We got a massive weekend of soccer on the horizon. In the Premier League, the title race is on the docket as Manchester City host Liverpool. The margin of error in the scudetto race is razor-thin as Napoli host Fiorentina in Serie A action. In Germany, can USMNT youngster Ricardo Pepi end his cold streak against mighty Bayern Munich? Don't sleep on MLS as we are in store for some California love with Los Angeles FC and the Los Angeles Galaxy meeting for their first El Trafico of this young season. It's also opening day in the Brasileirão as Atlético Mineiro, led by Hulk, begin their title defense (you can catch all the action Paramount+).
What we're watching this weekend:
5. Bayern Munich vs. Augsburg
Date: Saturday, Apr. 9 | Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Live stream: ESPN+
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Bayern Munich -850; Draw +850; Augsburg +1900
Why watch: This is a match that Bayern should win with ease as they can widen their gap atop the Bundesliga table. They're ahead by nine points and counting while marching toward their 10th consecutive German league title. But as Alphonso Davies returns to full fitness, it's worth tuning in for his dynamism along with seeing how Ricardo Pepi performs following a positive showing in a 3-0 victory over Wolfsburg. While Pepi is still on a lengthy goal drought, his defensive work rate has been useful. Can he put it on display again against a top opposition?
4. Napoli vs. Fiorentina
Date: Sunday, Apr. 10 | Time: 9 a.m. ET
Live stream: Paramount+
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Napoli -130; Draw +285; Fiorentina +350
Why watch: Napoli are riding high on a three-match winning streak that has seen them rise to second in the table behind the Serie A's best defense, but Fiorentina will provide a solid challenge. Unbeaten in their last four, the Viola are within distance of a Europa League place despite Dusan Vlahovic moving to Juventus. A lot of that is down to Cristiano Biraghi helping Fiorentina dictate most matches. Their defense will have a tough challenge stopping Hirving Lozano and Victor Osimhen, but that will only make for better viewing.
3. Brentford vs. West Ham
Date: Sunday, Apr. 10 | Time: 9 a.m. ET
Live stream: Peacock
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Brentford +170; Draw +230; West Ham +165
Why watch: Which will have a bigger impact on the match: An in-form Christian Eriksen or Jarrod Bowen? Brentford rode a 4-1 victory over Chelsea away from the relegation zone as the Bees are almost safe with 33 points through 31 matches. West Ham currently occupy a Europa Conference League spot, but they'll want to find a way to break into the top four before the season is out. While they'll be favored in this match, a trip to the Brentford Community Stadium is anything but an easy proposition.
2. Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Los Angeles FC
Date: Saturday, Apr. 9 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: Fox | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Galaxy +155; Draw +260; LAFC +165
Why watch: A derby match with some extra spice, El Trafico will feature two of the top teams in the Western Conference despite both missing the playoffs last season. Chicharito and Carlos Vela are in solid form leading their teams and they're finding different ways to win. LAFC dominated most of their matches with a press that can't be stopped, which has led to them scoring 13 goals. Meanwhile, Greg Vanney has the Galaxy doing just enough to win. Play good defense, wait for an opportunistic Raheem Edwards to Chicarito link-up to come good, win soccer matches. Which style will prevail?
1. Manchester City vs. Liverpool
Date: Sunday, Apr. 10 | Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
TV: USA | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Caesars Sportsbook Odds: Manchester City +103; Draw +260; Liverpool +255
Why watch: This game won't officially decide the Premier League title, but it sure feels like the winner will hoist the league trophy at the end of the season. Separated by one point, Liverpool can go to the top of the league with a victory and run their red-hot form to 11 consecutive wins after drawing with Chelsea to start the calendar year. City winning would see them reopen a five-point lead and likely deflate Liverpool's bid in the race. Two of the most effective teams in the world clashing is a must-watch affair no matter what day of the week. We're fortunate to get another edition of this rivalry again next week in the FA Cup.
Craving even more coverage of the world's game? Listen below and follow ¡Qué Golazo! A Daily CBS Soccer Podcast where we take you beyond the pitch and around the globe for commentary, previews, recaps and more.
Honorable mentions
(All times U.S./Eastern)
Friday, April 8: A game to watch in ...
- England: Newcastle United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers, 3 p.m. (USA and fuboTV -- Try for free)
- Spain: Sevilla vs. Granada, 3 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Germany: Stuttgart vs. Borussia Dortmund, 2:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
- France: Lorient vs. Saint-Etienne 3 p.m. (fuboTV -- Try for free)
- Argentina: Rosario Central vs. Colon, 8:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
Saturday, April 9: A game to watch in ...
- MLS: Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Friendly: USWNT vs. Uzbekistan, 5:30 p.m. (Fox and fuboTV -- Try for free)
- England: Arsenal vs. Brighton, 10 a.m. (Peacock)
- Spain: Real Madrid vs. Getafe, 3 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Italy: Inter Milan vs. Hellas Verona, 12 a.m. (Paramount+)
- Germany: Wolfsburg vs. Armina Bielefeld, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
- France: Clermont vs. PSG, 3 p.m. (beIN Sports and fuboTV -- Try for free)
- Argentina: Velez Sarsfield vs. Boca Juniors, 8:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
- Brazil: Fluminense vs. Santos, 3:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
Sunday, April 10: A game to watch in ...
- MLS: Charlotte FC vs. Atlanta United, 1:30 p.m. (ABC and fuboTV -- Try for free)
- England: Leicester City vs. Crystal Palace, 9 a.m. (Peacock)
- Spain: Levante vs. Barcelona, 3 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Italy: Genoa vs. Roma, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)
- Germany: Mainz vs. Koln, 11:30 a.m. (ESPN+)
- France: Angers vs. Lille, 9 a.m. (beIN Sports and fuboTV -- Try for free)
- Argentina: River Plate vs. Argentinos Juniors, 6 p.m. (Paramount+)
- Brazil: Atlético Mineiro vs. Internacional, 3 p.m. (Paramount+)