Louis van Gaal gets first taste of the Manchester derby, resurgent Newcastle host Liverpool and Bayern meet struggling Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga 

  • Manchester United head to City for the derby on Sunday
  • Louis van Gaal will be hoping to fare better than David Moyes did last year
  • Newcastle United aiming for fourth straight win against Liverpool
  • Surprise package West Ham travel to Stoke City on Saturday
  • Gary Rowett takes charge of first Birmingham City game at Wolves
  • Lee Clark manages Blackpool for the first time against Ipswich Town
  • Bayern Munich play Borussia Dortmund in Bundesliga classic
  • Lionel Messi could break La Liga scoring record against Celta Vigo 

The Manchester derby dominates the football agenda this weekend with both City and United going out with something to prove.

The big match at the Etihad is undoubtedly the highlight but there's plenty more to look forward to and here's the best of it.

 

Manchester City vs Manchester United, Barclays Premier League, Sunday 1.30pm


Live on Sky Sports 1; Highlights on Match of the Day 2 on BBC Two at 10pm

Louis van Gaal will hope for a better experience in his first Manchester derby than the horrendous afternoon David Moyes suffered last year.

The Scot was just a few weeks into the Old Trafford job when United were smashed 4-1 at the Etihad and the magnitude of his task in leading the team post-Fergie was hammered home.

David Moyes, just weeks into the Man United job, gets a taste of the troubles to come as City win 4-1 

David Moyes, just weeks into the Man United job, gets a taste of the troubles to come as City win 4-1 

Moyes cuts a disconsolate figure as United are outclassed 3-0 in the Old Trafford return at the Etihad

Moyes cuts a disconsolate figure as United are outclassed 3-0 in the Old Trafford return at the Etihad

Edin Dzeko celebrates after putting City two goals ahead at Old Trafford during their last meeting

Edin Dzeko celebrates after putting City two goals ahead at Old Trafford during their last meeting

Louis van Gaal will experience his first Manchester derby when United head to the Etihad on Sunday

Louis van Gaal will experience his first Manchester derby when United head to the Etihad on Sunday

And by the time a swashbuckling City, the champions-elect, won 3-0 at Old Trafford at the end of March, Moyes was practically out the door.

These one-sided results starkly showed how the balance of power has shifted in Manchester over the last couple of years, with City winning five of the last six league meetings between these two neighbours.

It is a rivalry that has exploded in the recent past as City spent their way to the status of title contenders and the 186th Manchester derby this Sunday will likely be the tastiest yet.

Neither side enters the contest in rude health. City are winless in three and a shadow of themselves. They trail Chelsea by six points in the Premier League, face an uphill struggle to qualify in the Champions League and were dumped out of the League Cup this week by Newcastle.

Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring City's opener in last season's 4-1 win over United

Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring City's opener in last season's 4-1 win over United

The 4-1 scoreline in this fixture last season signified how the balance of power has shifted in Manchester

The 4-1 scoreline in this fixture last season signified how the balance of power has shifted in Manchester

Manuel Pellegrini's team, however, enter the derby in poor form after three matches without a win

Manuel Pellegrini's team, however, enter the derby in poor form after three matches without a win

City could be without David Silva for the match after the Spain playmaker suffered a knee injury in midweek

City could be without David Silva for the match after the Spain playmaker suffered a knee injury in midweek

Wayne Rooney, who loves scoring against City, returns from his three-match suspension

Wayne Rooney, who loves scoring against City, returns from his three-match suspension

The top eight of the Barclays Premier League as it stands entering the weekend

The top eight of the Barclays Premier League as it stands entering the weekend

VIDEO United players match up with City - Robson

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES 

SATURDAY (3pm unless stated)

Newcastle United vs Liverpool (12.45pm)

Live on BT Sport 1

Arsenal vs Burnley

Chelsea vs Queens Park Rangers

Everton vs Swansea City

Hull City vs Southampton

Leicester City vs West Bromwich Albion

Stoke City vs West Ham United

SUNDAY

Manchester City vs Manchester United (1.30pm)

Live on Sky Sports 1

Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur (4pm)

Live on Sky Sports 1

MONDAY

Crystal Palace vs Sunderland (8pm)

Live on Sky Sports 1

Manuel Pellegrini’s in-tray is piling up – he spoke with concern about a ‘lack of trust and confidence’ in his squad on Wednesday – and creative spark David Silva could be ruled out with a knee injury.

