<div>
<p>From Italy to Germany</p>
<div>
<p>
<img
alt="Five games to watch this weekend: Old Firm, London Derby, Basque Derby and Messi"
src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/five-games-to-watch-this-weekend-nov1-1761783657-181607.png"
title="Five games to watch this weekend: Old Firm, London Derby, Basque Derby and Messi">
</img>
</p>
<p><span></span></p>
</div>
<p>Football never rests, and though the Champions League was paused midweek, many leagues engaged in significant cup matches. This weekend, anticipate the Old Firm in the Scottish League Cup, Inter Miami CF featuring Lionel Messi against Nashville SC, and thrilling derbies across Istanbul, London, and the Basque Country. Our global team at Transfermarkt brings you a curated list of five must-watch games from around the world.</p>
<br>
<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">
</img>
</p>
<br>
<p>Are you attending any matches live? If so, sign up now and utilize our Groundhopping Tool to log your matchday experience and discover fascinating stats!</p>
<br>
<h2><strong>Can Messi make an impact? Nashville SC vs Inter Miami CF</strong></h2>
<br>
<p><strong>Manuel Veth (Area Manager North America):</strong></p>
<br>
<p>This Saturday, Inter Miami CF aims for their first playoff advancement in MLS history against Nashville SC. Last season, Messi's arrival helped Miami set a league record with 74 points, yet they fell short in the playoffs against ninth-seeded Atlanta United.</p>
<br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>€40.83m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€77.88m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>€1.30m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€4.20m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>B.J. Callaghan</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Javier Mascherano</p>
</div>
<br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>This playoff season brought unexpected turns. Inter Miami wasn't as dominant this year, finishing third in the Eastern Conference and facing a robust Nashville SC squad featuring the prolific striker Sam Surridge, who scored 24 goals in the regular season.</p>
<br>
<p>Surridge was absent in the initial match of this best-of-three series, while Messi shone with two goals in a 3-1 victory. The 38-year-old now boasts 34 goals and 18 assists in 37 games this season, showing no signs of slowing down after signing a new contract.</p>
<br>
<p>However, winning the first match of the series doesn't guarantee success, as it's determined by the first team to secure two wins. Miami faced a similar scenario last year, winning the first game but losing the next two. With players like Surridge and Hany Mukhtar, Nashville could still turn the tide.</p>
<h2><strong>Basque Derby: Real Sociedad vs Athletic Club</strong></h2>
<br>
<p><strong>Iván Fuente (Content Manager Spain):</strong></p>
<br>
<p>In this crucial derby, Real Sociedad (17th) and Athletic Club (9th) confront their current struggles. After three initial wins, Athletic has won just once in their last seven matches and enters this clash following a loss to Getafe. Key players Iñaki Williams, Beñat Prados, Iñigo Lekue, and Yeray Álvarez will be absent, with Aymeric Laporte doubtful.</p>
<br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>€252.90m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€369.70m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>€21.50m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€22.00m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>Sergio Francisco</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Ernesto Valverde</p>
</div>
<br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>This derby marks the first for Real Sociedad's coach, Sergio Francisco, who faces pressure due to a poor record of two wins in ten matches. This daunting task is heightened by injuries to critical players like Yangel Herrera and Takefuse Kubo.</p>
<br>
<p>Despite the challenges, Real Sociedad's supporters remain optimistic. Their stadium is expected to be full, with historical context favoring them, as they've lost only three of their last 20 home games against Athletic.</p>
<br>
<h2><strong>London Derby: Tottenham vs Chelsea</strong></h2>
<br>
<p><strong>Ben Littlemore (Content Manager UK):</strong></p>
<br>
<p>Given their geographical rivalry, Chelsea fans often hold a deep disdain for Tottenham. Conversely, Spurs fans may harbor less animosity towards Chelsea but acknowledge the intense rivalry. This fierce relationship is exemplified by the notorious ‘Battle of the Bridge’ in 2016, where 12 yellow cards were issued during a dramatic clash that dashed Tottenham’s title hopes.</p>
<br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>Premier League</p>
<p>Premier League</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>€920.60m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€1.14bn</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>€210.60m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€339.15m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>Thomas Frank</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Enzo Maresca</p>
</div>
<br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>A loss for Chelsea on Saturday could place pressure on manager Enzo Maresca, especially after last week's defeat to Sunderland stirred unrest in West London. Sacking him might be a misstep, as the club is finally finding some stability with a young, talented squad, despite facing challenges from strong personalities. Meanwhile, Tottenham, under Frank's steady leadership, could leap to second in the table if they secure three points—a significant leap from their previous season's struggles.</p>
<br>
<h2><strong>Old Firm! Celtic vs Rangers</strong></h2>
<br>
<p><strong>Euan Robertson (Content Manager UK):</strong></p>
<br>
<p>The Old Firm derby stands out as one of the most intense rivalries in world football. While the quality may lag behind Europe’s elite leagues, the animosity between Celtic and Rangers is unparalleled. Expect no half-and-half scarves during this showdown at Hampden Park.</p>
<br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>€132.65m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€104.45m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>€15.13m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€29.71m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>Martin O'Neill</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Danny Röhl</p>
</div>
<br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>With bragging rights at stake, this semi-final presents both Celtic and Rangers the opportunity to claim the first piece of silverware for the season. The campaign has been chaotic, with both Glasgow clubs facing challenges that have allowed Hearts to lead the league—no team outside of Glasgow has lifted the top-flight title since 1985.</p>
<br>
<p>Protests have emerged from both clubs already this season. Rangers are now on their second manager and Brendan Rodgers resigned from Celtic amid harsh criticism. If you're seeking high-octane football, this match might not meet your expectations, but for those craving passion and drama, the Old Firm derby is a must-watch.</p>
<br>
<h2><strong>Istanbul Derby: Beşiktaş vs Fenerbahçe</strong></h2>
<br>
<p><strong>Sinan Yener (Editor Transfermarkt.com.tr):</strong></p>
<br>
<p>This weekend, Istanbul becomes the epicenter of Turkish football as Beşiktaş clashes with Fenerbahçe in a highly charged rivalry. Entering the derby as favorites, Fenerbahçe boasts a squad valued at €292 million, complete with international stars like Ederson, Marco Asensio, Fred, and Youssef En-Nesyri. Their current form sets the stage for a title challenge, and a strong victory against Beşiktaş would bolster their claim.</p>
<br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>€167.80m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€291.80m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>€42.40m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€87.00m</p>
</div>
<br>
<div>
<p>Sergen Yalçın</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Domenico Tedesco</p>
</div>
<br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>On the other side, Beşiktaş seeks redemption after struggling in recent matches. Despite the hurdles, their squad valued at €167 million still has quality players. Key figures such as Orkun Kökçü, valued at €28 million, and Premier League veterans Tammy Abraham and Wilfred Ndidi will be crucial for Beşiktaş to secure a surprise victory.</p>
<br>
<p><strong>Planning to attend the game? Track your experience with the Groundhopping tool!</strong></p>
<br>
<p>Have you ever wondered about the top scorer in matches you've witnessed? Or how many stadiums you've visited? How about your team's winning percentage in games you've seen live? With Transfermarkt's excellent Groundhopping tool, all your curiosities will be satisfied. Sign up now and join our community!</p>
</div>