Games to Watch: MLS, EPL, Liga MX, Ligue 1, Serie A, La Liga
Chicago Fire at D.C. United
8:00 p.m. Friday (NBCSN)
After a stunning win in the U.S. Open Cup final on Tuesday, D.C. returns home to face a Chicago team in the thick of the playoff race. Fire forward Mike Magee is a leading candidate for MLS MVP honors.
Everton at Manchester City
7:45 a.m. Saturday (NBCSN, mun2)
Thanks in part to U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard, Everton is the only undefeated team left in the Premier League. They face a big test this weekend as Yaya Touré and Sergio Agüero lead Manchester City into Goodison Park.
Manchester United at Sunderland
12:30 p.m. Saturday (NBCSN, mun2)
If you think Manchester United's start to the season has been rough, talk to Sunderland and U.S. national team forward Jozy Altidore. The Black Cats face a big test in this game, but need a win over the reigning EPL champs to start climbing out of the cellar.
Real Madrid at Levante
1:30 p.m. Saturday (beIN Sport)
Real star Gareth Bale has failed to live up to the hype from his world-record transfer fee so far, and now he's out injured. But Madrid still has star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as rising star midfielder Isco.
Chivas Guadalajara at Club América
5:50 p.m. Saturday (Univision)
The two teams in Mexico's signature rivalry sit at opposite ends of the standings. First-place América is still on a hot streak that started with last spring's championship. Chivas is stuck in 15th place despite the presence of Mexican stars Marco Fabián and Aldo de Nigris. If they can get a win at Azteca, it could start turning their season around.
Paris Saint-Germain at Olympique Marseille
2:55 p.m. Sunday (beIN Sport, Univision Deportes)
French soccer's Classique is a clash of new and old powers. In the 1990s and 2000s, Marseille was the nation's superpower. Now Paris, led by superstar forwards Zlatan Ibrahimović and Edinson Cavani, has the crown. Marseille counters with French dynamos Mathiew Valbuena and André-Pierre Gignac.
Chivas USA vs. Los Angeles Galaxy
5:00 p.m. Sunday (UniMás)
Coincidentally, both Chivas teams are playing their biggest rivals this weekend. The MLS version faces Landon Donovan and the Galaxy in American soccer's only intra-city showdown. Here's a reason for Union fans to watch: their team has Chivas USA's first-round draft pick in January, currently No. 3 overall. It could be No. 2 if Chivas keeps losing.
You've probably read plenty about Chivas USA's woes this year. In truth, both versions of the Goats are struggling. Even though owner Jorge Vergara has tons of money, his constant meddling with coaches and player development has caused problems on both sides of the Rio Grande.