Yaya Toure remains a pale imitation of the player he was last season and questions marks remain about the defence, especially £32m signing Eliaquim Mangala.

Not that United can claim defensive superiority. They may have turned in the best performance of the season in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea but their back line remains a liability, as shown by the abysmal marking for Didier Drogba’s goal.

Going forward, United look far better and they will welcome Wayne Rooney back from suspension for this visit into enemy territory. The captain has scored four goals in his last five league games at the Etihad.

Despite a much easier opening set of games, United are actually performing worse under Van Gaal this season than under Moyes last. This is officially their worst start to a Premier League campaign, with just 13 points gained from nine matches. Last season, they had 14.

Sunday’s derby should be a fairly close one – you can’t envisage either team dominating based on recent evidence – but both teams desperately need a win and so some risks will have to be taken. 

 

Newcastle United vs Liverpool, Barclays Premier League, Saturday 12.45pm

Live on BT Sport 1; Highlights on Match of the Day on BBC One at 10.20pm

This used to be a fixture that defined title races and it rarely disappointed in terms of entertainment. Indeed, this game has produced more goals – 129 – than any other fixture in Premier League history.

Looking back through the record books, it’s usually Liverpool that emerge victorious – 23 wins since 1992 – but it’s arguably Newcastle who enter Saturday lunchtime’s encounter in the better shape.

After a mediocre start to the season, which led to mutiny in the stands at St James’ Park, Alan Pardew has at least bought himself a little bit of time with three consecutive wins.

Alan Pardew has alleviated some of the pressure at Newcastle with three consecutive wins 

Alan Pardew has alleviated some of the pressure at Newcastle with three consecutive wins 

Rolando Aarons skips beyond Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala to score in the midweek League Cup tie

Rolando Aarons skips beyond Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala to score in the midweek League Cup tie

Pardew has been the target of fan protests this season but their form seems to be improving

Pardew has been the target of fan protests this season but their form seems to be improving

The outlook in Geordieland is suddenly brighter following important league wins against Leicester and Tottenham and then that entirely unexpected midweek cup win at Man City.

They’ll also be encouraged that their No 1 nemesis in recent years, Daniel Sturridge, is sidelined with a calf injury as he has scored six goals in his last eight league games against the Toon.

Liverpool’s other forward options have misfired in his absence but at least Mario Balotelli shrugged off some of the criticism aimed in his direction with a midweek goal against Swansea.

Putting the Italian to shame is Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse, who has averaged a goal every 61 minutes this season, the best record of all the Premier League players to have scored more than once.

It will be another emotional afternoon for Ryan Taylor, the defender, who’ll likely run out at St James’ for the first time since May 6, 2012. His excellent performance at Man City, playing in his first competitive game for 26 months, was the feel-good story of the football week. 

Daniel Sturridge scores against Newcastle at St James' in April 2013 - he has six in eight against the Toon

Daniel Sturridge scores against Newcastle at St James' in April 2013 - he has six in eight against the Toon

Mario Balotelli finally claimed his second goal in a Liverpool shirt against Swansea in midweek

Mario Balotelli finally claimed his second goal in a Liverpool shirt against Swansea in midweek

Ryan Taylor made his return to action after 26 months out in the 2-0 win at Man City

Ryan Taylor made his return to action after 26 months out in the 2-0 win at Man City

 

Stoke City vs West Ham United, Barclays Premier League, Saturday 3pm

Anyone who’d suggested back in the summer that West Ham would occupy a Champions League place nine games into the season would have been mercilessly ridiculed.

But that’s the scenario ahead of Saturday’s match at Stoke, another club who have enjoyed an image makeover in recent months.

Both were regarded for a long time as negative teams who preferred long-ball and backs-to-the-wall rather than any kind of expressive, free-flowing stuff. But both have now caught up with the times.

Sam Allardyce has restored West Ham to top form and they are fourth in the Premier League table

Sam Allardyce has restored West Ham to top form and they are fourth in the Premier League table

Joe Hart tries in vain to keep out Diafra Sakho's header at Upton Park last Saturday

Joe Hart tries in vain to keep out Diafra Sakho's header at Upton Park last Saturday

Andy Carroll, seen in training this week, is close to a return to first-team action after injury troubles

Andy Carroll, seen in training this week, is close to a return to first-team action after injury troubles

West Ham’s 2-1 win over Man City last weekend, their third in succession, led to claims the club could return to European competition for the first time in eight years. And those claims aren’t all that outlandish.

