Weekend Football Bangers: Anfield Inferno, Le Classique Chaos, and Carrick's United Rampage

Fancy a pint and some top-tier footy chat? This weekend's slate is stacked with derbies that could light up your telly. We're jetting from England's Premier League heartlands to France's fiery rivalries, with Liverpool vs Manchester City, PSG vs Marseille, and Manchester United vs Tottenham leading the charge. As Julien Laurens highlighted in his ESPN Italy roundup, these clashes mix struggling superpowers, historic beefs, and a manager on a hot streak.

Anfield Showdown: Slot vs Guardiola Round Two

Picture this: two Premier League behemoths, both wobbling like they've had one too many. Liverpool (sixth and scrapping for Champions League spots) host Manchester City (six points off leaders Arsenal) on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET. No more Klopp-Guardiola saga, but Arne Slot versus the Pep machine still screams blockbuster.

City's defence is leakier than a pub roof in a storm, and Erling Haaland's in his worst rut – just two goals in 10 games, one from open play. Yet Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki are firing, proving City can nick goals from nowhere. Liverpool mirror the mess: Mohamed Salah's AFCON hangover lingers (missing big chances galore), but Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are running riots up top.

The Reds need revenge after that Etihad tonking earlier. Expect end-to-end chaos over cagey tactics. Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Man City – home soil tips it.

Le Classique: PSG's Parisians vs Marseille Mayhem

Sunday evening brings the mother of all French grudge matches: PSG vs Marseille in Ligue 1 (2:45 p.m. ET). The Parisians top the table by two over Lens, but their spark's flickering – think inconsistent energy, despite gems like Ousmane Dembélé's wonderstrike versus Lille.

Parc des Princes will erupt like a volcano; fans crave a statement. Marseille, trailing by nine, dream of a double after nicking the away win via a cheeky Marquinhos own goal. Mason Greenwood's been OM's talisman amid De Zerbi's turbulence – post-Champions League flop, this could be their lifeline.

It's finely poised, pure entertainment. Prediction: PSG 2-1 Marseille – too much class at home, but expect fireworks.

Old Trafford Optimism: Carrick's United vs Spurs

Kicking off Saturday (7:30 a.m. ET), can Michael Carrick notch four straight Premier League wins in his interim redux? United sit fourth, a point clear of Chelsea, two up on Liverpool, after late winners over City and Arsenal. Luck? Maybe, but the vibe's electric.

Bruno Fernandes thrives at No. 10, bossing from deep. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro shield stoutly, while Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha are chipping in goals. Tottenham fancy a scalp, but Carrick's brewed confidence from thin air – this squad was crying out for joy.

Spurs could test, yet United's momentum screams upset-proof. Prediction: Man Utd 2-1 Tottenham – Carrick's fairy tale rolls on.

These picks span derbies, top-table scraps, and tactical tilts – pure footy nectar. Whether you're backing the underdogs or giants, grab the snacks. Who's your winner? Cheers to a belter of a weekend!