Making these selections for the best five fixtures of the weekend is becoming more challenging. Because while there are a number of high-profile encounters across Europe this weekend, in the grand scheme of things they mean little, with numerous league titles already effectively wrapped up.

For now, we’ve sold out to the big names in the main. But among glamour clashes from England, Germany, Italy and the United States, there’s also a vital scrap at the bottom from the Premier League to start things off.

All fixtures are in Eastern time. Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the games!

 

WEST HAM UNITED VS. SOUTHAMPTON
Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. ET, CNBC, Sling Blue (with World News Extra package), DIRECTV NOW and fubo Premier

 

Typically, at this stage in the season when you’re fighting relegation you’d be delighted to have a home game against one of your rivals. But that might not be the case for West Ham on Saturday against Southampton.

In their previous outing at the Olympic Stadium, West Ham endured a day to forget, as the pitch was invaded by numerous supporters and the directors’ box surrounded by an angry mob. Additionally, the team were miserable in a 3-0 loss at home to Burnley, pushing them back down the table into 17th.

Southampton sit in 18th and made a drastic decision after their previous 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United, sacking Mauricio Pellegrino and moving to appoint Mark Hughes. They trail the Hammers by two points and will hope a new coach and a toxic home atmosphere can enrich their chances of jumping out of the drop zone.

You sense the early stages of this one will be crucial, as any kind of setback for the home team here could light a fire among the Hammers fans. With just seven games to play, Saints will see this as a big opportunity to pick up points.

 

LA GALAXY VS. LAFC
Saturday, March 31, 3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX Deportes, DIRECTV NOW, Sling Blue and fubo Premier

There was already plenty of excitement ahead of the first ever Los Angeles derby. And that was before it was confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic had joined the Galaxy from Manchester United.

Indeed, all eyes will be on the mercurial Swede heading into this one, as he’s set to make his first ever appearance for his new club. While he’s been unable to hit top gear recently following a long injury layoff, you sense Ibrahimovic will be invigorated by the new challenge he will face in the United States.

Los Angeles FC have made a strong start to their first ever season in Major League Soccer, with wins in both of their games so far. Indeed, in Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi, they have attacking stars of their on with the ability to light up any game; a 5-1 win at Real Salt Lake last time out represented a tremendous show of attacking strength.

The Galaxy have been inconsistent in the early throws of the 2018 season and their supporters will be hopeful the arrival of Ibrahimovic can inspire the rest of the team. Their new forward loves the big stage and you wouldn’t back against him having a decisive impact from the off in MLS.

 

BAYERN MUNICH VS. BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Saturday, March 31, 12:30 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX Deportes, DIRECTV NOW, Sling Blue and fubo Premier

Bayern Munich may be crowned as champions prior to this meeting with their rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, although meetings between these two sides are always worth watching.

Indeed, the Allianz Arena will be gearing itself up for a party in this one. Should Schalke lose at home to Freiburg then the Munich giants will be confirmed as Bundesliga winners yet again, although three points in Der Klassiker would be enough to see the job through regardless.

It’s an inevitability that Bayern will at some point be confirmed as the title winners and as a result this fixture feels more important for Dortmund, who are in a fight for a top-four spot. They sit in third as things stand, although Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig all remain in the hunt for a Champions League place.

Dortmund’s campaign suffered a major blow before the international break when they were eliminated from the the Europa League by RB Salzburg. It was an exit that heaped pressure on Peter Stoger and you sense even a win in Bavaria wouldn’t be enough for him to hang onto the job beyond the end of the season.

 

JUVENTUS VS. AC MILAN
Saturday. March 31, 2:45 p.m. ET, beIN SPORTS Connect, iGOL and fuboTV

Juventus have taken control of Serie A in recent weeks, as they now lead Napoli by two points. This meeting with Milan will be one of the toughest hurdles they still have to overcome domestically.

In truth, the situation should be even better for Juve in their chase for the Scudetto. Before the international break they were held by minnows SPAL away from home, keeping Napoli’s hopes alive. With Real Madrid to follow Saturday’s meeting with the Rossoneri, this is a big week for Serie A champions.

As for Milan, with their Europa League chances over thoughts will now turn to a possible late tilt at the top four. After five wins on the bounce under Gennaro Gattuso, they now trail fourth place Inter Milan by just five points; the two rivals face each other in midweek too in what is set to be a vital derby.

There’s no reason why Milan can’t be confident heading to Turin and for skipper Leonardo Bonucci, there’ll be a determination to shine in front of his former supporters. Even so, Juventus are mighty at home and a point for the visitors would represent an excellent result.

 

CHELSEA VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Sunday, April 1, 11 a.m. ET, NBCSN, Telemundo, Sling Blue, DIRECTV NOW and fubo Premier

Sunday’s meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge feels like a huge opportunity for Tottenham Hotspur to show progress has been made.

It’s a fixture that’s proven to be problematic for the north London outfit for a number of years, with their last win at the Blues coming an incredible 28 years ago in 1990. Even with star striker Harry Kane sidelined, this feels like a chance for them to end that barren run against their London rivals.

After all, Spurs have been playing some excellent stuff as of late, notching heavy away wins against Bournemouth and Swansea City in their last two outings. And while Kane being absent is a huge blow, in Son Heung-min Tottenham have a player that’s currently in the form of his life.

It’s imperative Chelsea pick up a win here or the fight for the top four would feel over. The Blues sit in fifth position and already trail Spurs, in fourth, by five points. You sense Antonio Conte will have his side fired up for this one and with such a strong record at home against Tottenham, there will be confidence in all in blue come kick off.