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<p>From Türkiye to Brazil</p>
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<p><img alt="Five games to watch this weekend: Istanbul Derby, Paris Derby & more" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/five-games-to-watch-jan8-1767897322-186737.png" title="Five Games to Watch This Weekend: Istanbul Derby, Paris Derby & More"></p>
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<p>Football never stops, and as we conclude the Holiday Season, we're back with our feature on five must-watch games. This weekend promises an exciting lineup across two continents, including major derbies in Istanbul and Paris, a title showdown in Italy, a captivating match in Türkiye, and FA Cup clashes in England. In short, there's no shortage of thrilling action on the global stage, and our expert team at Transfermarkt is here to guide you through the top five fixtures you won't want to miss this weekend.</p>
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<p><img alt="Groundhopping Tool" height="148" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/groundhopping-tool-new-1757532236-177246.jpg?lm=1757532240" title="Groundhopping Tool" width="503"></p>
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<p>Will you be attending any games live? If so, make sure to register as a user and utilize our Groundhopping Tool to document your matchday experiences and discover some intriguing statistics!</p>
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<h2><strong>Istanbul Derby: Galatasaray vs Fenerbahçe</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Sinan Yener (Transfermarkt Content Manager Türkiye):</strong></p>
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<p>This Saturday, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray will clash in the Turkish Super Cup at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, which holds 77,563 spectators. Expect around 35,000 fans from each side in attendance. Due to the Africa Cup of Nations, notable players such as Victor Osimhen and Youssef En-Nesyri won't be on the field. Instead, Mauro Icardi and Jhon Durán will take the spotlight. Galatasaray boasts a squad valued at approximately €287 million, while Fenerbahçe's squad is around €275 million, totaling nearly €600 million when combined.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€287.35m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€270.50m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€148.27m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€92.00m</p>
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<p>Okan Buruk</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Domenico Tedesco</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>This derby features several former Premier League players, making it an exciting matchup. Galatasaray’s attack includes the in-form German international Leroy Sané, supported by Icardi, Barış Alper Yılmaz, and Yunus Akgün. The midfield features former Premier League talents İlkay Gündoğan, Mario Lemina, and Lucas Torreira, with Davinson Sánchez anchoring the defense. On the Fenerbahçe side, Durán will lead the attack alongside Marco Asensio, Edson Álvarez, and goalkeeper Ederson. When the match takes place, life in Turkey will almost come to a halt as everyone focuses on the outcome of the Turkish Super Cup. Both teams are eager for this trophy to boost their confidence for the second half of the season.</p>
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<p>Galatasaray, having won the Turkish league for the past three seasons along with the Turkish Cup, aims to add another trophy to their cabinet. In contrast, Fenerbahçe has been without a league or Super Cup title for nearly a decade, with only the Turkish Cup victory in 2022 to their name. Coach Domenico Tedesco's squad will fight hard to secure a win for their fans. Additionally, Galatasaray has crucial matches ahead in January, including a Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid, followed by a tough away game against Manchester City. Fenerbahçe is also pitted against Premier League side Aston Villa in the Europa League soon. This makes the Super Cup a vital test ahead of those significant European encounters.</p>
<h2><strong>Paris Derby: PSG vs Paris FC</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Ronan Caroff (Transfermarkt Area Manager France):</strong></p>
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<p>Before this season, Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC have faced each other twice. Now, they meet again in just eight days. PSG hosted PFC last Sunday to conclude the first half of the Ligue 1 season, winning 2-1. Despite the close score, PSG exerted dominance over Paris FC, supported by the Arnault family and the Red Bull Group.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€1.19bn</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€91.25m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€103.00m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€57.30m</p>
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<p>Luis Enrique</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Stéphane Gilli</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>The circumstances from last Sunday remain largely unchanged, although PSG might make significant squad rotations for the Coupe de France match. Both teams will be missing players due to the ongoing AFCON. Additionally, PSG recently faced Olympique Marseille in the Trophée des Champions (French Super Cup) in Kuwait.</p>
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<p>With additional travel, PSG may appear more fatigued than their determined rivals, who are eager to break their cup jinx, having never advanced past the semi-finals since 1980.</p>
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<p>This could be an excellent opportunity for Paris FC to pull off an upset against their city counterparts. PSG not only traveled to Kuwait for a challenging match but is also preparing for their final two Champions League group stage games. A cup match against a theoretically weaker opponent will offer them a chance to rest some players. With Ilan Kebbel participating in AFCON, Willem Geubbels emerges as a key player for Paris FC. Meanwhile, PSG's younger stars like Senny Mayulu could see more playing time due to the anticipated rotations.</p>
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<h2><strong>Scudetto Clash: Inter Milan vs Napoli</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Stefano Buonfino (Transfermarkt Area Manager Italy):</strong></p>
