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Picks, Previews, Predictions | Slot vs. Guardiola at Anfield, Carrick’s Spurs Test, and Le Classique Drama

  Hassan Afolabi February 6, 2026

Slot vs. Guardiola at Anfield, Carrick’s Spurs Test, and Le Classique Drama

Check out all 10 games to watch out for in Europe's top five leagues this weekend.

Liverpool vs. Manchester City 

Arne Slot’s Liverpool enter Sunday's decisive encounter with Manchester City with a renewed offensive confidence after netting ten goals in their last two matches, and earning their first Premier League win in six. 

Following a clinical 4-1 dismantling of Newcastle United, the Reds sit sixth but possess the momentum to challenge a City side appearing increasingly vulnerable. 

Slot recently highlighted his team’s recent efficiency, noting the impressive form of summer signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, who were both on target in the win over Newcastle.

Manchester City travel to Anfield fresh from securing an EFL Cup final berth, yet Pep Guardiola’s men have dropped points in five of their last six league games. 

The visitors face a significant setback as captain Bernardo Silva remains in incredible doubt following a knock against Tottenham, which also ruled him out of Wednesday's win over Newcastle. 

Pep Guardiola admitted the midfielder's absence would be a blow, emphasizing that Anfield remains one of the toughest places to visit.

Defensive concerns plague both sides; Liverpool remains without Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak, though Joe Gomez could return to the bench. For City, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones are sidelined, forcing a defensive reshuffle.

Despite their struggles, City remain in the title hunt, trailing leaders Arsenal by six points. This crossroads fixture will likely hinge on whether City’s technical control can stifle Liverpool’s newly rediscovered attacking speed as they can not afford further slumps.

Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City 

Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur 

Slot vs. Guardiola at Anfield, Carrick’s Spurs Test, and Le Classique Drama

Interim manager Michael Carrick seeks to extend his perfect start at Old Trafford this Saturday following high-profile victories over Arsenal and Manchester City.

Currently fourth in the table, United have found stability under Carrick, winning three consecutive matches while remaining unbeaten in all nine league games where they held less than 45% possession. A win would surpass last season's total points with 13 games remaining.

In contrast, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham sit 14th after a difficult domestic campaign, having collected just 10 points at home all season. 

Despite their lowly position, Spurs boast a formidable away record and remain unbeaten in their last eight encounters against the Red Devils across all competitions. They recently demonstrated resilience by fighting back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against City.

United remain without Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu, though Mason Mount is nearing a return while Tottenham’s injury crisis persists with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined, but Dominic Solanke is fit to lead the line after his recent scorpion kick heroics.

With United's momentum and Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 18 first-half goals this term, the hosts enter the lunchtime kickoff as clear favorites to break their Spurs hoodoo.

Prediction: Man United 2-1 Spurs 

Bournemouth vs Aston Villa 

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth have surged into 12th place after collecting ten points from their last four matches, including impressive home wins over Tottenham and Liverpool, and Unai Emery will be aware of what awaits his team at the Vitality.

The Cherries appear to have banished their earlier 11-game winless slump and now sit 13 points clear of the relegation zone. However, defensive frailties remain a concern, as they have conceded more set-piece goals than any other top-flight side this season.

Aston Villa travel to the South Coast looking to reignite their fading title hopes after suffering three defeats in their last six league outings, which has taken them closer to top five battle rather than the title race.

Despite a recent stumble against Brentford at home, Unai Emery’s side maintains a strong away record, having won eight of their last ten matches on the road across all competitions. 

Villa remain seven points behind leaders Arsenal but are under pressure to secure their top-four standing amidst a growing injury list.

The hosts are missing key players like Marcus Tavernier and Justin Kluivert, though Brazilian January signing Rayan could earn his first start, but Villa face a nervous wait on Ollie Watkins and Amadou Onana, with Tammy Abraham prepared to start again if Watkins fails a late fitness test.

Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Aston Villa 

Arsenal vs Sunderland

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal enter Saturday’s clash against Sunderland buoyed by a dominant 4-0 victory over Leeds United and a midweek EFL Cup semi-final triumph against Chelsea. 

Currently six points clear of Manchester City, the Gunners are chasing their first league title in over two decades with a squad showing remarkable depth. 

Despite recent attacking rotations, Arsenal remain unbeaten in 43 consecutive home matches against newly-promoted sides, a record dating back to 1992.

Slot vs. Guardiola at Anfield, Carrick’s Spurs Test, and Le Classique Drama

Sunderland arrive in North London sitting a lofty eighth, exceeding all pre-season expectations under Régis Le Bris. The Black Cats are fresh from a clinical 3-0 win over Burnley, though their away form has faltered with no wins on the road since October. 

