Top games to watch this week
Friday, September 30
Athletic vs Almería (La Liga)
Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)
Sporting CP vs Gil Vicente (Primeira Liga)
Porto vs Sporting Braga (Primeira Liga)
Puebla vs América (Liga MX)
Saturday, October 1
Arsenal vs Tottenham (English Premier League)
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea (English Premier League)
Liverpool vs Brighton (English Premier League)
Sevilla vs Atlético (La Liga)
Mallorca vs Barcelona (La Liga)
Inter vs Roma (Serie A)
Empoli vs Milan (Serie A)
Köln vs Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)
PSG vs Nice (Ligue 1)
Vitoria Guimaraes vs Benfica (Primeira Liga)
Charlotte vs Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Austin (MLS)
LA Galaxy vs Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Cruz Azul vs Guadalajara (Liga MX)
Sunday, October 2
Manchester City vs Manchester United (English Premier League)
Real Madrid vs Osasuna (La Liga)
Juventus vs Bologna (Serie A)
Portland Timbers vs Los Angeles FC (MLS)
Boca Juniors vs Vélez Sarsfield (Argentine Primera Division)
Santos Laguna vs Mazatlán (Liga MX)
Monday, October 3
Leicester vs Nottingham (English Premier League)
Rayo Vallecano vs Elche (La Liga)
Hellas Verona vs Udinese (Serie A)
Marítimo vs Casa Pía (Primeira Liga)
Botafogo vs Palmeiras (Brasileirão)
Tuesday, October 4
Bayern vs Viktoria Plzen (UEFA Champions League)
Marseille vs Sporting (UEFA Champions League)
Liverpool vs Rangers (UEFA Champions League)
Ajax vs Napoli (UEFA Champions League)
Porto vs Bayer (UEFA Champions League)
Club Brugge vs Atlético (UEFA Champions League)
Inter vs Barcelona (UEFA Champions League)
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham (UEFA Champions League)
Wednesday, October 5
Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb (UEFA Champions League)
RB Leipzig vs Celtic (UEFA Champions League)
Chelsea vs Milan (UEFA Champions League)
Real Madrid vs Shakhtar (UEFA Champions League)
Man City vs Kobenhavn (UEFA Champions League)
Sevilla vs Borussia Dortmund (UEFA Champions League)
Juventus vs Maccabi Haifa (UEFA Champions League)
Benfica vs PSG (UEFA Champions League)
Flamengo vs Internacional (Brasileirão)
Santos vs Atlético Mineiro (Brasileirão)
Thursday, October 6
Zurich vs PSV (UEFA Europa League)
Omonia Nicosia vs Manchester United (UEFA Europa League)
Sturm Graz vs Lazio (UEFA Europa League)
Monaco vs Trabzonspor (UEFA Europa League)
Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt (UEFA Europa League)
Roma vs Real Betis (UEFA Europa League)
Olympiakos vs Qarabag (UEFA Europa League)
Anderlecht vs West Ham (Europa Conference League)
Hearts vs Fiorentina (UEFA Europa Conference League)
Villarreal vs Austria Wien (UEFA Europa Conference League)
Köln vs Partizan (UEFA Europa Conference League)
Slavia Praha vs Cluj (UEFA Europa Conference League)
Most-watched football games in the USA - September 19-25, 2022
Last week's battle for the ratings delivered interesting results, especially with no top-notch leagues being played around the world due to the international break.
The games featuring national teams such as Spain or England did not carry that much attention, leaving North American teams such as the USMNT and Mexico to fight for the top spots. Additionally, one of the recently created competitions between Liga MX clubs and MLS sides claimed one of the three places on the podium.
This time, the first place in this ranking went to Mexico's win over Perú this past Saturday, where Gerardo Martino's men ended a winless run and saw Hirving "Chucky" Lozano giving them a much-deserved win. No other game played this week came close to El Tri's audience numbers and rating, as their average viewers were double the amount of the runners-up.
Speaking of which, the Leagues Cup clash between Cincinnati and Guadalajara came up in second place for the week, with the MLS side claiming a 3-1 victory. This win all but confirms the MLS' dominance over Liga MX teams, who seem not to care about these tournaments and send their reserve squads to keep their contract running.
The podium was completed by the USMNT, whose loss to Japan was followed by almost 200,000 viewers. Gregg Berhalter's men will really need to step it up if they want to make an impressive return to a FIFA World Cup after missing out on the 2018 edition because if they keep showing what they did during the break, they could be in for a quick return.
Let us have a look at the numbers last week brought us in terms of football games.
What are this week's must-watch games?
Arsenal vs Tottenham live this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET on UNIVERSO, USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO NOW, fuboTV, and SiriusXM FC
Matchweek 9 gets underway this weekend, with the always-exciting North London Derby kicking off this latest round. Arsenal, who currently sit top of the table, welcome Tottenham in Saturday's early fixture as the Gunners look to end Spurs' unbeaten start. Antonio Conte's men, on the other hand, wish to leapfrog Arteta's side in the standings and will need a victory in order to achieve this. Who will win this Emirates Stadium showdown? Don't miss the action!
Inter vs Roma live this Saturday at 12 p.m. ET exclusively on Paramount+
While neither are top five in the current Serie A table, Inter Milan and Roma are two teams with a great shot at winning the Scudetto, and on Saturday, these two giants will lock horns. Jose Mourinho, who led the Giallorossi to UEFA Europa Conference League glory last season, will take on his former club with a one-point advantage over the Nerazzurri. Unfortunately, Abraham and Co. lost their most recent outing, a 1-0 defeat to Atalanta, but this is true for the opposition as well. Inzaghi's men took on Udinese just before the international break and came away from that tie with a shocking 3-1 loss. Will the Milan giants bounce back and beat Roma? Tune in to find out.
Manchester City vs Manchester live this Sunday at 9 a.m. ET on Peacock, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, fuboTV, and SiriusXM FC
The North London Derby isn't the only exciting Premier League derby taking place this weekend as the two Manchester giants, Man City and Man United, are set to face off on Sunday. The Red Devils enter this clash on the back of a lovely four-game winning streak. However, Ten Hag's side have been rocked with injuries to Martial and Rashford, leaving him with a selection headache. The Cityzens, meanwhile, aim to go top of the table with a win, should Arsenal slip up against Tottenham, and will look to the unstoppable Erling Haaland to continue his breathtaking goalscoring form in what should be a thrilling encounter.
Inter vs Barcelona and Chelsea vs AC Milan headline the top UEFA Champions League matches to watch as European football returns this midweek
European football returns this midweek with several exciting games, starting with the UEFA Champions League, which will stage Matchday 3 this Tuesday and Wednesday. The standout games involve Milan's two giants: Inter Milan and AC Milan.
The Nerazzurri will host none other than Barcelona this midweek as an injury-ravaged Blaugrana prepare to visit the San Siro. Meanwhile, the Rossoneri, who are top of Group E, will head over to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, who are bottom of the table and in dire need of a turnaround.
Elsewhere, we got UEFA Europa League action on Thursday, with Arsenal resuming their campaign after their home clash with PSV from Matchday 2 was postponed. The Gunners will face Bodo/Glimt while fellow Premier League giants Manchester United take on Omonia in the upcoming round. Roma, on the other hand, face a tricky home clash with Real Betis.
It will be quite a weekend for women's football fans in the world, with many interesting games taking place in domestic competitions, but with an added bonus in the form of FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying games.
Things will start to get busy this Friday, with games being played in the French D1 League, the Frauen-Bundesliga, and the NWSL, where the deciding stages are right around the corner. Other leagues to keep under scrutiny this weekend have to include the Serie A Women and the Dutch Eredivisie.
There will also be a couple of tournaments that are set to keep fans on the edge of their seats this week, starting with the group stage of the Women's League Cup in England, where Manchester City will try to defend the title they won last year.
