Lokomotiv aim to cap historic week

FC Lokomotiv Moskva aim to follow their historic qualification for the UEFA Champions League second stage by ending a 67-year wait for their first league title this weekend.

Moscow derby
After beating Club Brugges KV 2-0 in driving snow to reach the second phase of Europe's premier competition, Lokomotiv face local rivals FC Dinamo Moskva in the last round of domestic matches in the Russian Premier-Liga, while title rivals PFC CSKA Moskva meet FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast.

Potential play-off
If both teams finish level, the championship will be decided in a winner-takes-all play-off later this month. At the other end of the table, FC Torpedo-ZIL Moskva (25 points) and FC Sokol Saratov(23) are fighting it out to remain in the top flight.

Renewed vigour
In Germany, Stefan Effenberg will visit his former club FC Bayern München for the first time since his move to VfL Wolfsburg. "Of course this is a special occasion for me due to all the success and the great time [I had] in Munich," the former Bayern skipper said ahead of his return to the Olympiastadion. Claudio Pizarro and Jens Jeremies are both doubts, while English international Owen Hargreaves is sidelined as Bayern look to banish the memory of their unhappy Champions League campaign. Elsewhere, BV Borussia Dortmund host TSV 1860 München, needing a win to close the five-point gap at the top.

Mouthwatering encounters
The big game in Spain pits Primera División leaders Real Sociedad against traditional giants Real Madrid CF, with striker Raúl González fit again after recovering from a groin strain. Youngster Fernando Pavón will step in for injured skipper Fernando Hierro. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona look to stem RC Deportivo La Coruña's in-form duo of Roy Makaay and a rejuvenated Diego Tristán, while UEFA Cup participants Real Betis Balompié and RC Celta de Vigo feature in another attractive game.

Tough for Auxerre
AJ Auxerre have a tough task against French first division leaders OGC Nice after dropping seven places inside a week following two defeats and the annulment of their victory against CS Sedan-Ardennes. Paris Saint-Germain FC, who drew 1-1 with FC Sochaux-Montbéliard last week to miss the chance to go top, visit eighth-placed RC Lens. Olympique Lyonnais attempt to consign their European disappointment to the past against FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

Campbell return
Across the channel, Arsenal FC defender Sol Campbell has shaken off a back injury in time for the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur FC. The English international missed the midweek Champions League game with PSV Eindhoven along with goalkeeper David Seaman, who is ruled out and will be replaced again by Rami Shabaan.

Gerrard conundrum
Liverpool FC manager Gérard Houllier must decide whether to rest the out-of-form Steven Gerrard for his side's encounter with Sunderland AFC, as the Merseyside club look to hang on to their slender one-point lead at the top of the table. Manchester United FC look to put their derby defeat by Manchester City FC behind them when they face West Ham United FC.

Birthday celebration
Héctor Cúper hopes to celebrate his 47th birthday by leading Serie A leaders Internazionale FC to victory against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Both sides qualified for the Champions League second stage last week but the capital side are hampered by a knee injury to Francesco Totti.

Turin rivals
Juventus FC, a point behind Inter, face Torino Calcio in the Turin derby with Mark Iuliano, Igor Tudor, Emiliano Moretti, Gianluca Zambrotta, Antonio Conte and David Trezeguet all out. At the San Siro, AC Milan face Parma AC, who were knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Wisla Kraków on Thursday, while S.S. Lazio aim to win their fifth consecutive away match against Como Calcio.