The international break has come to a close and as of this week, we’ll be entering the longest continuous stretch of the season without stopping. From here on out, the next break won’t be until Jan. 9 for AFCON and additional World Cup qualifiers. But before I get too far ahead of myself, we’re in for a treat this weekend as MLS playoffs kick off, the Washington Spirit play the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL final on CBS and then on Paramount+, Juve and Lazio play a massive match just to name a few. Here are the five games you have to watch, along with some honorable mentions:
5. Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Red Stars
Date: Saturday, Nov. 20 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
Why watch: Two of the hottest teams to end the NWSL season will meet in the final in Louisville on Saturday. While the Spirt have dealt with off-field turmoil, they’ve turned that into fuel for quite the playoff run being led by the duo of Trinity Rodman and Ashley Hatch in attack with Kelley O’Hara and Aubrey Bledsoe manning a stout defense. The availability of Mallory Pugh is up in the air for the Red Stars, but that hasn’t stopped them from countering their way through the playoffs. Add in that neither team has won the championship before, and that’s more than enough motivation.
4. Leicester City vs. Chelsea
Date: Saturday, Nov. 20 | Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
TV: NBCSN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Leicester +370; Draw +265; Chelsea -129
Why watch: Two teams moving in opposite directions face off as the Foxes welcome the league leaders to the King Power Stadium. Brendan Rodgers will hope that the international break was enough time for his side to get healthy as Leicester only has two wins in their last five games. Chelsea will look to keep the good form rolling and show that the draw to Burnley was a blip in the road. Come for attacking fullbacks and stay for Mason Mount wizardry.
3. Lazio vs. Juventus
Date: Saturday, Nov. 20 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Live stream: Paramount+
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Lazio +205; Draw +235; Juventus +135
Why watch: Lazio have been one of the most exciting teams in Serie A due to their high-scoring ways combined with a leaky defense. Juventus have still been a tough team to score against but they’re a far cry from the former Serie A winning sides. Add in Weston McKennie to this match and USMNT fans have more than enough reason to watch. While both teams are underperforming, it is a game that could kick-start one of them into securing Champions League qualification.
2. Portland Timbers vs. Minnesota United
Date: Sunday, Nov. 21 | Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Portland -103; Draw +270; Minnesota +265
Why watch: MLS playoffs start now and Portland-Minnesota is one of the more intriguing matches of the first round. There are teams that were in the conversation to win the Western Conference, but were let down by their defensive performances. With their wide-open playing styles, this is the type of game where the first team to five goals should win it.
1. Inter Milan vs. Napoli
Date: Sunday, Nov. 21 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Paramount+
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Inter +123; Draw +240; Napoli +225
Why watch: The league leaders face another challenge in an away trip to Inter. Napoli have withstood most challenges this season as they’re off to an undefeated start, allowing only four goals in 12 games. But Inter will hope that they can carry their good form that has seen them go undefeated in their last four, becoming the top goal scorers in the league. Inter also have an extra point to prove that there will be no problems defending their title without Antonio Conte, Romelu Lukaku and many others making this quite the grudge match.
Honorable mentions
(All times U.S./Eastern)
Friday, Nov. 20: A game to watch in …
- Germany: Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
- France: Monaco vs Lille 3 p.m. (fuboTV — Try for free)
- Argentina: Estudiantes vs. Huracan, 3:00 p.m. (Paramount+)
Saturday, Nov. 21: A game to watch in …
- MLS: Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls, 2:30 p.m. (f)
- England: Watford vs. Manchester United, 10 a.m. (Peacock)
- Spain: Barcelona vs. Espanyol, 3 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Italy: Fiorentina vs. Milan, 9 a.m. (Paramount+)
- Germany: Union Berlin vs. Hertha, 12:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
- France: PSG vs. Nantes, 11 a.m. (beIN Sports and fuboTV — Try for free)
- Argentina: Boca Juniors vs. Sarmiento, 5:15 p.m. (Paramount+)
- Brazil: Internacional vs. Flamengo, 7:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
Sunday, Nov. 21: A game to watch in …
- MLS: New York City vs. Atlanta United, 3:00 p.m. (ABC and fuboTV — Try for free)
- England: Manchester City vs. Everton, 9 a.m. (NBCSN and fuboTV — Try for free)
- Spain: Real Sociedad vs. Levante, 10:15 a.m. (ESPN+)
- Italy: Genoa vs. Roma, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
- Germany: Mainz vs. Koln, 11:30 a.m. (ESPN+)
- France: Olympique Lyon vs. Olympique Marseille, 2:45 p.m. (beIN Sports and fuboTV — Try for free)
- Argentina: Racing Club vs. Colon, 5:15 p.m. (Paramount+)
- Brazil: Corinthians vs. Santos, 2 p.m. (Paramount+)
