This weekend has a treat of a slate of matches. Der Klassiker is taking place in Germany as first-place Bayern Munich hosts second-place Borussia Dortmund. While Dortmund will be disappointed with their performance in Europe, only being one point off first place in the league means that they have everything to play for here. MLS Playoffs are also reaching their pinnacle as we’ll know what teams are taking part in MLS Cup by Sunday night. Over to England, you have a London derby as West Ham hosts Chelsea before wrapping things up in Italy as Roma needs to bounce back in a big way facing Inter.
5. Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake
Date: Saturday, Dec. 4 | Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: FS1 | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Portland -106; Draw +270; Salt Lake +275
Why watch: Real Salt Lake will be back to full strength this week as Albert Rusnak’s 11 goals and seven assists will be returning to the lineup. As he missed the first two playoff matches due to COVID protocol, RSL were able to advance but they’ll rejoice to have their captain back. For Portland, while Dairon Asprilla will miss the match due to suspension but they’ll hope that this match is closer to their 3-1 victory over Salt Lake in early November.
4. Philadelphia Union vs. New York City
Date: Sunday, Dec. 5 | Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Philadelphia +170; Draw +210; New York +180
Why watch: While this match could have players missing for the Philadelphia Union due to COVID and Valentin Castellanos will also be missing due to suspension for NYCFC, it is a match that pits opposite sides against each other. The Union want to slow things down and dictate the pace of the match while NYC wants to speed things up with quick passing and counters. Add in how familiar these teams are with each other and things can get interesting.
3. West Ham vs. Chelsea
Date: Saturday, Dec. 4 | Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
TV: NBCSN | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: West Ham +380; Draw +270; Chelsea -135
Why watch: Derby matches are a time to throw form out the window but West Ham needs to stop the slide soon or risk falling out of the top four. While their schedule has been brutal, responding to a victory against Liverpool by losing to Wolves and drawing a Brighton side that went down to ten men isn’t what David Moyes expected. For Chelsea, they’re looking to keep the machine running and show that they’re the most complete side in the Premier League. This is one worth watching just to see if Chelsea is forced to play at full speed.
2. Roma vs. Inter
Date: Saturday, Dec. 4 | Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Paramount+
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Roma +270; Draw +270; Inter -104
Why watch: The Serie A is bonkers this season as everyone has been competitive. But Roma has lost three of their last five while Inter is hitting stride having won four of their last five to only be two points behind league leaders Napoli. Jose Mourinho will need to inspire his squad for this one as they’re in danger of falling out of European places.
1. Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich
Date: Saturday, Dec. 4 | Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: ESPN+
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Dortmund +320; Draw +320; Bayern -133
Why watch: First facing second in the Bundesliga would be enough to watch this one. How about adding in that it’s Robert Lewandowski facing Erling Haaland. Still doesn’t do it for you? Well, Gio Reyna is healthy now and could feature too so you have a national team component here. What I’m saying is that this is a can’t miss fixture and the clear winner for the match of the weekend.
Honorable mentions
(All times U.S./Eastern)
Saturday, Nov. 21: A game to watch in …
- England: Wolverhampton vs. Liverpool, 10 a.m. (USA, fuboTV — try for free )
- Spain: Real Sociadad vs. Real Madrid, 3:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Italy: Napoli vs. Atalanta, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
- Germany: Mainz 05 vs. Wolfsburg, 9:30 a.m. (ESPN+)
- France: Lens vs. PSG, 3 p.m. (beIN Sports and fuboTV — Try for free)
- Argentina: Arsenal vs. Boca Juniors, 3:00 p.m. (Paramount+)
Sunday, Nov. 21: A game to watch in …
- England: Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace, 9 a.m. (NBCSN and fuboTV — try for free)
- Spain: Celta de Vigo vs. Valencia, 3:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Italy: Spezia vs. Sassuolo, 9:00 a.m. (Paramount+)
- Germany: Stuttgart vs. Hertha BSC, 9:30 a.m. (ESPN+)
- France: Monaco vs. Metz, 9:00 a.m. (beIN Sports and fuboTV — try for free)
- Argentina: Independiente vs. San Lorenzo, 5:15 p.m. (Paramount+)
- Brazil: Corinthians vs. Gremio, 2 p.m. (Paramount+)