As if the business end of the season wasn’t exciting enough, there are five huge derbies taking place in the next few days across four different leagues.
Here’s our preview to whet your appetite.
Manchester City-Manchester United: Thursday 20:00 BST
No Paul Pogba or Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the visitors on Thursday night may well hand the impetus to City as the Manchester rivals fight for a Champions League spot, but meetings between Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho can never be considered predictable.
After winning 2-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season, the Citizens hold bragging rights and a point advantage over United although Mourinho did get one over his old nemesis by knocking them out the League Cup en route to lifting the trophy in the spring.
READ ALSO: Real vs Atletico Madrid: The Best Derby In The World
Rangers-Celtic: Saturday 12:00 BST
Celtic may have already won the title but there is plenty to play for in the last old firm derby of the season. Not least are Rangers out for revenge from their 2-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat last weekend, but the enticement of ruining the Bhoys’ unbeaten domestic campaign cannot be underestimated.
Having already ended their impressive 18-game winning streak last month, who’s to bet against Rangers earning a morale boosting victory in their quest for a top-two finish on Saturday afternoon?
Espanyol-Barcelona: Saturday 20:45 CET
The gap between these Catalan adversaries is as narrow as it has been for some time with Espanyol harbouring genuine hopes of a European finish and the Blaugrana somewhat iffy in the defence of their LaLiga title.
Not since 2006/07 have Barcelona lost in their neighbours’ backyard but that won’t stop all eyes focusing on RCDE Stadium as the visitors’ battle with Real Madrid continues in earnest.
READ ALSO: Arsenal, Manchester City In ‘Do Or Die’ FA Cup Battle
Roma-Lazio: Sunday 12:30 CET
The Derby della Capitale, fresh from Lazio’s success in the Coppa Italia semi-final double-header, returns to Serie A with both sides again in good form.
Firmly embedded in the Europa League qualification spots, the Aquile are out to ruin the farewell party of Francesco Totti as the Roma icon prepares for his last-ever derby and an appearance off the bench may be required to keep their lingering dreams of a league title alive.
Tottenham Hotspur-Arsenal: Sunday 16:30 BST
With the Premier League title race being kept alive by Spurs’ relentless pursuit of Chelsea, there is again a huge amount to play for as White Hart Lane hosts it’s final North London derby on Sunday.
Given Arsenal’s struggles to qualify for the Champions League, this meeting could be a season defining one for both teams and indeed Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
