With a top of the table clash in the English Premier League tomorrow, and a local derby in the Malaysia Cup Final on Sunday, there are a few interesting one-to-one contests that could ultimately determine the outcome of these exciting match-ups for the neutral football fans.
But before that, just a quick look back at the midweek English League Cup, which in my opinion, produced a very interesting feature when Manchester United (MU) played Norwich City on Tuesday.
The much maligned League Cup - damned if you take it seriously, damned if you don't - has for a long time now been the transitional competition for youngsters.
The Arsenal seemed to be playing their Under-12s once but they graduated into Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.
So, it was indeed pleasing that Manchester United started Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in central defence. Most certainly a partnership that is going to become the bedrock of future MU teams.
Enough about MU's "youth" policy, but this weekend is going to be fraught with duels in more ways than one.
Arsenal vs Liverpool (1.30am, Sunday morning)
The late kickoff on Saturday night pits Mesut Ozil against Lucas Leiva.
The best Number 10 in the world against who is fast becoming the "best minder" in the English Premier League (EPL).
While we all enjoy the super silky skills and intelligence of Ozil… well, at least I do, this duel will decide the outcome of Arsenal versus Liverpool.
And looking across all the EPL teams, if there is one player who can keep up and cope with Ozil, it has to be Lucas. The Brazilian is back to full fitness and has matured into a good reader of the game defensively and can pass it better than his fellow Brazilian at Stamford Bridge, Ramires.
An interesting battle of tactics will ensue but stopping Ozil should be a priority before playing on the counter-attack, which is what Brendan Rodgers will do.
The SAS up against Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny will be the other highlight of the day.
A world class Luis Suarez with the dynamic Daniel Sturridge riding shotgun is a scary thought for any defence and expect the Arsenal centrebacks to earn their keep.
I would love to see a high scoring score draw.
Stoke City vs Southampton (11pm, Saturday)
The Saints visit the Britannia with hope in their hearts as Stoke City are expected to pass it to death and the visitors love passing it too. It is quite intriguing to follow the transition of the "up and under" brand of football to the 'tiki-taka' being advocated by Mark Hughes.
Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur (9.30pm, Sunday)
The Sunday clash brings an impressive Everton hosting a "still searching for a formula" Spurs. And I say this in the nicest possible way!
The Spurs are in a very big transitional period and to be eking out the results without lighting up the world bodes well for the future.
The best line-up and best tactics are still being worked out but it is good to see Andre Villas-Boas not panicking and allowing the players ample time to gel and perform.
However, while Lewis Holtby tries to inspire in the No 10 position with Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela waiting in the wings, I wish the experience of Rafael van der Vaart in that particular position was available. Sigh.
Malaysia Cup Final - Pahang vs Kelantan (8.45pm, Sunday, Stadium Shah Alam, Selangor)
Much closer to home, Mathias Conti must be heaving a a heavy sigh of relief now that Obinna Nwaneri is not going to pocket him.
Yes folks, the Malaysia Cup Final pits Kelantan against Pahang in our very own East Coast derby.
The absence of Kelantan centreback Obinna Nwaneri due to suspension certainly leaves a big hole to fill. This is certainly a situation made in heaven for Pahang's marksman Conti who has shown his dislike for the physical challenge that has been a hallmark of Nwaneri's game.
At the other end though is a duel to make you cringe, big Darron Stewart trying to outmuscle Dickson Nwakaeme.
Kelantan striker Nwakaeme does not run past people but runs through them! And Pahang stopper Stewart loves strikers bouncing off him!
It certainly makes for a blood curdling clash not to be missed on Astro Arena.
I am not going to take sides - I am from Johore remember - but good luck to my mate Bojan Hodak and one time national teammate Dollah Salleh.
Wishing all readers a Happy Deepavali and a great weekend of football. - November 1, 2013.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
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