Last week was a struggle for me as I only got two matches correct (thank you to Benfica and Portland!). This week the focus will be on England where Chelsea and Manchester United attempt to salvage disappointing seasons by moving forward into the FA Cup semifinals while the biggest match of the year in Mexico takes place in Guadalajara.
Here are the five, can’t miss matches of the weekend:
1. Everton v. Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 p.m. EST, Fox Sports 2
Oh Chelsea . . . Guus Hiddink’s last chance to bring joy to Stamford Bridge this season is the FA Cup. The Blues crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday after falling to ZLATAN and PSG so it is an FA Cup trophy or bust for Roman Abramovich and crew.
Adding to the Blues' misery are injuries to Eden Hazard and Diego Costa. It is unclear whether either will be ready for Saturday’s quarterfinal match against former Blue Romelu Lukaku and Everton.
Regardless of Hazard and Costa, it is likely that the Blues’ fortunes rest solely on Willian’s shoulders. The speedy Brazilian has been the best Chelsea player all season and must deliver if his club is to survive and advance to the final four.
The Toffees are a mystery. Roberto Martinez’s side is capable of brilliance in one moment followed closely by disaster. A prime example was last weeks Prem match against West Ham which saw Everton cruise out to a 2-0 lead then fail to convert on a penalty before watching the Hammers sprint past them for a 3-2 win.
The Toffees will need quality play from Lukaku and their other young stars, John Stones and Ross Barkley if they are to get past Chelsea and into the semifinal round.
Prediction: Willian shines 2-0.
2. Chivas v. America, Sunday 9:30 p.m. EST, Univision Deportes
The biggest match in Mexico closes out the weekend with both America and Chivas desperate for a win. America arrives at the Estadio Omnilife in the midst of a roller coaster season that finds them fourth in the table. Manager Ignacio Ambriz will look to Oribe Peralta and Darwin to lead Las Aguilas in this pivotal matchup.
Chivas enter the Clasico with only one league win on the season, last weeks 2-0 victory over Queretaro. Guadalajara’s manager Matias Almeyda is under immense pressure to turn the Chivas ship around and make a push for the playoffs. The best thing for Almeyda would be to record the seasons first home victory over their biggest rival.
To accomplish that feat, Chivas will need midfield production from Carlos Pena, Carlos Cisneros and Orberlin Pineda who share the team lead with two paltry goals a piece through nine games.
Prediction: Peralta and America add to Chivas’ misery, 3-1.
3. Manchester United v. West Ham United, Sunday 12:00 p.m. EST, Fox Sports 1
It is situation critical once again at Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal must rally the Red Devils as they push to add one piece of silverware to the trophy case from a disappointing campaign. After Thursday’s Europa League 2-0 loss to hated rival Liverpool, van Gaal must quickly rally his squad before Sunday’s match against the Hammers.
Look for the Red Devils to feature Anthony Martial and fellow youngster Marcus Rashford. The Iron will counter with Dimitri Payet, who has carried his club to one point from Champions League qualification in the Premier League.
Prediction: Schedule the replay, 1-1.
4. NYCFC v. Toronto, Sunday 5:00 p.m. EST, ESPN2
No team in the MLS has more impressive names than NYCFC. Andrea Pirlo and David Villa team up with Mix Diskerud to give new coach Patrick Vieira one of the most potent attacks in the MLS.
Things will only improve when Frank Lampard returns to the pitch after recovering from a calf strain. The best of a generation from Italy, Spain, France and England are found on the City team. Don’t concern yourself with which generation we are talking about, instead, simply enjoy the collective greatness.
Toronto has an impressive roster as well with 2015 league MVP Sebastian Giovinco leading the charge with support from Michael Bradley and defensive stalwart Drew Moor. It is unclear if Jozy Altidore will be ready for Sunday’s match after missing the season opener last week with a hamstring injury. With or without Jozy, this matchup will be the best of the weekend in the MLS.
Prediction: A shootout at Yankee Stadium, 3-3.
5. Sevilla v. Villarreal, Sunday, 11:00 a.m. EST, beIN Espanol
With Barcelona and the two Madrid teams all matched up against clubs in the lower half of the table, the match of the week in Spain pits fourth place Villarreal against fifth place Sevilla in a critical matchup with European qualification ramifications.
With ten games remaining Villarreal holds the final Champions League position by eight points over Sevilla, but a victory by Unai Emery’s side at home on Sunday could catapult the Sevillistas back into the Champions League conversation.
Villarreal will look to rebound after losing last weekend to Las Palmas at home by leaning on the one-two punch of Roberto Soldado and leading scorer, Cedric Bakambu. Sevilla will counter with Kevin Gameiro and playmaker Yevhen Konoplyanka.
Prediction: Sevilla closes the gap, 1-0.
