Top games to watch this week
Friday, November 12
Angola vs Egypt (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Andorra vs Poland (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
England vs Albania (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Italy vs Switzerland (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Uruguay vs Argentina (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Canada vs Costa Rica (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
USA vs Mexico (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Saturday, November 13
Barcelona vs Levante (Primera Iberdrola)
Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg (Frauen-Bundesliga)
Tottenham vs Arsenal (FA Women's Super League)
Malawi vs Cameroon (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Liberia vs Nigeria (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Norway vs Latvia (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Turkey vs Gibraltar (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Cote D'Ivoire vs Mozambique (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Belgium vs Estonia (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
France vs Kazakhkstan (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Montenegro vs Netherlands (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Club America vs Tigres UANL (Liga MX Femenil)
Sunday, November 14
Everton vs Man United (FA Women's Super League)
Croatia vs Russia (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Armenia vs Germany (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Liechtenstein vs Romania (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
North Macedonia vs Iceland (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Senegal vs Congo (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Ghana vs South Africa (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Spain vs Sweden (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Portugal vs Serbia (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Lyon vs PSG (Division 1 Feminine)
OL Reign vs Washington Spirit (NWSL playoffs)
Portland Thorns vs Chicago Red Stars (NWSL Playoffs)
Monday, November 15
Poland vs Hungary (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Scotland vs Denmark (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
San Marino vs England (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Switzerland vs Bulgaria (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Northern Ireland vs Italy (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Tuesday, November 16
Egypt vs Gabon (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Nigeria vs Cape Verde Islands (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Cameroon vs Cote D'Ivoire (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Wales vs Belgium (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Finland vs France (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Montenegro vs Turkey (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Netherlands vs Norway (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Bolivia vs Uruguay (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Jamaica vs USA (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Colombia vs Paraguay (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Argentina vs Brazil (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Chile vs Ecuador (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Costa Rica Honduras vs Honduras (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Canada vs Mexico (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Wednesday, November 17
Hoffenheim vs Barcelona (UEFA Women's Champions League)
Bayern Munich vs Lyon (UEFA Women's Champions League)
Arsenal vs HB Koge (UEFA Women's Champions League)
Santos vs Chapecoense (Brasileirão)
Cuiabá vs Internacional (Brasileirão)
Juventude vs Fluminense (Brasileirão)
Palmeiras vs Sao Paulo (Brasileirão)
Flamengo vs Corinthians (Brasileirão)
Thursday, November 18
Wolfsburg vs Juventus (UEFA Women's Champions League)
Real Madrid vs PSG (UEFA Women's Champions League)
Most-watched soccer games on U.S. TV: Nov. 2-8, 2021
West Ham United's 3-2 upset win against Liverpool at the London Stadium was the most-watched soccer game in U.S. TV from Tuesday, Nov. 2, through Monday, Nov. 8.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool were undefeated in this Premier League season before facing David Moyes' side on Sunday, Nov. 7. On that day, the Hammers did what Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea couldn't do: defeat Liverpool.
An average of 643,000 viewers watched West Ham beat Liverpool 3-2 on NBC Sports Network. The broadcast received a 0.24 viewership rating for its viewership traffic.
The Manchester Derby on NBCSN was the second most-watched soccer game in U.S. TV last week, with 525,000 average viewers. American soccer fans saw a well-structured Manchester City side dominate an aimless Manchester United team at Old Trafford on Saturday, Nov. 6. The final score was 2-0.
Lastly, NBC's broadcast of Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle's one-all draw was the third most-watched game on U.S. TV. An average of 512,000 viewers witnessed Leandro Trossard's goal from the penalty spot and Isaac Hayden's equalizer in the second half. Also, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off and captain Lewis Dunk, who is a center-back, stepped into goal for him in added time.
What are this week's must-watch games?
USA vs Mexico this Friday at 9:10 p.m. ET live on ESPN, TUDN, Univision, fuboTV, and Sling TV
The biggest rivalry in North American football returns on Friday, with CONCACAF powerhouses USA and Mexico set to battle it out at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati in a highly-anticipated World Cup qualifier. El Tri are currently leading the race to qualify for Qatar 2022, with Tata Martino's side sitting three points ahead of their closest rivals—who so happen to be the USMNT—heading into Matchday 7. The Stars and Stripes have suffered two draws and a defeat in their opening six games, hence Mexico's advantage. However, it should be pointed out that the last two times these nations met on the grand stage, USA emerged triumphant, beating their bitter rivals 3-2 and 1-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup finals, respectively. Make sure to check out the latest edition of this rivalry!
