Big derbies, fight night, Hamilton’s return: 5 events to watch out for this weekend

The world of sports is in for an exciting weekend in the lead-up to Christmas with derby action in England and Spain, a world title fight, Nigerian youngsters leaning on arch enemies Ghana, and Lewis Hamilton back racing after contracting coronavirus…

MADRID DERBY

Normally, Real Madrid are the top dogs in the city, with Atletico Madrid playing catch-up. This time, however, the reverse is the case, it is Real running after Atletico, trying to stop them from getting too far ahead.As things stand in LaLiga, Atletico Madrid are on top of the pile with 26 points from 10 matches. They have played one game fewer that Real Madrid, but Diego Simeone’s side have six more points and a plus 14 advantage in goal difference. Although it is still early in the season, with not even a third of the campaign done,  Zinedine Zidane’s side cannot afford to lose this one. They would have a mountain to climb if they go nine points behind a team that is so difficult to beat. Atletico are unbeaten in LaLiga this season and have conceded just two goals in 10 matches.

Real Madrid versus Atletico Madrid (9pm Nigerian time kick-off on Saturday).

JOSHUA VS PULEV 

One of boxing’s most anticipated bouts is going down in London this weekend as Anthony Joshua stakes his three world heavyweight titles against Kubrat Pulev.After a dearth of box office action in boxing for months due to coronavirus, fans of the sport are looking forward to a treat as the two giants do battle in London on Saturday night.It is expected to be a close fight as both Joshua, who has Nigerian blood, and Bulgarian slugger Pulev have similar records: both have lost only once in their professional careers.Joshua has the slight edge though being the champion, fighting before a home crowd at the Wembley Arena, and winning a larger percentage of his fights via knockout.The 31-year-old champion has won 21 of his 24 fights via knockout while the 39-year-old challenger has knocked out just 14 of his 29 opponents.Both fighters nearly came to blows during their weigh-in on Friday, setting the tone for an explosive bout on Saturday night.

Anthony Joshua versus Kubrat Pulev, Wembley Arena from 11pm Nigerian time on Saturday.

HAMILTON’S COVID-19 RETURN 

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton returns to the tracks this weekend after missing a race due to COVID-19.Thankfully he had wrapped up his historic seventh world title before the highly contagious virus struck and he will not be under pressure at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.Reports say the British Mercedes driver is fully recovered but racing enthusiasts will be keen to see how he gets through practice, qualifying and the race itself.Will Hamilton win the season finale? Will he at least get on the podium?  This is one to follow keenly.

Lewis Hamilton at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 2.10pm Nigerian time on Sunday.

MANCHESTER DERBY

Few years ago, this fixture was usually between the team in first place and the team in second place, but this season the Manchester clubs are off the pace in the Premier League title race and playing for relevance.However, it is still an intriguing tie between the slumbering giant (United) and the upstart trying to regain a foothold (City).Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United have been extremely inconsistent; you never know which side will show up. The side have won their last four Premier League games, but in between they crashed out of the Champions League after three defeats in four matches.Under Pep Guardiola, City have gone from the ruthless side he assembled to a hesitant team that very few now fear.Solskjaer might have the edge in their recent meetings, beating Pep three out of four times they met last season.This is their first meeting this season, and the footballing world is curious how it will go between the fifth-placed side in the Premier League (United) and the team one place below them.Will Manchester be Red or Blue on Saturday? Or will it be a draw?

Manchester United versus Manchester City at Old Trafford (6.30pm Nigerian time kick-off on Saturday).

FLYING EAGLES’ FATE 

It is Cote d’Ivoire against Ghana on Saturday in Port Novo, Benin Republic but Nigerians are as interested as Ivorians, Ghanaians and Beninoise.After getting only one point from their two group games at the WAFU U-20 tournament, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles need help from Ghana to see them through to the semi-finals and keep them in the race for the 2021 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.Nigeria played a 1-1 draw with Cote d’Ivoire in their first match and lost 1-0 to Ghana in their second game, leaving Ladan Bosso’s team bottom of the three-team group.With the win over Nigeria, Ghana’s Black Satellites are through to the semi-finals, while a draw will be enough to take Cote d’Ivoire to the next round.The only way Nigeria can advance is for Ghana to defeat Cote d’Ivoire by at least a two-goal margin, which is why any Nigerian interested in youth football is not missing the game on Saturday as the country’s fate is decided by others.Ghanaians are not exactly Nigeria’s friendly neighbours, so will the Black Satellites go out of their way to help their arch-rivals? It is all set for Saturday.

WAFU U-20: Cote d’Ivoire versus Ghana (kick-off 4pm Nigerian time on Saturday).