Sport Planet – thrilling rugby and soccer clashes this weekend
Following a week without club football, thanks to international activity, action returns to full swing this week, with some crunching fixtures.
Before we dive right in, two things: 1 Congratulations to Bafana Bafana, the Proteas and the Springboks for all winning on a memorable Saturday, November 15. 2 Congratulations to Bafana Bafana for qualifying for next year’s Afcon tournament, in Equatorial Guinea, from January 17 to February 5, 2015.
Here are some of the fixtures not to be missed this weekend:
Football
English Premier League
Arsenal vs Manchester United, Emirates Stadium, Saturday, November 22.
It’s sixth vs seventh on the log in this one, believe it or not, with the two separated by a sole point. For two sides who are always expected to be fighting it out in the highly-rated ”top 4” in England, Arsenal (sixth with 17 points after 11 games) and United (seventh with 16 points from 11 outings) come into unfamiliar territory on the log. In this fixture, though, long-standing memories are always created — and don’t be surprised if the status quo remains intact come game time.
You’d expect expectations to be well managed by United fans, with the Red Devils, despite recruiting a hoard of stars, still struggling to stave off their teething problems in the new Louis van Gaal era. Having said that, the Emirates has proven to be a good hunting ground for United.
Having experienced an indifferent start to the campaign themselves, Arsene Wenger’s men have been inconsistent, but seemed to be on their way up, with Alexis Sanchez netting some important goals for them. Will the international break prove to be a distraction for the Gunners?
Kick-off is scheduled for 7.30pm.
My prediction: Arsenal 1-2 United.
ABSA Premiership
Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns, FNB Stadium, Saturday, November 22
Curtain-raisers don’t come as big as this one: it’s the Glamour Boys vs Bafana Bastyle (Stylish Boys), it’s last season’s runners-up vs the defending champions. Chiefs and Sundowns will renew their rivalry at the country’s most iconic stadium to open the local fixtures for this weekend. Amakhosi — newly-dubbed the Gautrain because of their bulldozing start to the season — remain unbeaten with one third of the league complete, with 28 points from a possible 30.
They face what is arguably their stiffest challenge thus far, in the form of Pitso Mosimane’s men, who sit in fifth and trail the Amakhosi with a sizeable 12 points.‘Downs will not give up on their title as yet, I suspect, and Chiefs will want to further emphasise their apparent dominance of this campaign. We’re in for a cracker!
Kick-off is scheduled for 3.30pm.
My prediction: Chiefs 2-1 ‘Downs.
Spanish La Liga
Barcelona v Sevilla, Camp Nou Stadium, Saturday, November 22.
The Blaugrana have looked vulnerable in the new Luis Enrique reign, with two losses already, despite their expected top two place on the log thus far. Only two points separate the two (Barca 25 points, Sevilla 23 points, after 11 games). It’s difficult to bet against the visitors scoring at Barca’s iconic home, but the Blaugrana are at home.
Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm.
My prediction: Barca 2-1 Sevilla.
Rugby
International
Italy vs South Africa, Stadio Euganeo, Padova, Saturday, November 22.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm.
My prediction: Boks by 10.
South Africa
15 Johan Goosen, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jan Serfontein, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Teboho “Oupa” Mohoje, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Trevor Nyakane.
Substitutes: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Gurthrö Steenkamp, 18 Julian Redelinghuys, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux.