Striker Andy Carroll, who is close to a return from his ankle injury but could find it hard to regain his place, said: ‘I think we can push for Europe, we’re playing fantastically.’

As Carroll recuperates, the majestic Diafra Sakho will chase a piece of history at the Britannia. He could become the first player to score in his first seven Premier League matches and you wouldn’t bet against him.

Carlton Cole, meanwhile, will play in his 200th league game for West Ham if he features – only Steve Potts (204) and Mark Noble (201) have played more in the competition.

Diafra Sakho is chasing a piece of Premier League history by scoring in his first seven games at West Ham

Diafra Sakho is chasing a piece of Premier League history by scoring in his first seven games at West Ham

Stoke manager Mark Hughes on the touchline during their midweek League Cup defeat to Southampton 

Stoke manager Mark Hughes on the touchline during their midweek League Cup defeat to Southampton 

Stoke may have improved their style of play under Mark Hughes but they have managed to keep the Britannia as a fortress. The Potters have won eight of their last 12 home games in the league.

Not that this necessarily translates into goals – season ticket holders will be forgiven for feeling a little underwhelmed as only six league goals have been scored on the ground this season.

If there’s to be a winner on Saturday, you imagine it’ll be by a slim margin. 

 

Wolves vs Birmingham City, Sky Bet Championship, Saturday 12.15pm

Live on Sky Sports 1; Highlights on the Football League Show on BBC One at 11.45pm

After a nine-year association with Burton Albion, Gary Rowett made the step up to Birmingham City this week and he’s in for one hell of a start.

There will be no easing into the job with a blood-and-thunder derby against Wolves at Molineux to prepare for and the Sky TV cameras beaming the match around the world.

Rowett will feel the pressure immediately – the Blues are 23rd in the Championship and have won just twice in the league this season – but he was unfazed by the future when unveiled this week.

Gary Rowett is unveiled as the new Birmingham City manager after making the move from Burton

Gary Rowett is unveiled as the new Birmingham City manager after making the move from Burton

Rowett pictured playing for Birmingham against Wolves during his time there in the late nineties

Rowett pictured playing for Birmingham against Wolves during his time there in the late nineties

The bottom six of the Championship ahead of the weekend's action

The bottom six of the Championship ahead of the weekend's action

CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES 

FRIDAY

Norwich City vs Bolton Wanderers (7.45pm)

Live on Sky Sports 1

SATURDAY (3pm unless stated)

Wolves vs Birmingham City (12.15pm)

Live on Sky Sports 1

Blackburn Rovers vs Reading

Blackpool vs Ipswich Town

Brentford vs Derby County

Cardiff City vs Leeds United

Charlton Athletic vs Sheffield Wednesday

Huddersfield Town vs Nottingham Forest

Rotherham United vs Middlesbrough

Watford vs Millwall

Wigan Athletic vs Fulham

Bournemouth vs Brighton and Hove Albion (5.15pm)

Live on Sky Sports 1

When asked if he truly knew what he was getting himself into, Rowett replied: ‘Absolutely. My eyes couldn’t be any more wide open. It was a job I just couldn’t turn down.’

The 40-year-old former defender actually played at St Andrew's between 1998 and 2000 and, despite being a relative managerial novice, he achieved great things with Burton.

Appointed permanently at the Staffordshire club in May 2012, he led them to a League Two play-off semi-final in his first season and the play-off final in his second.

With Burton third in the table, Rowett felt he was leaving the club in a strong position. ‘It is about the challenge and the next natural step, which is to test ourselves further,’ he said.

‘I believe our philosophy and our methods are certainly transferable into the Championship.’

They will certainly receive a stern test at Molineux against opponents currently third after adapting effortlessly back into life at this level following promotion.

Manager Kenny Jackett, who believes Rowett will rescue Birmingham from their dire state, could be without key man Bakary Sako after the Malian picked up a groin strain in the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough. Sako has seven goals in 14 outings this season. 

