Three European derbies, a title battle in Uruguay and an unpredictable MLS encounter pepper the Round 30 menu. FIFA.com takes a look at some of the big games.
El Clasico
Real Madrid-Barcelona
The Spanish rivals are level on points at the summit of La Liga, making this year’s El Clasico a potential league-deciding derby. Real Madrid are undefeated at the Bernabeu this season, while Barcelona have been beaten only once this season. Real Madrid have lost to Barcelona in their past three league encounters, with their last derby win taking place on 23 December 2007 (Real Madrid beat Barcelona 4-1).
Turnaround in Uruguay
Fenix-Penarol (Uruguay)
It’s second against first in Uruguay. Fenix are proving the surprise package of the Clausura in an incredible turn of form. They finished bottom of the 2009/10 Apertura and managed only one win in 15 games. In this year's Clausura however, they have lost only one from 11 matches. Penarol will not be an easy test though. The current leaders are on an 11-game winning streak and lead Fenix by seven points with only four games left. Back Fenix to win or draw and you could return over 80 points; a Penarol win is worth roughly half as much.
Derby Della Lanterna
Sampdoria-Genoa (Italy)
Genoa’s Stadio Luigi Ferraris will host local rivals Genoa and Sampdoria on Sunday. Sampdoria are enjoying the better season of the two Genoa clubs and are currently in contention for European qualification. Will rivals Genoa crush Sampdoria’s European dreams? A Genoa win returns over 80 points, while a Sampdoria victory is likely to be only half as fruitful.
Bundesliga battle
Bayer Leverkusen-Bayern Munich (Germany)
Bayern Munich will try to hold onto the Bundesliga summit when third-placed Bayer Leverkusen roll into town. Leverkusen have displayed a tendency to draw on the road this season, but with a six-point gap to make up and only five league games remaining a win result is key. Munich meanwhile will have to dig deep after a heavy match schedule of late.
Relegation rumble
Hull City-Burnley (England)
Relegation threated Hull City and Burnley square off on Saturday, with both teams eager to avoid the drop. Hull have performed decently at home this season (six wins, five draws, four losses), but it is their away form that has sunk them. Hull have failed to record a single win from all their away matches this season, a statistic they share with Burnley. Hull are favourites, but the critical nature of the fixture make Burley a dangerous opponent.
The longshot
Philadelphia Union-DC United (USA)
Newcomers Philadelphia Union face DC United in their second-ever MLS fixture. DC United have suffered a terrible start to the season, losing their opening two games and conceding 6 goals without reply. Meanwhile Philadelphia lost their 2-0 to Seattle Sounders in their opening game. Can Philadelphia Union claim their first MLS win against the league’s most successful club?
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