The cherry on top in women's football this week will come with the UEFA Women's World Cup playoff qualifiers, where Portugal, Belgium, Scotland, Austria, Wales, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are all in for a spot in the final playoff rounds, where Iceland, Switzerland, and the Republic of Ireland are already waiting for the winners. These one-leg playoff ties will surely keep fans glued to their TV sets or mobile devices as the chance to play in the quadrennial tournament is up for grabs.
Without further ado, let's have a look at what the beautiful game will offer in terms of women's football matches for the next seven days.
2022 NWSL season
The North American competition will see the end of the regular season this weekend, with four teams having secured their spot in the playoffs but with much to play for in the final week of action. As of now, the Portland Thorns, the OL Reign, the Kansas City Current, and the San Diego Wave have earned a spot in the next round, but with only three points between these clubs, all positions could change ahead of the playoffs.
On the other hand, four more teams are in the run for the two playoff spots that remain open, with the pole positions being owned by the Houston Dash and by the North Carolina Courage. Will the Chicago Red Stars or Angel City FC snap the playoff spot away from any of those teams?
2022-23 FA Women's League Cup
The cup tournament in England begins its group stage with high hopes for what will come in the upcoming weeks. Chelsea and Arsenal have been given byes due to their involvement in the UEFA Women's Champions League, but teams such as Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham seem ready to carry the competition's weight until the heavy favorites start playing.
2022-23 D1 Feminine
The French top-flight comes to life this weekend with some of the most interesting matches being held in Europe, which will include the game between PSG and Le Havre on Sunday. With UEFA Women's Champions League holders Lyon not playing this weekend, all focus will shift to Paris' teams, as the other club from the French capital gets ready to take a trip to face Dijon.
Interested in more leagues? Visit our dedicated women's soccer page at LiveSoccerTV.com.
Biggest stories of the week
FIFA reportedly to investigate banana incident during Tunisia-Brazil clash
On Tuesday, Brazil took on Tunisia at the Parc des Princes as the Seleção looked to prepare for participation in their 22nd World Cup in November.
Tite's side have been excellent form over the past year, and will come into their World Cup opener against Serbia having won seven consecutive matches, making them the natural heavy favorites to not only pick up a comfortable win, but potentially go all the way to the final.
Their most recent victories included a 3-0 rout of Ghana and cruising to a 5-1 victory over Tunisia, but the latter match was marred by quite a bit of controversy.
The match started with Brazil's players standing by an anti-racism banner, which comes on the heels of Real Madrid youngster Vincius Jr receiving criticism for dancing and celebrating after his goals that many felt had racist undertones.
Unfortunately, the banner did not seem to have the desired effect. Shortly after Richarlison scored his team's second goal, a banana was spotted on the pitch. The Tottenham ace, as well as Thiago Silva, have slammed the actions of the Tunisian fans, and now, reports indicate that FIFA have decided to open an "official investigation".
Despite it being 2022, incidents like this are sadly still occurring in the sport described as the beautiful game, leading players and other observers to believe that FIFA and other organizing bodies need to do much more in order to eradicate ugly actions like what happened on Tuesday.
Messi back to Barcelona? Team executive shares update regarding the superstar
One of the major doubts in the world of football has to do with Lionel Messi and the possibility of watching him play one more time in a Barcelona jersey. While fans still keep their hopes up, that option was squashed by one of Barcelona's top executives in a recent interview.
Speaking to Catalunya Radio, Barcelona's financial vice president Eduard Romeu stepped up to clarify that it would be up to the player to decide if he wants to go back to Camp Nou, mainly because he controls his destiny after the end of this season when his contract with PSG comes to an end.
While Romeu seemed open to the idea of a comeback, the financial VP for Los Culés ended all hopes for a return next season due to the team's complicated monetary situation.
"If he came back on a free transfer, surely. But if not...well, let's just say we have not contemplated that in our budget," Romeu stated.
