
B/R Experts Predict Top Matches in World Football for Weekend Dec 6-7
Silverware will be up for grabs this weekend in an intriguing set of fixtures for our Bleacher Report experts to ponder.
LA Galaxy line up against New England Revolution on Sunday in the chase for the MLS Cup, where Landon Donovan will be looking to end his playing career on a high.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Premier League leaders Chelsea travel to Newcastle United, while Manchester United look to continue their recent improved form at Southampton.
In the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen will be the latest team to attempt to derail Bayern Munich's title defence, and AC Milan face an awkward trip to Genoa in Serie A.
But do you agree with our experts' predictions for this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
Newcastle United vs. Chelsea
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Alex Livie: Newcastle 1-0 Chelsea
First goalscorer: Papiss Cisse
Newcastle to pull off a shock and end Chelsea's unbeaten start to the season, with Cisse the star of the show—as he was when the Magpies beat the Blues in the 2011/12 campaign.
Karl Matchett: Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea
First goalscorer: Diego Costa
Chelsea are better than Newcastle, far more resilient, mentally stronger and have more attacking options. Only one outcome here.
Sam Tighe: Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea
First goalscorer: Diego Costa
Newcastle's bubble has burst, and while Chelsea lost this fixture last season, they're a different animal now.
Will Tidey: Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea
First goalscorer: Eden Hazard
Chelsea starting to feel the pressure? I have an inkling Newcastle can deny them here, though it will take a mighty defensive performance.
Michael Cummings: Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea
First goalscorer: Eden Hazard
Hazard to score as Chelsea march on to—let's face it—an inevitable league title.
Jerrad Peters: Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea
First goalscorer: Diego Costa
Newcastle have won each of their last two matches at home to Chelsea, but this Blues side is a different animal. Striker Diego Costa will be eager to get back on the scoresheet after sitting out Wednesday's encounter with Spurs through suspension.
Alex Dimond: Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea
First goalscorer: Diego Costa
Newcastle have improved considerably in recent weeks, but they are still struggling for goals, and Chelsea will not gift them anything. A comfortable win for the visitors.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
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Alex Livie: Bayern Munich 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen
First goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski
Bayern to once again prove they are in a class of their own in the Bundesliga.
Karl Matchett: Bayern Munich 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen
First goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski
Bayer will be inspired by the likes of Borussia Monchengladbach, who have pushed Bayern, but it’s hard to see anyone stopping them. Easy home win.
Sam Tighe: Bayern Munich 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen
First goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski
Roger Schmidt's defence is not capable of stopping Bayern Munich. They'll be in a hole early.
Will Tidey: Bayern Munich 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen
First goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski
Easy win for Bayern here, sparked by the goals of Lewandowski.
Michael Cummings: Bayern Munich 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
First goalscorer: Mario Gotze
Bayern are the undisputed kings of the Bundesliga, and they'll prove it yet again this weekend.
Jerrad Peters: Bayern Munich 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
First goalscorer: Thomas Muller
Bayer Leverkusen are one of the sides vying for second place in the Bundesliga behind leaders Bayern Munich and are coming off a 5-1 win over Koln. In recent seasons they've typically played Bayern close before inevitably coming up just short, which may well be what happens again this weekend.
Alex Dimond: Bayern Munich 3-2 Bayer Leverkusen
First goalscorer: Robert Lewandowski
This could be a fantastic game to watch. Leverkusen can be lightning on the break, and Bayern might find themselves exposed. Goals could be aplenty, but Pep Guardiola's men should be able to see the game through.
Genoa vs. AC Milan
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Alex Livie: Genoa 0-0 AC Milan
Genoa go into the game two points above Milan in the table. That will remain the same, with defences dominating.
Karl Matchett: Genoa 1-1 AC Milan
First goalscorer: Jeremy Menez
Milan have put themselves in a decent position to challenge for a European spot, though their consistency in picking up wins still has room for improvement.
Sam Tighe: Genoa 1-0 AC Milan
First goalscorer: Alessandro Matri
Genoa are in good form and Milan, well, aren't.
Will Tidey: Genoa 0-2 AC Milan
First goalscorer: Keisuke Honda
Milan to continue their run of decent form with a win at Genoa.
Michael Cummings: Genoa 2-1 AC Milan
First goalscorer: Alessandro Matri
Genoa's fine run of form in the league has them level on points with third-placed Napoli. A win over Milan would boost their hopes of challenging for the top three.