 

Blackpool vs Ipswich Town, Sky Bet Championship, Saturday 3pm

After less than two weeks out of a job following his sacking by Birmingham, Lee Clark finds himself back on a touchline in charge of the one club doing worse than the Blues this season.

Clark is in at Blackpool following the dismissal of Jose Riga and he faces a bigger rescue mission than the one he was previously deployed on.

Including caretakers, Clark is the ninth manager to pick a Tangerines team since November 2012 and he can only hope to be granted a little more time than the others.

Lee Clark has been installed as Blackpool manager after his sacking at Birmingham City

Lee Clark has been installed as Blackpool manager after his sacking at Birmingham City

Jose Riga lost his job at Blackpool following their terrible start to the season

Jose Riga lost his job at Blackpool following their terrible start to the season

His first test will come against Ipswich Town, themselves in poor form, on Saturday.

Many argue Clark is entering the impossible job – just where do you start in resolving the myriad problems at Bloomfield Road? Certainly few will expect him to have worked miracles by this weekend but there should be a little bit more optimism around the place.

It will be helpful if Clark ignores the cold, hard numbers of Blackpool’s season so far. They have lost 10 of their opening 14 matches, winning just one and collecting a mere six points. They have also score just six times in their last 11 home games.

Yet Clark was refusing to join the doom merchants. ‘The main objective is to try and keep the club in the Championship and build from there. It’s a big challenge because of our position in the league, but it’s a challenge that can be overcome.’

Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich side are winless in five after a four-game winning stretch but sit just two points off the play-off places. They have been letting too many leads slip of late, though, and McCarthy said he was ‘livid’ after they chucked away a two-goal lead against Huddersfield Town last weekend.  

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has been left infuriated by their recent habit of throwing away leads

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has been left infuriated by their recent habit of throwing away leads

 

Rochdale vs Preston North End, Sky Bet League One, Saturday 3pm

Preston North End are now in their fourth season at League One level and can’t wait to get back to the Championship where they feel they belong.

After the disappointment of play-off semi-final defeat to Rotherham last season, things are starting to click for Simon Grayson and his players.

They extended their winning run to eight games with a 2-0 success at Leyton Orient on Tuesday night, moving two points behind leaders Bristol City with a game in hand. The top two meet at Ashton Gate on November 22 and could well have traded places before then.

The momentum is clearly with them and former Blackpool, Leeds United and Huddersfield boss Grayson rates the current Preston crop as one of the best he’s worked with.

Callum Robinson (centre) celebrates his goal during Preston's 3-0 midweek win at Leyton Orient

Callum Robinson (centre) celebrates his goal during Preston's 3-0 midweek win at Leyton Orient

Preston boss Simon Grayson celebrates last weekend's win over Fleetwood Town

Preston boss Simon Grayson celebrates last weekend's win over Fleetwood Town

The top eight in League One as it stands

The top eight in League One as it stands

He said: ‘This squad has got fantastic belief and desire to win football matches. It is probably one of the best groups I have worked with in terms of the unity within the club.

‘There are no egos among them, they’re all fighting for each other and if they are not in the team they just want to see the best for the club. That is a fantastic trait.’

Preston make the 30-mile trip to Rochdale on Saturday and their boss Keith Hill believes his team can score even more despite being the fifth most prolific side in League One.

‘We need to be up around the 40 per cent mark in terms of converting chances created,’ he said this week. ‘We haven’t been anywhere near that apart from certain games so I am encouraged that we can actually score more goals than we are doing.’ 

LEAGUE ONE FIXTURES 

SATURDAY (all 3pm)

Bradford City vs Doncaster Rovers

Bristol City vs Oldham Athletic

Chesterfield vs Yeovil Town

Colchester United vs Port Vale

Crawley Town vs Crewe Alexandra

Fleetwood Town vs Gillingham 

 

Leyton Orient vs Coventry City

MK Dons vs Swindon Town

Notts County vs Walsall

Peterborough United vs Scunthorpe United

Rochdale vs Preston North End

Sheffield United vs Barnsley

 

Burton Albion vs Plymouth Argyle, Sky Bet League Two, Saturday 3pm

Life after Gary Rowett begins with a home match against Plymouth on Saturday but his successor is unlikely to be in place in time.

Instead, academy head Mike Whitlow will be in temporary charge with aid from players Ian Sharps and Lee Bell for the Pilgrims’ visit to the Pirelli.

