Ligue 1, La Liga, and Serie A Weekend Preview and Predictions
It’s the final weekend of games in the French Ligue 1, Spanish Primera Division or La Liga, and the Italian Serie A. While the titles are already decided in La Liga and Serie A, it is still up for grabs in Ligue 1. Currently, Bordeaux leads Marseille by 3 points and can clinch the title with at least a draw. In the Serie A, 2nd place is still up in the air between AC Milan and Juventus. For La Liga, places 3rd through 7th is still unknown and Champions League spots are still in play. Here’s a preview of the top games in these three top leagues. All times listed are Unites States Eastern Time.
Caen v Bordeaux – French Ligue 1 – Saturday – 15:00 EST – Bordeaux just needs a point or a Marseille loss to clinch the league title. However, Bordeaux’s away record has not been that great and Caen is looking to avoid relegation. It will be a match with a lot at stake for both teams. Caen’s home form has been decent and a result is very realistic. A close match that should benefit the home side looking to avoid relegation. Prediction - Caen wins 1-0
Marseille v Stade Rennais – French Ligue 1 – Saturday – 15:00 EST – Rennes could still sneak into a Europa League spot with a victory and Marseille needs a win to catch Bordeaux. Marseille has a better record on the road but still should have an advantage over a Rennes side that has only 4 away wins on the season. Marseille will have the advantage playing at home with a chance to capture the Ligue 1 title. Rennes has been one of the best defensive teams all year and it should be a low scoring match. Prediction – Marseille wins 1-0
Mallorca v Villareal – Spanish Primera Division – Saturday – 15:00 EST – Villareal has clinched a Europa League spot and could get a Champions League spot with a victory. They will have a lot to play for while Mallorca is in the middle of the table. With a possible Champions League birth with a win, Villareal will be the more aggressive and hungry team. Prediction – Villareal win 2-0
Athletico Madrid v Almeria – Spanish Primera Division – Saturday – 15:00 EST – Athletico can clinch a Champions League spot with a draw or better against Almeria. A win and a Sevilla loss would move them into 3rd and direct entry into the Champions League and out of the qualifying rounds. Athletico will win at home with the chance to move up to 3rd place. Prediction – Athletico Madrid wins 3-1
Juventus v Lazio – Italian Serie A – Sunday – 9:00 EST – Juventus could finish 2nd with a better result than AC Milan on Saturday. They currently have a Champions League spot for next season and will finish no worse than 3rd. At home against a weaker Lazio side, the team will have no trouble winning their last match of the 2008/09 season. Prediction – Juventus wins 2-1
Fiorentina v AC Milan – Italian Serie A – Sunday – 9:00 EST – AC Milan is looking to secure their 2nd place finish and Fiorentina can clinch the last Champions League spot as the two teams face on Sunday. AC Milan has had a disappointing season after an exit early in the UEFA Cup and not being able to keep pace with Inter in the Serie A race. Fiorentina is currently in 4th and could drop to 5th with a loss and Genoa win. AC Milan has underachieved all season and Fiorentina will have much more to play for. Prdiction – Fiorentina wins 1-0