They notably held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in November, but they haven't tasted victory at the Emirates since 1983 and must now navigate this test without injured skipper Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal face their own injury crisis as Bukayo Saka (hip) and Mikel Merino (foot) are sidelined, while Jurrien Timber is a fresh doubt after missing training. 

However, captain Martin Odegaard is expected to return to the starting XI to provide a creative spark behind in-form striker Viktor Gyökeres. 

With Manchester City facing a difficult trip to Anfield on Sunday, victory for the Gunners would take them nine points clear of their main rival, and pile immense pressure on Pep Guardiola's team with 13 games to spare.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland 

Atlético Madrid vs. Real Betis

On Sunday, Atlético Madrid will look to return to winning ways in LaLiga as they host the same opponent they have just beaten 5-0 to secure passage into the Copa del Rey semi-finals on Wednesday.

Buoyed by the addition of Nigerian attacker Ademola Lookman to their attacking ranks, Diego Simeone's team will have the chance to move six points clear of Villarreal, who play host to Espanyol later Monday night.

Although the hosts are unbeaten in their last six LaLiga games, a couple of draws have seen them slump 10 points behind leaders Barcelona, and nine behind their city rivals, Real Madrid.

With two wins in their last three league games, Real Betis have taken advantage of the failures of their closest rivals to move up to fifth, and with both Espanyol and Celta Vigo playing tough fixtures this weekend, taking anything off Atleti would be a massive result.

Slot vs. Guardiola at Anfield, Carrick’s Spurs Test, and Le Classique Drama

However, they are winless in their last 14 away games at Atlético Madrid, losing 13, since a 2-0 victory in December 2011, while a recent 5-0 loss will also fatigued their confidence heading into the game.

Atléti will be without Alexander Sorloth, but the visitors have more injury concerns, with the likes of Hector Bellerin, Isco, Giovanni Lo Celso, Sofyan Amrabat, not fit for the trip, while Juan Hernandez is a major doubt.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 3-1 Real Betis 

Juventus vs Lazio

Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus head into Sunday’s clash in strong domestic form, currently occupying fourth place with 45 points after 23 matches and hoping to build on a formidable home run, where they are currently on a 15-game unbeaten run in Serie A. 

Despite a recent 3-0 exit from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Atalanta, Juve have won four of their last five league outings, relying on the league's most impressive defensive record with only 18 goals conceded all season.

Lazio travel to Turin sitting in eighth place, 13 points adrift of their hosts and desperate to bridge the gap to the European spots. Maurizio Sarri’s side has been the definition of inconsistent, recording eight wins, eight draws, and seven defeats so far. 

While they secured a 3-2 win over Genoa in their last league game, the Biancocelesti have found goals hard to come by on the road, averaging just 0.55 goals per game in their most recent away trips.

Both managers face significant selection headaches due to a growing injury list for this high-stakes encounter. Juventus will be without star striker Dusan Vlahovic (groin) and Kenan Yildiz, likely handing a start to January signing Jonathan David alongside Francisco Conceição. 

Slot vs. Guardiola at Anfield, Carrick’s Spurs Test, and Le Classique Drama

Lazio are even harder hit; captain Mattia Zaccagni, Boulaye Dia, and Manuel Lazzari are all expected to miss out, while former Juve man Luca Pellegrini is suspended, leaving Sarri with paper-thin options in defense and attack.

Prediction: Juventus 2-1 Lazio

Bayern Munich vs. Hoffenheim 

Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich enter Sunday's fixture looking to halt a rare domestic mini-blip after dropping five points in their last two league games. 

Following a shock defeat to Augsburg and a frustrating 2-2 draw with Hamburg, the Bavarians’ lead at the summit has been trimmed to six points. 

Despite unconvincing European displays, the record champions remain the league's most potent offensive force, having already netted 74 goals this term.

Hoffenheim arrive in Munich as the Bundesliga's in-form team, currently enjoying a club-record-equaling five-match winning streak. 

Under Christian Ilzer, the Sinsheim-based club has transformed from last season's relegation candidates into genuine Champions League contenders, sitting comfortably in third place, three points ahead of fourth with a healthy goal advantage. 

Their high-pressing 4-3-3 system has produced 43 goals so far, making them the second-highest scorers in the division behind their upcoming hosts.

The primary concern for Bayern is the fitness of Harry Kane, who missed training this week with a persistent cold. While Konrad Laimer hass returned to training, the absence of Kane, who has 22 league goals, could force a reshuffle in attack. 

