Top 5 must-see soccer games on US TV this weekend

Making these selections for the best five fixtures of the weekend is becoming more challenging. Because while there are a number of high-profile encounters across Europe this weekend, in the grand scheme of things they mean little, with numerous league titles already effectively wrapped up.

For now, we’ve sold out to the big names in the main. But among glamour clashes from England, Germany, Italy and the United States, there’s also a vital scrap at the bottom from the Premier League to start things off.

All fixtures are in Eastern time. Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the games!

 

WEST HAM UNITED VS. SOUTHAMPTON
Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. ET, CNBC, Sling Blue (with World News Extra package), DIRECTV NOW and fubo Premier

 

Typically, at this stage in the season when you’re fighting relegation you’d be delighted to have a home game against one of your rivals. But that might not be the case for West Ham on Saturday against Southampton.

In their previous outing at the Olympic Stadium, West Ham endured a day to forget, as the pitch was invaded by numerous supporters and the directors’ box surrounded by an angry mob. Additionally, the team were miserable in a 3-0 loss at home to Burnley, pushing them back down the table into 17th.

Southampton sit in 18th and made a drastic decision after their previous 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United, sacking Mauricio Pellegrino and moving to appoint Mark Hughes. They trail the Hammers by two points and will hope a new coach and a toxic home atmosphere can enrich their chances of jumping out of the drop zone.

You sense the early stages of this one will be crucial, as any kind of setback for the home team here could light a fire among the Hammers fans. With just seven games to play, Saints will see this as a big opportunity to pick up points.

 

LA GALAXY VS. LAFC
Saturday, March 31, 3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX Deportes, DIRECTV NOW, Sling Blue and fubo Premier

There was already plenty of excitement ahead of the first ever Los Angeles derby. And that was before it was confirmed Zlatan Ibrahimovic had joined the Galaxy from Manchester United.

Indeed, all eyes will be on the mercurial Swede heading into this one, as he’s set to make his first ever appearance for his new club. While he’s been unable to hit top gear recently following a long injury layoff, you sense Ibrahimovic will be invigorated by the new challenge he will face in the United States.

Los Angeles FC have made a strong start to their first ever season in Major League Soccer, with wins in both of their games so far. Indeed, in Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi, they have attacking stars of their on with the ability to light up any game; a 5-1 win at Real Salt Lake last time out represented a tremendous show of attacking strength.

The Galaxy have been inconsistent in the early throws of the 2018 season and their supporters will be hopeful the arrival of Ibrahimovic can inspire the rest of the team. Their new forward loves the big stage and you wouldn’t back against him having a decisive impact from the off in MLS.

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