Manchester United vs Aston Villa

Manchester United vs Aston Villa -  live stream

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has said that the international break came at a bad time for his in-form side but insisted that the Premier League title still isn’t beyond their reach.

The Dutchman spoke at a press conference ahead of his side’s clash with the rejuvenated Aston Villa on Saturday, and they’ll be looking to continue their scintillating recent form against them.

A convincing 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur was followed up by a confidence-boosting 2-1 triumph away at rivals Liverpool, with an unlikely star at the heart of it all.

Marouane Fellaini has come under immense criticism since his arrival at Old Trafford and has been the butt of a fair few jokes, too, but his recent form suggests he’s living up to his £27 million price tag. And it clearly hasn’t gone unnoticed in Van Gaal’s eyes, either, as Manchester Evening News revealed:

Villa are playing much better football under the guidance of Sherwood, but taking points away from Old Trafford is unlikely to say the least.

Wayne Rooney, then, will keep his place up front, fresh from two strong performances for England, while Radamel Falcao watches on.

Chris Smalling’s potential absence means that Marcos Rojo could partner Phil Jones in the heart of defence on Saturday, having recovered from his latest knock.

With eight games remaining, the Red Devils have the Champions League qualification ball in their court, and should the performances continue, it’ll stay there.

Van Gaal left the press conference with an air of confidence about him, and it’s safe to say for the first time in his tenure that he has every right to feel as much.

Espanyol vs Atlético Madrid Live Stream

Espanyol vs Atlético Madrid 

We have to win to keep in the running"

- Fernando Torres

Three points for Simeone's side this weekend is a must, as Atlético have steadily begun to lose pace with La Liga front-runners Barcelona and Real Madrid. As a result, Atlético striker Fernando Torres has placed the emphasis on getting three points against Espanyol. "We have to win because we need to keep in the running, given the position we're in,'' the striker told Marca. "We all know how important what comes after this. If we beat Espanyol, we'll boost our league position and take greater confidence into the following match. Everything hinges on our next game.''

A late goal from Valencia last time out meant Atlético had to settle for a 1-1 draw and, more importantly, just a point, as they fell seven points adrift of Luis Enrique's Barcelona atop La Liga. Ahead of their second leg Champions League last 16 tie with Juventus next week - and with just five points taken from their last four games - Simeone and his players know the importance of three points on Saturday afternoon, as Atlético's hopes of retaining their title begin to fade.

Real Madrid vs Schalke 04 ONLINE LIVE STREAM

Real Madrid vs Schalke 04

SOCCER LIVE

Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid coach

[Karim] Benzema, [Gareth] Bale and Cristiano [Ronaldo] will continue in the starting lineup and in the same positions. I trust them. They have scored less in recent games because the team is not helping the forwards. [After Saturday's 1-0 loss at Athletic Club] I tried to tell my players what I thought. We are making too many passes and our game is not fast enough.

We are going to try to do our best in this competition – the most important one. [Martin] Ødegaard won't be in the starting lineup but he is doing very well. [Sami] Khedira and [Luka] Modrić will be on the list and will get some playing time. Modrić will start on the bench and I will give him 30 minutes in the second half.

We have to play faster to make the most of our forwards' quality. The club president [Florentino Pérez] has called me several times in the last few days. I always feel the support of the club and their confidence in my work. I appreciate that.

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Roberto Di Matteo speaks to the media

Roberto Di Matteo, Schalke coach

It is going to be difficult for us but we are going to attempt it. Ancelotti is one of the best coaches in the world, very successful. He has worked for very prestigious clubs and won many trophies. I met him when I played for the Italian national team and he was the assistant coach. Real Madrid are a very strong side and it's very difficult to play at their level – we will try our best. We need to be well organised. I hope the media are right and their forwards are having a tough time – it's impossible to stop them altogether.

We will try to start the match with a strong lineup of players who are in good shape. Athletic are a good team at home and they didn't allow Madrid to play in the style they are used to. Tomorrow will be different. Three weeks ago I was asked about the crisis at Madrid – but I don't think there is a crisis. It would be a sensational experience for us to win. If we start scoring, it could get interesting.

Weekend results

Athletic Club 1-0 Real Madrid (Aduriz 26)

Schalke 3-1 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (Fuchs 12, Meyer 41 53; Volland 73)

Form guide (all competitions)

Madrid: LWWWDL

Schalke: WLLDLW