After a break to soak in the magic of the FA Cup last week, a truly global Six Picks returns with several cracking games from world football, interspersed with some tasty non-league encounters and a snarling second versus third in Europe. And if you’re wondering why we’ve not picked the Milan derby, it’s because Chris has made that the subject of his back in five. Needless to say, if this wasn’t a weekend fixture, we’d be looking at the Argentina superclasico between River Plate and Boca Juniors on Wednesday.
Seongnam Ilhwa v Zob Ahan
Asian Champions League Final, 10am, Saturday 13th November
Underdogs Zob Ahan will be looking to become the first Iranian side to win the Asian Champions League when they take on the much-fancied Seongnam Ilhwa from the South Korean K-League. And while Seongnam have been here before, as runners up in 2004, don’t rule against Zob Ahan pulling off an upset.
The Iranians have already defeated current holders Pohang Steelers, double winners Al-Ittihad, and big spending Uzbeks Bunyodkor en route to the final and will fear no one. Seongnam, meanwhile, only lost once in the group stages but only got through their semi against Al-Shabab on away goals. The Koreans will be looking to continue East Asia’s dominance of the competition, but Zob Ahan should push them all the way.
Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs
South African Premiership, 1.30pm, Saturday 13th November
Soccer City will be packed to capacity for the Sowetto derby, one of the most fiercely-contested games in South Africa. The Kaizer Chiefs, who sit second in the table, will be out for revenge after losing the MTN8 Cup to the Pirates earlier this year and have already been ratcheting up the pressure, describing the Bucs as underdogs going into this game.
While it’s true that the Pirates are sixth in the Premiership, they’re still only two points behind the Chiefs, and Ruud Krol’s men need a win, not just for pride, but to ensure they stay in touch with Mamelodi Sundowns, who are threatening to run away at the top of the table. Neither team go into this game off the back of a win, and neither side will be backing down in the run up to the match.
Fleetwood Town v Rushden & Diamonds
Blue Square Bet Premier, 3pm, Saturday 13th November
There’s no way on living earth this could be described as a glamour tie, but anybody making their way along to Highbury this weekend should be in for a very good game between two sides aiming, at the very least, to make the Conference playoffs, where they both currently sit.
Fleetwood have been boosted by chairman Andy Pilley’s cash but manager Micky Mellon has assembled a decent mix of youngsters and quality veterans, such as Ian Craney, Sean Gregan and Brazilian striker Magno Vieira. Meanwhile, Rushden’s manager, Justin Edinburgh, has been attracting admiring glances from league clubs after his sterling work leading unfancied Diamonds to a play-off spot last season. If the Northamptonshire club can keep hold of him, they’re well placed to repeat the trick.
Braintree Town v Bromley
Blue Square Bet South, 3pm, Saturday 13th October
Bromley started the season in blistering form, winning their first seven games before stuttering with a series of draws. The Lilywhites are still very much in the mix at the top of the table, although missed the chance to go joint top with Braintree after a two-all draw at home to Woking on Tuesday night.
Braintree, for their part, have seen their consistency and calmness in front of goal take them to the top of the table, having lost just twice in the league all season. The Iron finished last season strongly and a win would extend their lead at five point. But Bromley are better on the road than at their own patch and this could be a tight affair.
AA Gent v Anderlecht
Belgian Jupiler League, 5pm, Sunday 14th November
Genk may be leading the Belgian top flight, but it’s still tight at the top with both AA Gent and Anderlecht two points behind, making this an intruging fixtures that both sides know will lay down a mid-season marker in the battle for the title.
Neither side has found any consistency on the road, but between them, have only dropped seven points at home, although Gent are masters of squeezing out a victory - witness their goal difference of +7 compared to third place Anderlecht’s +18. Don’t expect this to be a high scoring game, but do expect the Purple and White to attack the hosts.
LA Galaxy v FC Dallas
MLS Cup Western Conference playoff final, 2am, Monday 15th November
The Western Conference final in MLS pits LA against Dallas at Home Depot Center. The Galaxy cruised past Seattle in the last round, adding to their 1-0 first leg win with a David Beckham inspired 2-1 victory in the second, the former England captain setting up goals for Edson Buddle and Omar Gonzalez with a couple of pinpoint set pieces. Dallas won 3-2 on aggregate against champions Real Salt Lake thanks to an impressive 1-1 draw at Rio Tinto. The winners will face either San Jose or Colorado for MLS Cup on 21st. (Chris Nee)
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Tags: AA Gent, Anderlecht, Braintree Town, Bromley, Fleetwood Town, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Rushden and Diamonds, Seongnam Ilhwa, Zob Ahan