Here's what our editors are watching across the next few days:
Saturday, February 22nd
England vs Scotland - 17:45 CET
England will go into the Calcutta Cup and rugby’s oldest international rivalry with confidence following their dramatic and impressive victory over pre-tournament favourites France a fortnight ago.
In the win over France, there was certainly an improvement in performance from England’s opening weekend defeat in Dublin. Unlike against the Irish, they didn’t fade away in the second half and they deserved Elliot Daly’s winning try at the death.
A key reason for England’s success against France came from the combination of Marcus Smith and Fin Smith with the latter looking the real deal for present and future. Despite both being fly-halves, Marcus Smith is starting at full-back against Scotland and there is hope they can excel together.
Scotland have a world-class fly-half of their own in Finn Russell, however, and if he is on it, they are always a threat. Despite a setback against a strong Irish side last time out, they have produced high-quality attacking rugby in both of their games and their victory against Italy in their opening match saw them score five tries.
Scotland have also won the Calcutta Cup for four consecutive years which shouldn’t be taken lightly.
You can be sure that the Allianz Stadium will be rocking on Saturday afternoon and with both countries still in contention to win the Six Nations, this already fierce rivalry has an added edge.
Harry Dunnett
Sunday, February 23rd
It’s difficult to overestimate just how big cricket is in India - it simply is the biggest sport in the world’s second-largest country, and by some distance too. When India play, it’s a huge event every time as viewership figures will prove.
If every game that India play is a massive event, when they face Pakistan is beyond monumental. Sadly, these two arch-rivals now rarely meet due to the complex political tensions that exist between the nations. However, they do cross paths (often deliberately) in international tournaments and that’s exactly what’s happening in the ICC Champions Trophy this Sunday.
To put it simply, this is the game to watch in the Champions Trophy’s group stage. And while the 50-over tournament has rapidly lost relevance since the explosion of T20 cricket in the past decade (it hasn’t been staged since 2017), what the competition lacks in significance, it makes up for in brevity.
That is to say, this eight-team event is so short that every game matters. Each team plays just three group matches before the semi-finals, so any loss piles on pressure. For context, Pakistan lost the opener to New Zealand while India eased past Bangladesh on Thursday. In short, Pakistan have to win on Sunday.
The tournament, it should be noted, is being held in Pakistan… except for India’s matches, that is, which are being played in Dubai (that's including the final if they make it). That’s because India have refused to tour their near neighbours for security concerns. The resultant compromise has caused its fair share of controversy.
India are heavy favourites to lift the trophy as well as to win this group-stage encounter in the UAE. Unfortunately for Pakistan, who are the Champions Trophy holders, losing their home advantage for this clash is giving up one marginal gain they did hold against an already stacked sky blue outfit that will feel comfortable in the Dubai conditions.
On the upside for Pakistan, India are without ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is missing the tournament through injury, and Mohammad Rizwan’s men possess bags of talent and a pace attack that can match the best in the world on their day. To beat Rohit Sharma’s red-hot team, however, they will need to be outstanding with both bat and ball. Whatever happens, it promises to be riveting.
Pat Dempsey
Manchester City vs Liverpool - 17:30 CET
One of the Premier League’s greatest modern rivalries provides its latest instalment on Sunday afternoon as Premier League leaders Liverpool travel to defending champions Manchester City with a remarkable 17 points separating the sides.
While it might not be the title-deciding clash it perhaps could have been, it remains a hugely important match for both teams as Liverpool continue their hunt for a record-equalling 20th top-flight crown and City look to strengthen their hopes of a top-four finish.
Arne Slot’s side will be determined to register just their third Premier League double over the Cityzens following a 2-0 triumph at Anfield in December. However, with just one victory from their last four across all competitions, the Reds are starting to lose momentum at a critical juncture of the season.
As for Pep Guardiola’s men, a midweek Champions League exit to Real Madrid handed City their 13th defeat of the season. They’ll be keen to avoid adding to that total against Liverpool, especially with a superb recent head-to-head record of just one defeat in the last 15 league meetings at the Etihad.
With the pressure building on both sides in recent weeks, Sunday’s match has all the hallmarks of a Premier League classic. Make sure you tune in!
Danny Clark
Monday, February 24th
Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce - 18:00 CET
In what is set to be the biggest game of the Turkish Super Lig season, two-time defending champions Galatasaray host arch-rivals Fenerbahce in a potentially title-defining Istanbul derby.
As usual in Turkey, there has been incredible controversy leading up to the contest, with referee and corruption conspiracy theories continuing to make the headlines. As a result, the Turkish Football Federation have made the historic decision of appointing Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic - who refereed the 2024 Champions League final - solely for this match.
Galatasaray have had a near-flawless league campaign so far. 20 wins and three draws from 23 matches makes for remarkable reading, and as a result, they sit top of the table and in a good position to go on and win their 25th Super Lig title. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is their leading scorer with 14 goals in 18 games.
However, a pretty disappointing Europa League campaign has piled on a little bit of pressure on Okan Buruk’s side, and a bad result against Fenerbahce on Monday evening could bring Fenerbahce firmly back into the title race.
Jose Mourinho’s outfit have suffered two losses in the league this season, which came against Galatasaray and Besiktas. Their big game record hasn’t been the best in Turkey, and as a result, they are six points behind the leaders.
They do come into the game in good form though, winning seven straight league matches and qualifying for the Europa League last 16 after knocking out Anderlecht. They have an in-form striker of their own on their hands in Youssef En Nesyri, who has 24 goals in all competitions and 18 in his last 14.
By the end of this match, Galatasaray could be nine points clear and have one hand on the title. But Fenerbahce could also be just three points behind and breathing down the necks of their neighbours.
It is set to be a high-stakes, high-octane clash between Turkey’s two biggest teams, and you can be certain that there will be no shortage of drama.
Tolga Akdeniz