Weekend preview: six top fixtures across France, Italy, Spain, England, Scotland and AFCON. PSG should dominate Paris FC despite Hakimi’s AFCON absence — a straight win or -1 Asian handicap is a sensible bet for punters. Expect tight Serie A and Old Firm battles; Barcelona to edge Espanyol in a high-scoring LaLiga clash. AFCON knockout may go to penalties, favouring Cameroon’s experience.
Weekend must-watch fixtures: derbies, debuts and knockout drama
Paris Saint-Germain vs Paris FC — The first Paris derby in the top flight
Paris hosts a rare top-flight derby as PSG welcome Paris FC to the Parc des Princes. PSG need a statement start to 2026 after ending 2025 strongly; Luis Enrique’s squad is almost at full strength, with the notable absence of Achraf Hakimi at AFCON. Paris FC arrive in contrasting form, without a league win since Nov. 1 and lingering in the relegation battle. They have shown they can spring surprises away from home, but this double-header week favours the champions.
Prediction: PSG 3-1. Betting angle: back PSG to win (consider PSG -1 Asian handicap).
Atalanta vs AS Roma — Gian Piero Gasperini returns to Bergamo
Gian Piero Gasperini makes an emotional return to Atalanta after nine defining seasons. Roma sit fourth and feel the pressure after three defeats in five, while Atalanta have stabilised under Raffaele Palladino and tightened defensively. Expect a charged atmosphere and a tactical, competitive encounter with plenty of personal narratives on the touchline.
Prediction: Atalanta 1-1. Betting angle: consider the draw or both teams to score in a tight game.
Espanyol vs Barcelona — A Barcelona derby with goal potential
Espanyol are the surprise package of LaLiga, sitting high and riding form with a compact defence. They are no longer automatic underdogs against neighbours Barcelona, who arrive on an eight-game winning run in the league and formidable in attack despite occasional defensive lapses. This should be entertaining and high-scoring.
Prediction: Espanyol 2-3 Barcelona. Betting angle: back BTTS (both teams to score) and over 2.5 goals; Barcelona to edge the win.
Manchester City vs Chelsea — End of the Maresca era, big trip for the Blues
Chelsea face a daunting trip to the Etihad amid managerial upheaval after Enzo Maresca’s departure. City dropped two points at Sunderland and cannot afford another slip against a Chelsea side low on confidence but capable in transition. Expect intensity and a City side hunting the win to keep pressure on the title race.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea. Betting angle: back Man City to win; consider a narrow margin (1-goal) market.
Celtic vs Rangers — Old Firm heat under new managers
The Old Firm derby is a six-pointer with both clubs in transition after managerial changes. Celtic trail league leaders by three points and need form; Rangers are six behind and also under pressure. This will be more about grit than style, and the atmosphere will be decisive.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Rangers. Betting angle: expect intensity — back the home win or a low-scoring affair with both teams scoring.
South Africa vs Cameroon — AFCON last-16 cagey encounter
This last-16 tie pits two surprise packages against each other. South Africa have talent and attacking threats like Lyle Foster, while Cameroon bring Premier League stars and physicality. It’s likely to be tight and cautious — knockout football often tilts toward penalties.
Prediction: South Africa 1-1 Cameroon (Cameroon win on penalties). Betting angle: back a draw in 90 minutes with a small stake on Cameroon to progress on penalties.
What to watch and betting considerations
Form, squad availability (AFCON absences notably impacting PSG), and managerial storylines will shape these fixtures. Punters should weigh home advantage and motivation: derbies and returns (Gasperini) tend to tighten games, while Barcelona and PSG remain the most reliable scoring forces. Keep an eye on Asian handicaps and BTTS/over markets where attacking teams meet compact defences.
Tottenham ‘looking at’ Omar Marmoush in stunning raid on Man City
The post-Enzo Maresca era at Chelsea begins. Plus, huge derbies in Scotland and France and much more.
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