Just the three massive derby matches this weekend for us to savor, as domestic soccer returns following an international hiatus.

England, Italy and Argentina will all have their biggest rivalries played out. In addition, there’s a massive crunch clash from the Premier League and an encounter between the two previous champions in Spain at what should be another fervent stadium.

Indeed, so jam-packed is this weekend with quality action, there’s even room for two honorable mentions, which each would have easily made it in on any other round.

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

 

Honorable Mentions

Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City

Saturday, September 12, 10:00AM, NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra

The fact that a match between the Premier League’s top two teams is only an honorable mention is testament to the quality of matches on show this weekend. Crystal Palace have been in tremendous form so far and it’ll be intriguing to see if they can halt the City juggernaut, who go into this one with a perfect record so far.

 

Juventus vs. Chievo

Saturday, September 12, 2:45PM, beIN SPORTS Connect

One of these two teams is leading the way in Serie A this season, but it’s not the side you’d expect. Chievo, with their tremendous nickname “The Flying Donkeys”, have soared to the summit of Serie A with two wins from two, including a 4-0 win over Lazio last time out. By contrast, the Bianconeri have lost both of their games and need a boost.

 

Everton vs. Chelsea

Saturday, September 12, 7:45AM, NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra

The first game on the Premier League calendar this weekend should be a vibrant affair, as Everton welcome a struggling Chelsea to what should be a Goodison Park bristling with an electric atmosphere.

The reason? Not only is this a big game and a match in which the Toffees could potentially launch their campaign, but the Blues’ aggressive pursuit of John Stones this summer has left a bitter taste in the mouths of a lot of many Evertonians. Expect a packed house to let Jose Mourinho, John Terry and the rest of the visitors have it.

Chelsea have plenty to worry about aside from the invective that’s likely to be headed their way. The Blues lost at home to Crystal Palace last time out and go into this weekend eight points behind league leaders Manchester City. So any more dropped points here could potentially end slender hopes of defending their title.

If Chelsea are divided and lacking motivation it will be apparent in this cauldron-like atmosphere. Everton have the players to cause a ropey Blues defense problems, but if Mourinho’s men can emerge victorious here, then it could facilitate a big turnaround in their fortunes.

 

Manchester United vs. Liverpool

Saturday, September 12, 12:30PM, NBC and NBC Sports Live Extra

Although neither Manchester United and Liverpool are at the peak of their powers, the historical relevance of both sides and the bitter rivalry which has been forged down the years still makes this English football’s biggest match.

The Red Devils will be interesting to watch for the remainder season. The Old Trafford faithful looks as though they may get their first glimpse of the £58 million man Anthony Martial; whether Louis van Gaal throws the teenager in from the start remains to be seen. In addition, David De Gea could begin his reintegration back into the starting XI after his move to Real Madrid collapsed.

Liverpool will be without their own key player in Philippe Coutinho after his red card last time out and it means the rest of Brendan Rodgers’ side must step up if the Merseysiders are to take the spoils. But after losing 3-0 at home to West Ham United in their previous Premier League match, the Reds could be short on confidence heading to this intimidating venue.

After losing 2-1 themselves in their previous match to Swansea City, the Red Devils are also in need of a response. As such, with squads bolstered and big money spent, the loser here could quickly find themselves plunged into crisis mode.

 

Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona

Saturday, September 12, 2:30PM, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS Español & fuboTV

A trip to the Vicente Calderon Stadium represents one of the toughest fixtures for Barcelona to negotiate on their domestic calendar, as they get set to go up against an Atletico Madrid team who have started the season in very impressive form.

After some stellar summer recruitments, Diego Simeone’s side showcased exactly what they’re capable of last time out, hammering Sevilla 3-0 on their own patch. It was a result which continued Atletico’s perfect start, winning both their matches without conceding a goal. Factor in the attacking talents of Jackson Martinez and Antoine Griezmann, with that defensive strength, Atleti are a formidable outfit.

So too are Barcelona, of course, although the Spanish champions have yet to click into the devastating groove which earned them the treble last season. They’ve also won both of their matches, but in far less convincing fashion. This trip to the Calderon will provide a stern indicator of just how ready Luis Enrique’s side are to retain their crown.

Last season Barcelona clinched the title in this fixture with a 1-0 win. It’s a result they’d be delighted with again, but the Blaugrana faithful will be hoping for more of an attacking spark from their men. Atletico, with their fervent supporters backing them, will be confident of stealing an early match on the champions.

 

Internazionale vs. Milan

Sunday, September 13, 2:45PM, beIN SPORTS and fuboTV

After both Milan clubs endured another summer which involved big shifts in personnel and plenty of money splashed out, this Derby della Madonnina should offer lovers of Serie A an insight into which of these two great rivals is best poised to challenge the might of Juventus and Roma this season.

Most would probably say Inter at this early stage. Roberto Mancini was backed heavily in the summer window to sign the likes of Jeison Murillo, Miranda, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Ivan Perisic and Stevan Jovetic, and they’ve impressed so far with two wins from two matches. A victory over the Rossoneri could certainly set this team up for a blistering start.

Milan have also made adjustments, with Sinisa Mihajlovic taking over the managerial hot-seat. At the moment they still seem to be striving for their best XI and given the new faces that have come in—including a triumvirate of forwards in Mario Balotelli, Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano—that’s understandable.

In previous seasons, with neither side really threatening the top spots, these games have been rather underwhelming. But this early in the term, this is a wonderful opportunity for both players to full throttle at each other. The result should be one of the very best Milan derby matches in years.

 

River Plate vs. Boca Juniors

Sunday, September 13, 5:15PM, NGSN (free 30-day trial)

Regardless of circumstances, any clash between River Plate and Boca Juniors is well worth a watch. But this one has plenty of subplots set to make this an even more hotly-contested Superclasico than usual.

The first is the position of both sides in the table. Boca, second in the Primera Division coming into this clash, head to the home of their biggest rivals just one point off San Lorenzo, knowing they can put some big pressure on the league leaders should they turn in a winning performance. By contrast, River can move to within five points of Boca with a game in hand should they pick up three points.

The other intriguing additional factor is Carlos Tevez. This will be the first time the Argentina international has featured in a Superclasico for Boca since his transfer from Juventus this summer. He’s scored a couple of times for Boca in six appearances and is already adored by the Xeneizes faithful. But a winner here would really help him settle in.

River Plate are very strong at the Estadio Monumental, though, which is literally shaken to its foundations when this match is played. Expect an anarchic contest on the pitch to be matched by some exuberant displays of fandom in the stands too.

 

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattJFootball