Feliz martes! What an incredible week last week was?! Croatia, Switzerland, and Sweden advanced to the World Cup. Yes, Sweden, not Italy, is headed to the 2018 World Cup! The Italians were beaten 1-0 on aggregate, which means Gigi Buffon’s international career has abruptly ended. The 40 year old was set to retire after next year’s World Cup, which would have been a record sixth appearance in the globe’s biggest sporting competition. But that wasn’t to be. Rather, a Zlatan-less Swiss side stole the show. Congrats to Sweden on a remarkable World Cup qualifying run, and hats off to Buffon for a legendary international career.
Looking, onward to this week, Saturday will play provider to a bevy of scintillating club showcases. Three in particular standout, the games in London, Rome, and Madrid, as it’s derby day in those cities. Therefore, I have a hat trick of shorts that will tickle your fancy as we lead up to Saturday!
North London Derby
Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Arsenal FC
Premier League: Matchday 12
Wembley Stadium, London, England
Saturday, Nov 18th, 2017 7:30AM EST NBCSN
The iconic Wembley Stadium is the backdrop for our early bird special between London rivals. Historically the Gunners have had Tottenham’s number, however tables have turned recently. Last season, Hotspur finished ahead of Arsenal for the first time in decades and are once again out in front of their crosstown rivals in the EPL table by four points. The continued rapid development of Dele Ali and Harry Kane has been essential to Tottenham’s domestic and European rise of late. Look for this deadly duo to cause Arsenal fits the duration of the match. As for the Gunners, we’ll be waiting with bated breath to see if Arsene Wenger FINALLY starts standout striker Alexander Lacazette, in a big time match. Whenever his number has been called, Lacazette has produced the goods. Fingers crossed Gooners.
LSB Prediction: With Wenger actually starting Lacazette, Arsenal will have just that, an arsenal of offensive firepower. Still, Tottenham has been playing with confidence and a sense of assured victory this season, thus, it’ll be Dele’s day as the Hotspur brand Arsene’s Arsenal. 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur FC
Derby della Capitale
AS Roma vs SS Lazio
Serie A: Matchday 13
Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy
Saturday, Nov 18th, 2017 12:00PM EST beIN SPORTS
For lunch, we’ll see local rivals Roma and Lazio square off in the shadows of Saint Peter’s Square. Separated by just a point in the Serie A standings, this edition of Derby della Capitale will be a battle for more than just pride as they jockey for Top-4 positioning. For Lazio, Ciro Immobile has been the offensive leader. The Italian international leads the league in goals this season with 14, doubling Roma’s leading scorer Edin Dzeko’s total of 7. In addition to Ciro’s sharp shooting, he’s assisted on six occasions, which is best in Serie A. Therefore, Roma will have it’s work cut out for them defensively. Keep an eye on Greek international Kostas Manolas, as the center back will try to slow down Ciro.
LSB Prediction: Both clubs have gotten off to good starts in league play, as well as on the European stage. With that said, I just feel like Lazio is in the midst of a magical season that can see them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in ten years. Thus, Ciro will strike twice en route to a Lazio win. 1-2 SS Lazio
El Derbi Madrileno
Club Atletico de Madrid vs Real Madrid CF
LaLiga: Matchday 12
Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain
Saturday, Nov 18th, 2017 2:45PM EST beIN SPORTS
Lastly, for happy hour we have the match of of the weekend. It’s Atletico vs Real from the new state-of-the-art Wanda Metropolitano! While Wanda dazzles outside, inside, and around the pitch, things haven't been so shiny on the field of play. The Rojiblancos have yet to settle in at home, as they’re still in search of the form and home field advantage that came whilst playing at the late Vicente Calderon. Will this be the match where Wanda gets broken into properly? Or, will the city rivals, Real, produce a christening of their own? Luckily for Atleti, the Galacticos haven’t been very Gala-esque this season. One player in particular has been horrendous in LaLiga this term. Can you guess who? Yup, the one and only, Cristiano Ronaldo. The controversial 2017 UEFA and FIFA BEST Player of the Year, has just one goal in 48 attempts in league play. To put that stat into proper context, generational rival Leo Messi would have to miss his next 507 shots to equal Ronaldo’s pathetic scoring rate of 2.08%. Yikes!
LSB Prediction: Despite the slow starts for Atleti and Real, they’re still tied for third in LaLiga, but only one point adrift of 5th. Thus, much like Roma vs Lazio, this match means more than just bragging rights. The fight for a top-4 finish and a stay within 3 matches of FC Barcelona is on the line. Therefore, I must go with Ronaldo and Real. It’s just a matter of time before Cristiano breaks out of this uncharacteristic slump, and what better game to do it in. After all, he just bet his teammates that he’d win the Pachichi. 1-3 Real Madrid CF