Friday

Seven great matches to take you from Friday to Sunday. It’s the Sound of Football’s Weekend Boxset.

Friday

Championship: Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United

19.45 on Sky Sports 1
Forest's dire run of form came to a welcome end when Philippe Montanier's side turned over Ipswich and then put five past Barnsley - both away from home. Their victorious return to the City Ground sees them entertain the now rampant Newcastle United who are on something of a run having despatched all-and-sundry until their recent reverse against Blackburn.

Saturday

Premier League: Man City v Chelsea

12.30 on Sky Sports 1 (US: NBCSN)
Before your Saturday fry-up has had time to digest, you can trade your porcine paradise for some premier passions in what, on paper at least, looks like the top league's headline act. Pep's boys haven't been firing on all cylinders of late, winning only three of their last seven. By contrast, over the same period, Chelsea have a 100% record, with impressive wins against Manchester United, Everton and Tottenham.

Bundesliga: RB Leipzig v Schalke

17.30 on BT Sport 3 (US: FS1)
Not wishing to buck the trend, and in recognition of what has to be the talk of European football, Leipzig score a hat-trick of appearances in our fledgling newsletter. Fuelled by caffeinated fizz-pop and a wallet the size of Saxony, Die Rotten Bullen remain unbeaten in their opening twelve games, having embarrassed some of the Bundesliga aristocracy along the way. Schalke, unbeaten themselves in seven, will look to clip their wings in what promises to be quite an encounter.

Primeira Liga, Porto v Braga

20.30 on BT Sport 2
Doing their level best to disrupt the predictable monotony of Benfica's early season dominance, Porto and Braga clash a match that could do much to break up the chasing pack. The Archbishops travel the 60 kms south having lost only once in their last six. By contrast, Porto have drawn their last three, taking the edge somewhat off an eight-match unbeaten spell which has seen them swap positions with their northern rivals.

Sunday

FA Cup 2nd Round: Curzon Ashton v AFC Wimbledon

12.00 on BT Sport 1 (US: FSplus)
Having survived four of the previous rounds, National League North side Curzon Ashton have earned a home tie against AFC Wimbledon of League One. For the victor, a chance to potentially lock horns with one of the Premier League’s titans and etch their names into FA Cup folklore. With the name “Wimbledon” already emblazoned on the famous trophy, the opportunity beckons for the current standard bearers to make their own mark. The draw for the 3rd round will be made at 19.10 on Monday and will be shown live on BT Sport and BBC2.

Serie A: Lazio v Roma (US: beINsports)

14.00 BT Sport 2
“There was once a dream that was Rome. You could only whisper it. Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish... it was so fragile”. Fine words from their former Caesar, however, if sage, the ancient city may well vanish this Sunday in the cacophony of the the Derby della Capitale. The hosts sit fourth, one point and two places behind their fierce foes, both having started their campaigns well. This will all matter for nothing when these two gladiators cross swords. There will be blood.

Ligue 1: Nice v Toulouse

19.45 BT Sport 1
This boxset would not be complete without a mention for OGC Nice, who entertain Toulouse in our final match of the weekend, sitting proudly atop Ligue 1 ahead of the mighty PSG. Mario Balotelli is recovering from a training ground injury so its up to his strike partner Alassane Pléa to lead the attack. Even without Balotelli, eighth placed Toulouse may well have their work cut out for them having gone four games without a win.

Whatever you watch, have a great weekend.

Jan