That selection process may take a little while with Brewers chairman Ben Robinson saying there had been over 50 applicants as of Wednesday. Interviews will begin next week, he added.

Charlie Adams (second left) scored the winner as Stevenage beat Burton 1-0 last weekend

Charlie Adams (second left) scored the winner as Stevenage beat Burton 1-0 last weekend

The top eight in League Two ahead of the weekend

The top eight in League Two ahead of the weekend

Plymouth captain Curtis Nelson (right) has set promotion from League Two as a 'minimum' requirement

Plymouth captain Curtis Nelson (right) has set promotion from League Two as a 'minimum' requirement

Rowett’s parting gift was to leave Burton in third place in League Two though they passed up the opportunity to go top last weekend when they lost 1-0 at Stevenage.

Argyle will be no pushovers either – they are in sixth after four wins in five and have the most frugal defence in the division.

Little wonder captain Curtis Nelson believes this is the year they can finally end their four-season exile in League Two. ‘I think we’ve got to be looking to get promotion this year, that’s a minimum for us as a team,’ he told BBC Radio Devon.

LEAGUE TWO FIXTURES 

FRIDAY

Accrington Stanley vs Morecambe (7.45pm)

SATURDAY (all 3pm)

Burton Albion vs Plymouth Argyle

Bury vs Cambridge United

Cheltenham Town vs York City

Dagenham & Redbridge vs Shrewsbury Town

Exeter City vs Luton Town 

 

Hartlepool United vs Newport County

Mansfield Town vs Southend United

Northampton Town vs AFC Wimbledon

Oxford United vs Wycombe Wanderers

Portsmouth vs Carlisle United

Tranmere Rovers vs Stevenage Borough


 

William Hill Scottish Cup Third Round, all weekend

The Scottish Cup reaches the third round stage this weekend with clubs from the Championship and League One entering the fray.

Rangers, who beat St Johnstone to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup in midweek, travel to Dumbarton for their tie (Saturday, 3pm).

Among the lower league fighters left at this stage are Hurlford United of the West of Scotland Super League, who host Stirling Albion. Meanwhile, Linlithgow Rose of the SJFA East Super League welcome Raith Rovers. 

 

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga, Saturday 5.30pm

Live on BT Sport 1

It’s extremely rare to see 15 places separating these two old rivals but that’s the situation entering Saturday night’s Bundesliga Classic at the Allianz Arena.

Pep Guardiola’s Bayern were shut out by Monchengladbach last weekend but still enjoy a four-point lead at the summit, which is exactly where everyone expected them to be.

Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund, against all predictions, are fourth bottom with just two league wins to their name so far this season.

Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring in Bayern Munich's 3-1 German Cup win over Hamburg 

Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring in Bayern Munich's 3-1 German Cup win over Hamburg 

Pep Guardiola's men are four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga

Pep Guardiola's men are four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga

Jurgen Klopp is under pressure following Borussia Dortmund's poor start to the season

Jurgen Klopp is under pressure following Borussia Dortmund's poor start to the season

There has been fresh speculation about Klopp’s future, with many feeling he has taken the team as far as they can go, but a debilitating injury list hasn’t helped him.

It is 15 years since Dortmund last lost four Bundesliga matches in a row and they travel to Bavaria at least having beaten St Pauli in the Cup in midweek.

Bayern, who won across town at HSV in the Pokal, are meeting Dortmund, incredibly, for the 13th time in the last two-and-a-half years. 

 

Barcelona vs Celta Vigo, La Liga, Saturday 7pm

Live on Sky Sports 5

Lionel Messi is poised to make Spanish League history on Saturday night with just two goals required to overhaul Telmo Zarra’s 60-year top scorer record.

Messi is just one behind Zarra’s tally of 251 goals set in the 1940s and 1950s and will be keen to reach the milestone in front of an adoring Nou Camp audience.

Luis Suarez is also likely to make his home debut as Luis Enrique’s team bid to return to form after last weekend’s Clasico disappointment at the Bernabeu. 

Lionel Messi has the chance to become La Liga's all-time leading scorer this weekend

Lionel Messi has the chance to become La Liga's all-time leading scorer this weekend

Luis Suarez is in line to make his home debut this weekend as Barcelona welcome Celta Vigo

Luis Suarez is in line to make his home debut this weekend as Barcelona welcome Celta Vigo