The exec went on to state that, even if Barcelona had the money to re-hire Messi, the first one to make that decision would be coach Xavi Hernández.
"Don't get me wrong, this will always be Messi's house, but his signing should come as a request from the team's coach, and that's a place where you will never find me," Romeu added.
Messi, who is out of a contract with PSG next summer, is said to have started negotiations to extend his deal with Les Parisiens. Added to that, the Argentine ace may have to patch up his relationship with president Joan Laporta, who "La Pulga" blamed for his departure back in 2021.
Denmark to protest against human rights abuses in Qatar with World Cup kits
Denmark will wear kits at the 2022 FIFA World Cup to protest against the human rights record of host nation Qatar. The designers of the new strips, Hummel, made the revelation after unveiling them on Wednesday.
Opinions on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have varied due to both the host nation's record on human rights and the tournament's unique start schedule. Ahead of the Mundial, it has been reported that LGBTQ+ persons are being persecuted in the Middle Eastern nation where migrant laborers have been mistreated while constructing stadiums for the tournament.
Qatar's Supreme Committee on Delivery and Legacy had previously revealed that only 36 workers on World Cup projects they oversee have died since 2015, but the number is estimated to be in the 'thousands' by Amnesty International. This, coupled with other controversial factors, has facilitated calls for the tournament to be boycotted outrightly. Contrary to this, it is expected to go on as per the schedule although several Western countries participating in the tournament are hoping to make statements and challenge the status quo in their own little way.
Denmark had in the past said they will put "extra pressure" on FIFA over human rights concerns in the build-up to the World Cup and the statement with their official kit seems to be one of the tactics employed. They will feature in games while wearing their traditional red home jerseys and all-white kits. However, this time, Hummel claim that they will be plain, with any logos and inscriptions hidden. According to the sportswear giants, this is due to the fact that they wish 'not to be visible' at the event.
"With the Danish national team's new jerseys, we wanted to send a dual message," they posted on Instagram.
"They are not only inspired by Euro 92, paying tribute to Denmark's greatest football success, but also a protest against Qatar and its human rights record.
"That's why we've toned down all the details for Denmark's new World Cup jerseys, including our logo and iconic chevrons.
"We don't wish to be visible during a tournament that has cost thousands of people their lives. We support the Danish national team all the way, but that isn't the same as supporting Qatar as a host nation.
"We believe that sport should bring people together. And when it doesn't, we want to make a statement."
Denmark's decision comes a week after it was revealed England captain Harry Kane plans to wear a OneLove armband during the World Cup. This forms part of a campaign started by the Netherlands in support of diversity and inclusion, and a stand against discrimination. Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Wales, and Switzerland are also advocates of the initiative.
Huge blow: Injured Barcelona undergoes surgery, set to miss 2022 FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is just under two months away, with the November 20 kick-off for Qatar 2022 fast approaching. However, while many talented players will make the trip to the Middle East, one of the best young defenders in the world looks destined to miss out.
That man is none other than Ronald Araujo, the Barcelona ace who has established himself at the heart of Xavi's back-four. The Camp Nou starlet, who plies his trade for the Uruguayan national team, has undergone surgery that will put his FIFA World Cup hopes under tremendous doubt.
The 23-year-old featured for his country in their recent friendly against Iran, which they lost 1-0, but was forced off early with an injury. It was later revealed that Araujo suffered a muscle avulsion, which left the player with a dilemma.
Initially, he was ruled out for six weeks, but with the typical course of action for these issues being surgery, Ronald had to decide between letting the injury heal on its own–and risk further setbacks in the future–or going under the knife and miss Qatar 2022.
Mundo Deportivo and ESPN first broke the news regarding his decision, reporting that the Blaugrana talent opted for surgery. A short while later, the Catalan giants confirmed the rumors via an official announcement on their official Twitter page, writing that he will go under the knife to address the "adductor longus tendon avulsion he has in his right thigh".