Spain vs Sweden and Portugal vs Serbia this Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET live on ESPN, TUDN, and fuboTV
The 10th and final Matchday of Europe's World Cup qualifiers will get underway on Sunday, with the fate of some of the continent's greatest footballing nations set to go right down to the wire. Spain and Portugal fall into this category, as the 2010 World Cup winners and the Euro 2016 champions will determine whether they will achieve automatic qualification or fall into the dreaded playoffs. La Furia Roja, who will face second-placed Group B rivals Sweden on the final day, head into their tie on the back of a much-needed 1-0 victory over Greece. That result saw them leapfrog the Scandinavians into the top spot, meaning they simply need to avoid defeat in Sunday's battle, which will be aired live in the USA via ESPN, TUDN, Univision NOW, UniMas, fuboTV, and Sling TV.
Portugal, meanwhile, enter their clash with Serbia as Group A's no.1 team, albeit merely due to a superior goal differential. However, Cristiano and Co. were held to a goalless draw by the Republic of Ireland and will be without influential center-back Pepe for the final game as he was sent off in that stalemate. Will Fernando Santos' side secure automatic qualification for Qatar 2022? Tune in to ESPN+, TUDN, and fuboTV for live coverage of this showdown!
Argentina vs Brazil this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET live on fuboTV and Fubo Sports Network
South America's two greatest footballing nations will lock horns this midweek as Argentina prepare to host bitter rivals Brazil at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario for their highly-anticipated World Cup qualifier. This will be the first encounter between La Albiceleste and the Selecao since Messi led his nation to victory over Neymar and Co. at their own backyard – the Maracanã Stadium – in the 2021 Copa America final. The two sides were set to face off in early September, but that fixture was unfortunately suspended due to a fiasco between Brazilian medical authorities, as well as the federal police, and four Argentine players due to alleged breaches of COVID-19 regulations. Tite's side have secured their spot at the 2022 World Cup, confirming their ticket to Qatar thanks to their recent 1-0 win over Colombia. However, bragging rights are on the line, meaning fans can expect a fiery battle!
This week in women's football: you can watch the NWSL playoff semifinals, Liga MX Femenil games televised/streamed in the USA and plenty of European club action on ATA Football.
When and how to watch NWSL Playoff Semifinals
The Chicago Red Stars and Washington Spirit will face the Portland Thorns and OL Reign respectively in the NWSL Playoffs semifinals. The games are scheduled to be played on Sunday, Nov. 14.
The Red Stars and the Spirit both won by a scoreline of 1-0 in their NWSL Playoffs first round games.
Chicago forward Mallory Pugh's sixty-first minute strike separated the Red Stars from NJ/NY Gotham FC. On the other hand, the Washington Spirit advanced to the semifinals after taking down the North Carolina Courage in extra time. To no one's surprise, NWSL regular season golden boot winner Ashley Hatch scored the winning goal.
Sunday, Nov. 14
OL Reign vs. Washington Spirit at 3 p.m. ET
-
Canada: CBS Sports Network
-
International: Twitch
-
USA: CBS Sports Network
Portland Thorns vs. Chicago Red Stars at 5:30 p.m. ET
-
Canada: CBS Sports Network
-
International: Twitch
-
USA: CBS Sports Network
Seven games on ATA Football this weekend
ATA Football will stream seven women's football club games from five different European leagues, including D1 Arkema, Primera Iberdrola, Serie A, Frauen Bundesliga, Barclays FA WSL. The games will be played on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15.
Primera Iberdrola
Barcelona vs. Levante on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 6 a.m. ET
Serie A
Juventus vs. Lazio on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 a.m. ET
Frauen Bundesliga
Bayern Munich vs. Wolfsburg on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 8 a.m. ET
Barclays FA WSL
Tottenham vs. Arsenal on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 8:30 a.m. ET
Everton vs. Manchester United on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 a.m. ET
Manchester City vs. Chelsea on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. ET
D1 Arkema
Lyon vs. PSG on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 6:45 a.m. ET
Two Liga MX Femenil games live in the USA
A couple of Liga MX Femenil games will broadcast and stream live in the USA this weekend.
Saturday, Nov. 13
Club America vs. Tigres UANL at 9 p.m. ET
-
USA: TUDN.com, TUDN App, TUDN USA
Sunday, Nov. 14
Monterrey vs. Chivas Guadalajara at 8 p.m. ET
-
USA: ESPN+
Biggest stories of the week
AC Milan involved in bizarre copyrights battle with German company
Italian giants AC Milan have had a mixed season so far, with the Rossoneri excelling once again in Serie A, but struggling in what is their first foray into the Champions League for eight years. Meanwhile, although the Diavolo are now on hiatus due to the latest installment of international fixtures, they're still waging another battle - this time off the pitch.
