Editors’ Choices: F1 Kicks Off in Melbourne as Newcastle and Liverpool Pursue Cup Success

This weekend promises an exhilarating line-up of sporting events, with one of the most eagerly awaited Formula 1 seasons kicking off in Melbourne. At the same time, the Carabao Cup final will be held at Wembley, while LaLiga and Serie A feature significant title battles and the Six Nations champions will be determined.

Here’s what our editorial team will be keeping an eye on this Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, March 14th

Six Nations Final Round

The 2025 Six Nations reaches an electrifying climax on ‘Super Saturday’, featuring three teams with a genuine shot at the championship.

France, riding high after an impressive 42-27 victory over defending champions Ireland, sits at the top of the table but faces a challenging encounter against a formidable Scotland side.

In the absence of star player Antoine Dupont, sidelined due to a knee injury suffered in Dublin, Les Bleus are determined to secure the title under the floodlights at Stade de France during the late kick-off at 21:00 CET.

Meanwhile, second-placed England and third-placed Ireland aim to apply pressure earlier in the day as they take on Wales and Italy, respectively, aware that any mistake from France could be pivotal.

To wrap up the championship, Fabien Galthié’s squad needs a bonus point win against Scotland. Even with their fate in their own hands, fans can expect plenty of excitement as the tournament concludes one of its most thrilling final rounds in years.

Danny Clark

Sunday, March 16th

Formula 1, Australian Grand Prix – 05:00 CET

There are few moments in sport as thrilling as the start of a new Formula 1 season, and this year is no exception. For the first time since 2021, a genuine battle for the title is anticipated, potentially involving more than two drivers for the first time since 2010.

Based on last season’s conclusion and testing in Bahrain, McLaren appears to be the team to beat, with Ferrari close behind. And let’s not count out Max Verstappen, who could likely compete at the forefront even if driving a tractor. This season showcases at least five drivers vying for the championship, with more expected if Mercedes finds its stride.

The presence of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is monumental. His pairing with the legendary team marks a significant moment in F1 history, and the intra-team rivalry with Charles Leclerc will undoubtedly be the most prominent battle we’ve witnessed in years, adding an extra layer to the excitement of the season.

Kicking off in Melbourne for the first time since 2019 rather than Bahrain adds an extra thrill. The vibrant atmosphere and the challenges posed by the narrow, street-like circuit will be sure to create plenty of drama.

Be sure to set your alarms, and while you await the weekend, check out my predictions for the upcoming season here.

Finley Crebolder

Carabao Cup Final, Liverpool vs Newcastle – 17:30 CET

After Liverpool’s unexpected exit from the Champions League on Tuesday night, the stakes for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final have risen significantly. With the Premier League title seemingly destined for Anfield, this match has become crucial for Liverpool. It’s similarly vital for Newcastle United, who are on the cusp of securing their first domestic silverware since 1955.

While it’s regrettable for Eddie Howe’s side that the fixture bears more significance for Liverpool, they must not let that distract them. Newcastle is a strong team that can compete with the best in England, but they need to perform at their peak to stand a chance on Sunday.

Liverpool’s near miss against a strong PSG side in the Champions League leaves them eager for redemption. Mohamed Salah may not be in the running for the Ballon d’Or, but he has been exceptional domestically this season. Expect him and captain Virgil van Dijk to step up for this decisive match, as both are known for thriving on big occasions.

Experience is on Liverpool’s side, having navigated similar finals successfully in recent years. Newcastle’s previous Carabao Cup final ended in heartbreak against Manchester United two seasons ago, which may linger in their minds. However, if they can focus and deliver their signature high-tempo style, they’ll have a solid chance. If Alexander Isak, arguably the Premier League’s top striker this season, performs brilliantly, Newcastle could very well create an upset.

This promises to be an unmissable spectacle, setting the stage for an unforgettable contest with so much at stake for both sides!

Harry Dunnett

Atalanta vs Inter Milan – 20:45 CET

Like LaLiga, the Serie A title race is among Europe’s most thrilling, with three teams in contention for the crown. This weekend, two contenders will clash as Atalanta takes on defending champions Inter Milan.

Just weeks ago, Atalanta seemed to be fading from contention, but a series of disappointing results from both Inter and Napoli has brought Gian Piero Gasperini’s team back into the mix, now just three points off the top. A victory could see Atalanta leapfrogging over Inter into first place.

Inter will be riding high after their recent win over Feyenoord, securing a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. Simone Inzaghi’s squad aims for a treble this season, and a win this weekend would be another step toward that historic achievement.

Both Atalanta and Napoli lead Serie A in scoring this season with 63 goals each. With attacking talents such as Ademola Lookman, Mateo Retegui, Lautaro Martinez, and Marcus Thuram, this clash promises to deliver fireworks.

Tolga Akdeniz

Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona – 21:00 CET

The LaLiga title race is shaping up to be amongst the most thrilling in Europe, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid separated by a slim point margin, although Barca has a game in hand.

On Sunday, league leaders Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will travel to the capital to face Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in what promises to be a blockbuster finale to the weekend’s football action.

Atleti will be eager to bounce back from their heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Real in the Champions League on Wednesday. Their exit from that competition only amplifies the significance of the domestic title race.

Barcelona is currently in exceptional form across all fronts, yet Atletico Madrid managed to secure a league victory against them earlier this season, thanks to Alexander Sorloth’s dramatic late winner back in December.

Since then, the teams have met again in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg last month, delivering a thrilling 4-4 draw in Catalonia. If this Sunday’s clash proves even half as enthralling, we’re in for quite a treat!

Pat Dempsey