European football preview: AC Milan and Inter meet in battle for top spot, while struggling Schalke host rivals Borussia Dortmund

It is derby weekend in the Bundesliga and Serie A this weekend as Schalke 04 host Borussia Dortmund and there is an old-fashioned six-pointer in Italy with city rival’s AC Milan hosting Inter Milan with much more than pride to play for.

Inter currently lead Milan by one point and have a significantly better goal difference but the home side did win the reverse fixture 2-1 in October when Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice against his old team.

In France, Paris Saint-Germain will look to extend their unbeaten run against Monaco in Ligue 1.

The Nerazzurri have only lost one game in their last ten matches ahead of Sunday’s tie against their fierce rivals. 

Despite last Saturday’s shock defeat to mid-table side Spezia, Milan will look to reclaim their spot at the top of the league which they have occupied for the majority of the season.

Stefano Pioli’s side comes into this fixture on shaky form however with an almost fully fit squad they will hope the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimović and Hakan Calhanoglu can rediscover their earlier form.

The second derby of the weekend takes place in the Bundesliga where a struggling Schalke 04 will take on Borussia Dortmund. 

Schalke are currently sitting rock bottom of the league and look destined for the drop this season.

After an 4-0 victory against Hoffenheim last month Christian Gross’s side are seven games without a win.

They face a Dortmund side that has not won in their last two league games and they currently occupy sixth position and are six points off a Champions League spot.

The result of Saturday’s clash will mean a lot more than bragging rights as a victory could kick-start both sides seasons despite them being at opposite ends of the table.

Paris Saint-Germain host Monaco on Sunday night as both sides look to put the pressure on Lyon at the top of Ligue 1.

PSG come into this weekend’s tie on the back of five straight wins including the incredible 4-1 thrashing of Barcelona in the Champions League.

Despite Les Parisians’ frightening form Monaco are on a great run themselves which has them unbeaten in 11.

With Lille set to play an inform Lorient, both sides will see this as a big opportunity to cement their place in the title race – this season it looks like it will go down to the wire.

By Bryce Densham