The Flying Donkeys have had a disappointing season so far, finding themselves languishing down in midtable. But a strong performance in this fixture has the potential to ignite this talented squad, who will still preserve hopes of a possible European finish. It’s going to be a massive challenge for Rolando Maran’s men this weekend, though.

That’s because Juventus are the form team in European football at this juncture. After a poor beginning to the campaign the Bianconeri didn’t seem as though they would get anywhere near defending their title, but now they’re just two points back on leaders Napoli having won a staggering 11 games in succession.

A 12th in a row would put the champions on top of the pile for the first time this season and heap pressure on Napoli, who will face Empoli later in the day. With Paulo Dybala, Paul Pogba and Mario Mandzukic in fine form, it’s tough to see any other outcome.

 

Carlisle United vs. Everton

Sunday, January 31, 8:30AM, FOX Sports 2 and FOX Soccer 2GO

Sunday’s FA Cup tie between Carlisle and Everton is set to be an emotional occasion for the hosts, who might just fancy their chances of an upset.

After the region was hit by some horrendous flooding recently, Carlisle had to move some of their home matches from Brunton Park, which was completely immersed in water, to Bloomfield Road in Blackpool. However, thanks to a lot of help from the local community, the club have a new pitch and are ready to welcome Premier League opposition.

Everton are in a vulnerable state at the moment too. The Toffees were dumped out of the League Cup in midweek after yet another poor defensive display. It was a result which has saw a lot of supporters turn on Roberto Martinez, who, with his side languishing down in 12th position, is coming under increased scrutiny.

Expect Everton to rotate for this one and for Carlisle to fly out of the traps with a raucous support behind them. If you’re after a big shock this weekend then this could be the game for you.

 

Milan vs. Inter Milan

Sunday, January 31, 2:45PM, beIN SPORTS, fuboTV and KlowdTV

AC Milan will be looking to knock their city rivals Inter Milan completely out of the title race in this Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina.

For long spells of this campaign Inter looked as though they were going to be genuine challengers for the championship. Roberto Mancini’s side were very compact, were keeping plenty of clean sheets and still looked as though they had room to improve further. But they’ve dropped off lately, with Juve and Napoli pulling clear.

At least the Nerazzurri have been in the hunt, though. AC have had some strong performances under Sinisa Mihajlovic this term, but they’ve yet to find consistency in Serie A. A win here would move them back to within five points of their bitter enemies, though, a result which could potentially trigger a strong finish to the campaign.

As the designated home side for this clash at the San Siro, the Rossoneri will be well backed and expected to attack. These matches may not have the star power they once did, but it’s always a tremendous atmosphere and a very feisty 90 minutes of action.