Indeed, for the past four years, Milan have been involved in a legal fight with a German entity. No, this isn't another football team, but rather a company called InterES Handels-und Dienstleistungs Gesellschaft mbH & Co KG, which makes a variety of products, including stationery for students.
InterES sells products under the brand name MILAN, and have been using that since 1984. The Rossoneri have been seeking to get intellectual property protection via the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office), but so far have been unsuccessful as InterES feels they've already cornered that market in terms of selling MILAN-branded stationery products.
It'll be quite interesting to see how things pan out, as Germany is the only major country in which Milan's quest to copyright their logo has hit a major snag.
Steven Gerrard: Rangers manager joins Aston Villa on two-and-a-half-year deal
Steven Gerrard has been named as the new Aston Villa head coach on a three-and-a-half-year deal. The former Liverpool midfielder left his role as Rangers manager to replace Dean Smith, who was sacked last weekend after a run of five successive defeats.
Gerrard had been in charge of Rangers since June 2018 and led the club to a remarkable unbeaten run which saw them secure the Scottish Premiership title last season, ending Celtic's nine-year dominance.
On the contrary, Aston Villa sit 16th in the Premier League table, two points above the relegation zone after 11 games of their campaign. Gerrard's first test in his return to the Premier League will be against Brighton on November 20.
Man Utd star Paul Pogba reportedly out for 8-10 weeks after picking up injury during international break
Man United superstar Paul Pogba suffered an unfortunate injury upon joining up with his national team. The Frenchman picked up a thigh issue during a shooting drill, with the former Juventus ace screaming in pain after kicking the ball. Shortly afterwards, he was escorted off the pitch while limping.
According to RMC Sport, the 28-year-old, who underwent initial tests in the French camp, looks to be out for 8-10 weeks. He has since been released from the national team and returned back to Manchester to undergo further tests and treatment.
The UEFA Nations League champions confirmed that he will miss their two matches during the November international break, which are crucial World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Finland – Les Bleus need three points in order to secure their ticket to Qatar 2022.
However, the bigger concern revolves around the Red Devils. Pogba could be out until early or late January, depending on whether he misses eight or ten weeks of action. Not only would that rule him out for the encounters with Chelsea and Arsenal, but also the tricky showdowns with Crystal Palace, Brentford, Bighton, and Wolves.
And given that he will be out of contract this summer, there have been suggestions that the World Cup winner has played his final game at Old Trafford as an extension does not appear to be in the works.
Other key headlines from the world of football
Man Utd reportedly looking to hijack Chelsea's move for $93M-rated La Liga defender Jules Kounde
Despite already spending big on his back four, Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be keen on bolstering his defense once more – as early as this January, even! And once again, the Red Devils are ready to splash the cash in order to address this issue. According to AS, the Premier League giants have set their eyes on one highly-rated Spanish top-flight defender and that man is none other than Sevilla ace Jules Kounde.
The Frenchman has a $93M release clause, which would render his La Liga employers helpless should Man United trigger it. The other worried party will be Chelsea. It is no secret that the Blues were keen on signing the 22-year-old last summer given that Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, and Andreas Christensen are all out of contract at the end of this season.
Conflicting reports emerge surrounding Arsenal's interest in highly-rated Serie A striker Dusan Vlahovic
According to well-respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal made contact with Fiorentina in a bid to beat Tottenham in the race to sign highly-rated striker Dusan Vlahovic this January. While the Sky Sport Italia transfer expert stated that I Viola and the Gunners had "found the outlines of an agreement", the report added that no deal has been reached with the striker or his agent.
But is there any truth to this claim? Fellow transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to explain his understanding of the situation, stating that while there is understandable interest from Arsenal, there are no ongoing talks with Fiorentina or the player.
Well-known journalists Charles Watts and James Benge of Goal and CBS Sports, respectively, have offered more opposing claims. Both report that the Gunners are, in fact, NOT even pursuing the Serbian, who is set to leave the Stadio Artemio Franchi this summer. However, a new striker is a priority next summer as both Lacazette and Nketiah look to depart when their contracts end this June.
Sweden suffer shock loss to Georgia; automatic 2022 World Cup qualification now at risk
Sweden were arguably the heavy favorites to win in Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Georgia, with the Scandinavian side given a major boost with the return of veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the fold.
But unfortunately, the 40-year-old star was unable to do much to prevent his team from slumping to a shock 2-0 defeat. As things stand, the Blågult sit in second, having relinquished the top spot to Spain, whom they now trail by a point. The pressure is now on Ibrahimovic and his teammates to beat La Furia Roja this weekend in the final round of UEFA's World Cup qualifiers, with an automatic berth to Qatar 2022 being at stake.
