This Weekend’s Big Match-Ups

With the historic FIFA soccer World Cup in Qatar starting in just a few days, the world of sport is heating up heading into the winter months. There is plenty of drama everywhere, and with title races starting to take shape everywhere, every slip-up could prove costly in the battle for glory. Check out our list of the most exciting matchups happening this weekend.

NBA: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks (November 19th)

The NBA is really in full swing now, and we are starting to see the cream rise to the top of their respective divisions. In the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks started incredibly strongly but have lost their last two games, with superstar power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo not quite playing at the extremely high level he started the season with. However, the Bucks do look like a title-contending team, and they will be confident of putting a run together and returning to the top of the Eastern Conference after the Boston Celtics recently pushed them into second place.

The Philadelphia 76ers, on the other hand, have been struggling this season, with a record of 7-7 only after winning their last two games. This recent upturn in form has masked some of the worrying signs of their start, and the supposed rejuvenation of point guard James Harden seems not to be enough to get the 76ers clicking. This matchup seems to be in the Bucks’ favor based on their starts, but the Sixers still have enough talent on their team to cause an upset.
NBA schedule on TV and stream.

FIFA World Cup: Qatar vs. Ecuador (November 20th)

The long-awaited FIFA soccer World Cup kicks off this Sunday, and hosts Qatar play their first match against a tricky Ecuador side ranked 44th in the official FIFA rankings. This World Cup is the first to take place in winter, and the historic nature of this World Cup, along with the number of strong teams in the competition, makes the tournament unmissable for soccer fans the world over.

The match between Qatar and Ecuador will follow the opening ceremony, which promises to be a spectacular event given how much money Qatar has invested in the World Cup. Qatar’s team may not be the strongest, but home advantage always seems to play a massive role in World Cups. Russia ended up in the quarter-finals last time around, and Qatar won the Asian Cup in 2019 for the first time in its history. The team plays well together, and all play in the Qatari league together, meaning their chemistry is one of their strong suits.

Ecuador poses a threat on the counter-attack, and their technical ability on the ball is something that Qatar has to watch out for if they want to come away from their first match with all three points. But whatever happens, this is going to be a magnificent start to one of the most exciting World Cups in recent memory.

NFL: New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams (November 20th)

With the stronger teams starting to rise to the top of the standings in the NFL, two of last year’s most exciting teams are faltering and looking for a way back into contention. Last year’s Super Bowl champions Los Angeles Rams are currently in last place in the NFC West, with a 3-6 record that has shocked their legions of fans. Quarterback Matthew Stafford missed his first Rams game last weekend against the Arizona Cardinals, and he is a doubt for this game as well, which would be a massive blow to Los Angeles.

The New Orleans Saints have also had a very disappointing year so far, currently in last place in the NFC South with a 3-7 record that is perhaps slightly unfair considering how well they have played in some of their losses. The Saints do not look like they are getting into the playoffs this year, but they will be keen to get some victories under their belt, so they restore some pride for their fans that have supported them to no end this year, despite their disappointing performances. Both teams are in desperate need of a boost, and this weekend is going to be a battle to get back to where they belong in the NFL.
NFL schedule on TV and stream.

Formula 1: Abu Dhabi GP (November 20th)

After last weekend’s incredible Brazilian GP, when Mercedes driver George Russell claimed his first win in Formula 1, the season draws to a close this weekend when we go back to the scene of last year’s huge title controversy, Abu Dhabi. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won his first championship title at the track last year after the FIA messed up their handling of a crazy last few laps, and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was left distraught after the title was taken from him in unbelievable circumstances.

Hamilton, especially, goes back to the track this year with a point to prove. This year, he has not won a single race, with the Mercedes car mostly being uncompetitive until the last couple of races. Teammate Russell’s win in Brazil will give Hamilton the motivation to chase that elusive first win of the season and maintain his record of winning a race in every season he has competed in Formula 1. This weekend, we will see whether he can make it.
Formula 1 schedule and TV-channels here.

Author: Dan Anderson