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From Liverpool v/s Everton to Arsenal v/s Man City: 5 European club fixtures to watch out for this weekend

The international break is over, and here are the biggest matches in Europe you cannot afford to miss.

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Juve vs Napoli, Arsenal vs Manchester City (Source credit: Getty Images)
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As the football season nears an end following an international break,clubs across Europe gear up for their domestic league challenges along with focussing on other trophies they're competing for. At this stage, each of Europe's top 5 Leagues are quite open and this is a crucial period where the intensity grows even further. If you're a football fan planning to end your weekend on a good note, there's no way you can miss these 5 fixtures. 

1. Schalke 04 vs Borussia Dortmund

While all eyes are on the Merseyside derby this week, the Riverside derby between Schalke and Dortmund is another interesting tie to look forward to on Saturday. Schalke may have been through a bad run of form, but the Royal Blues will be keen on achieving European qualification as they are starting to compile as a unit. They have lost just one of their last seven Bundesliga matches and a win over Thomas Tuchel's side will take them into sixth place. 

Meanwhile, rivals Dortmund have also been consistent winning six out of their last seven matches, along with an impressive tally of clean sheets. Der BVB will have to put on an impressive show despite their unsuccessful away record to close in on the third spot.

Key players:

Schalke 04 - Alessandro Schopf, Sead Kolasinac 

Borussia Dortmund - Ousmane Dembele,  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raphael Guerreiro 

2. Real Madrid vs Alaves 

Coming back from the international break, Real Madrid host underdogs Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday and it will be another fixture where manager Zinedine Zidane will undergo major rotations. The Frenchman has a hectic schedule coming up in the month of April including a Classico, the Madrid Derby and two Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich. 

But the Basque club can't be underestimated as they have already made it to the Copa Del Rey final and achieved wins against Barcelona and Villarreal along with draws against Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao. Alaves will look forward to capitalising on the advantage of playing against Madrid's second string, who've been quite nervy at times. 

Key players: 

Real Madrid - Isco, Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata

Alaves - Fernando Pacheo, Deyverson, Theo Hernandez

3. Liverpool vs Everton

Premier League fans will be in for a treat on Saturday as Liverpool and Everton lock horns in the Merseyside Derby. This in particular is going to be a mouth-watering fixture, as Everton have transformed into a completely different side under Ronald Koeman while hosts Liverpool are also regaining momentum.

However, the Toffees will be without defenders Seamus Coleman and Funes Mori who are out with injuries and the Reds, who have an unbeaten record against the top 6 this season would look to cash in on this chance.

Statistics are also in favour of Liverpool as 18 years back​ Everton last won at Anfield.

Key players: 

Liverpool - Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum, Divock Origi

Everton - Romelu Lukaku, Phil Jagielka, Ross Barkley

4. Napoli vs Juventus

​The homecoming of the prodigal son Gonzalo Higuain will be the highlight of the fixture, as he returns to Naples on Sunday for the first time after a move to rivals Juventus. The Bianconeri have been going strong in what may seem the last season for manager Massimiliano Allegri who has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona. 

Napoli will be looking to avenge for their loss against Old Lady back in October. The hosts have been a resurgent and resilient side under manager Maurizio Sarri and will be looking forward to yet another Champions League berth next year after exiting from the last 16 round this season. The Naples outfit will have to fire all cylinders if they plan to break Juventus' unbeaten streak. 

Key players: 

Napoli - Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne, Marek Hamsik, Jose Callejon

Juventus - Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves

5. Arsenal vs Manchester City 

There's nothing bigger this week than watching Arsenal versus Manchester City which is going to a crucial outing for both the sides. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been under fire with the Gunners struggling at the sixth spot while Guardiola's Manchester City, placed on the 3rd spot, are looking forward to closing the gap with leaders Chelsea. 

Both managers have had disastrous outings in the Champions League and will look forward to learning some lessons ahead of their FA Cup semifinal clash later. This is a must-watch fixture and football fans will be hoping for a cracker on Sunday evening. 

Key players: 

Arsenal - Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott

Manchester City - Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane, David Silva, Raheem Sterling

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