Jerrad Peters: Genoa 1-1 AC Milan
First goalscorer: Alessandro Matri
Genoa are one of the surprise packages in Serie A this season, presently sitting fourth in the Italian top flight. AC Milan are only two points behind them, but how much would Alessandro Matri love to score against his former employers?
Alex Dimond: Genoa 1-1 AC Milan
First goalscorer: Alessandro Matri
AC Milan are hunting for third in Serie A this season, but so too are Genoa. Gian Piero Gasperini's team might edge this one, but if a moment of individual quality from one of Milan's big names saves Filippo Inzaghi's side, then it wouldn't be the first time this season.
Southampton vs. Manchester United
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Alex Livie: Southampton 2-1 Manchester United
First goalscorer: Graziano Pelle
The battle of the Dutch bosses will go the way of Ronald Koeman, with his Saints side proving they are genuine top-four contenders by bouncing back from back-to-back defeats.
Karl Matchett: Southampton 1-1 Manchester United
First goalscorer: Robin van Persie
Could go either way, but Southampton need to pick up results in this tough run if they are really contenders for the top four or six.
Sam Tighe: Southampton 1-2 Manchester United
First goalscorer: Robin van Persie
Saints suffer another loss, and yet more people question (unfairly) their "credentials."
Will Tidey: Southampton 1-2 Manchester United
First goalscorer: Robin van Persie
United have improved a great deal in recent weeks, but Southampton are no easy mark at home. That said, I think United can snatch it late.
Michael Cummings: Southampton 1-2 Manchester United
First goalscorer: Wayne Rooney
If Rooney plays, I think he'll score. And if he scores, I think United will win.
Jerrad Peters: Southampton 1-3 Manchester United
First goalscorer: Robin van Persie
Injury-riddled Manchester United had to hold on for a tight win against Stoke on Tuesday, but there's a sense things are finally turning around under new manager Louis van Gaal. Of course, having Wayne Rooney back in the line-up would be a massive boost to their chances at St. Mary's.
Alex Dimond: Southampton 2-1 Manchester United
First goalscorer: Robin van Persie
The Saints were brought back down to earth in their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, but they will have learned from that experience and will be better this time around. United have eked out a winning run in recent times, but Ronald Koeman's side might see it (temporarily) come to an end.
LA Galaxy vs. New England Revolution
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Alex Livie: LA Galaxy 2-1 New England Revolution
First goalscorer: Robbie Keane
MLS glory to go the way of the Galaxy, who will be inspired to victory by Robbie Keane.
Karl Matchett: LA Galaxy 1-2 New England Revolution
First goalscorer: Charlie Davies
The whole season comes down to this game. Galaxy have looked impressive at times, but New England finished the regular season in great form and haven’t changed through the playoffs.
Sam Tighe: LA Galaxy 1-2 New England Revolution
First goalscorer: Lee Nguyen
Tight and cagey, the Revs nick the result via their wunderkind Lee Nguyen.
Will Tidey: LA Galaxy 2-1 New England Revolution
First goalscorer: Robbie Keane
Galaxy to edge this one, with Keane popping up with one, maybe two goals.
Michael Cummings: LA Galaxy 2-1 New England Revolution
First goalscorer: Landon Donovan
Fairy tale for Landycakes, who scores in victory on his final appearance.
Jerrad Peters: LA Galaxy 2-0 New England Revolution
First goalscorer: Robbie Keane
New England are the nearly men of MLS Play-offs history, and Los Angeles Galaxy have the ability to completely shut teams down. They also won 5-1 against the Revolution on this ground back in July.
Alex Dimond: LA Galaxy 1-3 New England Revolution
First goalscorer: Charlie Davies
First the Revolution spoiled Thierry Henry's send-off, now they are out to ruin Landon Donovan's. Anything can happen in a one-off game, but Charlie Davies is the form striker, and he might be the difference.
Latest Standings
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| Week's Total | Total | |
| Mike Cummings | 4 | 107 |
| Karl Matchett | 5 | 97 |
| Alex Dimond | 7 | 95 |
| Jerrad Peters | 6 | 88 |
| Sam Tighe | 7 | 80 |
| Alex Livie | 11 | 75 |
| Will Tidey | 7 | 64 |
Correct result: One point
Correct first goalscorer: Two points
Correct scoreline: Three points