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<p>This escalating rivalry continues as Inter and Napoli compete for the Scudetto for the second consecutive year. Unlike before, this match could heavily influence the title race's trajectory by the end of the weekend.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€670.30m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€466.80m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€93.10m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€115.10m</p>
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<p>Cristian Chivu</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Antonio Conte</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Inter seeks to avenge their earlier defeat at Maradona stadium, having revamped their defensive line with Manuel Akanji now in the center, Yann Bisseck on the right, and Acerbi possibly benched. It will be interesting to see if this formation holds in the crucial matchup. Lautaro Martínez is in great form, complemented by Marcus Thuram’s return.</p>
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<p>Conversely, Napoli has shown consistency, particularly with the goals from Rasmus Højlund, who could take on the role of the Azzurri's striker following the departures of Victor Osimhen and the injury to Romelu Lukaku. Additionally, it remains to be seen whether Antonio Conte will maintain his verbal sparring with Marotta and Lautaro...</p>
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<p>The upcoming Inter-Napoli match promises to be intense, where keeping composure is crucial—something the Nerazzurri struggled with in their previous encounter, allowing Napoli, despite numerous absences, to seize victory with a pragmatic approach. Fans hope to witness a high-scoring game rather than one bogged down by tactical constraints, although tight standings and the looming threat of AC Milan might lead to cautious play.</p>
<h2><strong>Campeonato Paulista: Mirassol vs São Paulo</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Marcos Watts (Area Manager Brazil):</strong></p>
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<p>As the 2026 season kicks off in Brazil, Mirassol faces São Paulo in the opening round of the Campeonato Paulista, highlighting two clubs in very different situations.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€24.95m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€79.45m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€1.73m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€4.00m</p>
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<p>Rafael Guanaes</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Hernán Crespo</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Coming off what many hailed as a miraculous 2025 season, Mirassol begins this new journey with significant momentum. In their inaugural year in Brazil’s top tier, they stunned everyone by achieving a remarkable 4th place finish in the Brasileirão. This achievement has shifted expectations for the club's future. However, they now face the challenge of adjusting to this 'new reality': preparing for a busy calendar while dealing with a squad that has one of the lowest valuations in Série A. Squad stability is also a concern as eight players have left and seven new signings have been brought in to maintain competitiveness at this higher level.</p>
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<p>In contrast, São Paulo starts 2026 amidst great organizational turmoil. The club failed to contend for titles last year and importantly, missed out on qualification for the 2026 Copa Libertadores. Off the pitch, issues have escalated, with financial struggles dating back to 2024 now compounded by a political crisis involving club president Julio Casares, creating uncertainties around leadership and strategic direction.</p>
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<p>This opening match goes well beyond simply earning three points. For Mirassol, it’s a test of sustainability and proof that last season’s success wasn’t just a fleeting moment but the foundation of their future. Meanwhile, São Paulo views it as a chance to regain stability amid chaos and rebuild their credibility on and off the field.</p>
<h2><strong>FA Cup: Exeter City vs Manchester City</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Ben Littlemore (Transfermarkt Content Manager England):</strong></p>
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<p>At League One club Exeter City, the supporters’ trust holds the majority share, yet these are challenging times for the club based in Devon. They have undergone two rounds of layoffs this season and required a £600,000 loan from the supporters’ trust to stabilize finances. Furthermore, their home ground suffered approximately £100,000 in fire damage last November.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>League One</p>
<p>Premier League</p>
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<p>€7.20m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€1.21bn</p>
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<p>Third Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€206.80m</p>
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<p>Gary Caldwell</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Pep Guardiola</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Hoping for a significant opponent in the FA Cup draw, Exeter City received a matchup against seven-time FA Cup champions Manchester City. They expect to bring around 8,000 fans to a packed Etihad Stadium. Each club receives 45% of the gate receipts from the FA Cup, with an estimated total of £250,000 to £400,000 generated for Exeter from ticket sales.</p>
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<p>On Wednesday, Exeter’s supporters’ trust released a statement requesting Manchester City to voluntarily share a portion of their gate receipts, recognizing Exeter City’s supporter-ownership model and the challenges faced by fan-owned clubs. However, City declined this request, adding extra motivation for Exeter to defy Pep Guardiola’s giants and advocate for football and fan ownership.</p>
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<p><strong>Planning to attend the game? Capture your experience using the Groundhopping tool!</strong></p>
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<p>Have you ever wondered about the top scorer in matches you've personally attended? Or how many stadiums you've visited? What about your team's win percentage in live games? Or how many different countries you’ve watched matches in? Don't fret, Transfermarkt’s Groundhopping tool has got you covered for all of this and much more. Become a registered user today and join our community.</p>
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