Hoffenheim will be without suspended midfielder Wouter Burger but remain confident after an unbeaten seven-game run. This top-three encounter marks a historic 27th meeting between veteran goalkeepers Manuel Neuer and Oliver Baumann.

Slot vs. Guardiola at Anfield, Carrick’s Spurs Test, and Le Classique Drama

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-2 Hoffenheim 

Union Berlin vs Eintracht Frankfurt 

Albert Riera officially begins his tenure as Eintracht Frankfurt manager this Friday, succeeding Dino Toppmöller following a disappointing start to 2026. The Spaniard, formerly of NK Celje, inherits a side sitting eighth but winless in eight competitive matches. 

Despite recent defensive frailties that have seen them concede three goals in each of their last five outings, Frankfurt remains the more prolific side, bolstered by January arrival Arnaud Kalimuendo, who has scored twice since joining on loan.

Union Berlin enter the fixture in ninth, trailing their visitors by three points after a slump that has seen them win just once in their last six home league games. 

Manager Steffen Baumgart is grappling with a significant defensive crisis, as key center-back Diogo Leite is sidelined for a month with a thigh injury. Die Eisernen struggle for goals, having scored the fewest in the top ten, and will likely rely on the physical presence of Andrej Ilic.

The tactical battle will see Riera’s high-pressing, modern attacking philosophy tested against Baumgart's direct, physical approach. 

Both teams are significantly weakened; Union are missing Tom Rothe and Josip Juranovic, while Frankfurt must cope without suspended midfielder Ellyes Skhiri and injured top scorer Jonathan Burkardt. 

In a historic quirk, the reverse fixture in September ended in a frantic 4-3 victory for Union, suggesting a high-scoring encounter despite the teams' recent struggles, and Frankfurt, who are winless in four in this fixture are expected to be favoured.

Prediction: Union Berlin 1-2 Frankfurt 

RC Lens vs Rennes

Pierre Sage’s RC Lens continues their remarkable title charge, currently sitting second in Ligue 1 and trailing leaders Paris Saint-Germain by just one point. 

The hosts have transformed the Stade Bollaert-Delelis into a fortress, currently boasting a ten-match winning streak at home across all competitions. 

Their success is built on defensive discipline, having conceded only 16 goals in 20 league matches while maintaining four clean sheets in their last five outings.

In contrast, Habib Beye’s Rennes have hit a mid-season wall, losing three straight matches including a heavy 4-0 defeat to Monaco and a Coupe de France exit at the hands of Marseille. 

Now sitting sixth, the Brittany club is desperately clinging to the final European qualification spot, but their defensive woes have been prominent on the road, where they have conceded nine goals in their last three away fixtures, leaving them vulnerable against a clinical Lens attack.

Team news is dominated by Liverpool’s recent £60million capture of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, who will remain with the club for the remainder of the season but will move to Anfield in the summer. 

Lens may be without Jhoanner Chavez and Jonathan Gradit due to injuries, but Wesley Said and Odsonne Edouard are expected to lead the line. Given Lens' home dominance and a historical eleven-match unbeaten run against Rennes, Sage's side enters as heavy favorites to keep the pressure on PSG.

Prediction: RC Lens 3-1 Rennes

Paris Saint-Germain vs Olympique Marseille 

Slot vs. Guardiola at Anfield, Carrick’s Spurs Test, and Le Classique Drama

Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain enters Sunday’s Le Classique in formidable domestic form, having secured six consecutive league victories to sit nine points ahead of the visitors, two ahead of second-place RC Lens. 

Following a disciplined 2-1 win over Strasbourg, the Parisians aim to extend their dominance and avenge a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture, while they also boast the second-best attack in the league with 43 goals.

Marseille travel to the capital boasting the league’s most prolific offense, having netted 46 times, but Roberto De Zerbi’s men face a now-or-never moment for their title ambitions.

Despite a recent 3-0 cup win over Rennes, the visitors have struggled with defensive lapses, conceding eight goals in their last six league outings.

Star striker Mason Greenwood, currently leading the Golden Boot race with 13 league goals, remains their primary hope for an upset, while Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri is also settling in well, but escaped a red card for an ugly tackle on Rennes' Glen Kamara in mid-week.

Team news is mixed for both sides following recent international and injury absences. PSG will be without Achraf Hakimi, who was sent off in the win over Strasbourg, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is sidelined with an ankle injury.

Marseille have a fully fit squad for their 112th meeting with PSG, and it promises a high-tempo affair, especially after their dramatic 2-2 Trophée des Champions draw in January, which Les Parisiens won on penalties.

Prediction: PSG 3-1 Marseille 

 

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