The weather is not an issue for the Weekend Guide, as we have some great matches from all over the globe to help keep you warm - a relegation battle in Brazil, interesting names in Georgia and historical issues in Iraq.
(All times are in CET local time)
Amateur (Like this goal)
What? Coritiba – Vasco da Gama (Campeonato Brasileirão)
When? Sunday, 20:00
Where? Estádio Couto Pereira, Curitiba
Why? Vasco de Gama have spent some time in the second division during recent seasons and they are once again trying to avoid relegation. They are ranked 18th with 40 points, the same as the team in 17th place and a single point from the safety of 16th place. Coritiba are in 15th place with 43 points and only crazy multiple thrashings can relegate them to Serie B.
Key Players: Coritiba’s star is Henrique, who won the U-20 World Cup with Brazil, as well as the Golden Boot and Golden Shoe of the tournament. Vasco da Gama’s key player is Nenê, the former Monaco and PSG player, who played abroad for 12 years.
Part of History: Everyone knows that Pelé's 1,000th goal was a historical moment, but not many people know that it was scored against Vasco. Edgardo Andrada was Vasco's goalkeeper in that match.
Professional (like this goal)
What? Dinamo Tbilisi – Sioni Bolnisi (Georgian Umaglesi Liga)
When? Sunday, 11:00
Where? Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, Tbilisi
Why? The most decorated team in Georgian football history, Dinamo Tbilisi, haven’t won a title in the last 4 seasons. Now they are top of the ladder with 34 points. Sioni Bolnisi is well-known team that can any opponent problems and they are in the 3rd spot with 29 points.
Key Players: Sioni Bolnisi will try to stop Dinamo's players with Davit Svanidze, a 36-year old defender who has played for the club since 2005. Dinamo Tbilisi's Giorgi Kvilitaia is one of Georgian football’s future prospects and the league’s current top scorer with 10 goals.
Yes, Prime Minister: Kakha Kaladze is remembered as an AC Milan player, but in recent years he has become a politician. Nowadays, he is the Minister of Energy and the Prime Minister’s Deputy of Georgia.
World Class (like this goal)
What? Naft Al-Wasat – Al-Zawraa (Iraqi Premier League)
When? Monday, 12:30
Where? An-Najaf Stadium, Najaf
Why? Naft Al-Wasat, the reigning Iraqi title holders, are in 2nd place of group A with 19 points, just one point behind Al-Zawraa. Al-Zawraa have had a few bad seasons in recent years, but are still is the most decorated team in the league, with 12 championships.
Key Players: You can't talk about Naft Al-Wasat without mentioning Noor Sabri, the veteran goalkeeper who was part of the legendary 2007 Iraqi Asian Cup winning squad. Alaa Abdul-Zahra, known as the Iraqi Kaká, has had a long career in Jordan, Iran, Qatar and Sudan and now he is leading Al-Zawraa.
Perfect Debutants: Naft Al-Wasat won the title in their first ever season in the league. They are the second team to do so, after Al-Zawraa in 1976.