Uruguay was reportedly putting pressure on the player to avoid surgery in favor of a more conservative approach, which would have kept his FIFA World Cup hopes alive. This is understandable as the Barcelona ace was set to play a key role in Diego Alonso's set-up. However, Araujo has gone against his country's wishes and is now set for a two-to-three-month spell on the sidelines.
As for his club, the Spanish giants could be without their star defender for a number of crucial games, including the UEFA Champions League home and away clashes with Inter Milan, the Camp Nou battle with Bayern Munich, El Clasico on October 16, and back-to-back home clashes against Villarreal and Athletic Club
Other key headlines from the world of football
ata football links up in new partnership with CBS Sports to provide women's football coverage for 2022/23 season
There is some exciting news in store for fans this season. ata Football, a media company which is known for its efforts to help grow awareness of the women's game across the globe, will now be working hand in hand with American media conglomerate CBS Sports as of this season.
As per the terms of the contract between the two sides, CBS Sports Network will carry at least 15 matches from three different leagues: D1 Arkema, Serie A Femminile TIM, and FLYERALARM Frauen-Bundesliga, more colloquially known as the top flights of women's football in France, Italy, and Germany respectively.
The coverage kicked off with a clash featuring Paris Saint-Germain Féminine and FC Fleury 91 on Sunday, September 25th, with a start time of 6:45 EST (03:45 PST/11:45 BST/12:45 CET). This, along with many more matches, will all be covered live on CBS Sports Network, while atafootball.com will provide delayed coverage.
CBS Sports Network already has experience being involved with women's football, as the network carries the Barclays Women's Super League on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ as well as the USA's National Women's Soccer League on CBS Sports Network, CBS Television Network, and Paramount+. This new partnership now adds France's Division 1 Féminine, Italy's Serie A Femminile, and Germany's Frauen-Bundesliga to its range of leagues under its growing umbrella.
Gareth Southgate explains why Harry Maguire cannot be dropped as England eye World Cup success
England head coach Gareth Southgate has finally responded to calls for Harry Maguire to be dropped from the squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. The 52-year-old coach has stated that he is not ready to heed the calls as the Manchester United center-back gives England the "best chance of winning" the World Cup.
"I know everybody says he's important to me, he's important to us!," he said according to Mirror in the UK. "It's us. It's not me.
"Why do we pick him? Because he's one of the players who gives us the best chance of winning. So really we should all be wanting a Harry Maguire that's playing regularly and playing with confidence.
"That applies to of course quite a few players but he's the one that everything lands on which must be a tough space for him really. But he's showing tremendous character.
"I think he has got the character to get over this because he's a boy that been from Sheffield United to Hull City, he's not one where everything has been smooth.
"Sometimes you get lads who, in the early part of their career, haven't had to handle adversity and when it hits them, it's harder to cope with. He's like most of us really, in that he's had lots of hurdles and that shapes your character."
According to the Mirror, Southgate spoke to Maguire and comforted him before the United defender departed Wembley on Monday night. The manager is also said to be planning regularly to be in regular communication with Maguire. There is a general expectation that the Manchester United captain will be in the England World Cup squad, which is scheduled to be announced on Thursday, November 10.
Huge blow for Tottenham as key player is a doubt for North London Derby clash vs Arsenal
Tottenham could be without one of their best players when they lock horns with current English top-flight leaders Arsenal. That man is none other than Dejan Kulusevski, the sensational January signing that has taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water.
And to no one's surprise, it is the international break at fault, with the former Juventus man playing for the Swedish national team in both of their UEFA Nations League fixtures – a 1-1 draw with Slovenia and a 4-1 loss to Serbia.
Unfortunately for Tottenham, the winger returned to London with a tight hamstring and is now a doubt for Saturday's game after undergoing a scan on Wednesday, as per Football London. If he is unavailable, this will be a huge blow for Kane and Co. as Kulusevski has been a revelation since joining, contributing to 17 goals in 25 appearances – 11 assists and six goals.
