Happy Friday! The men’s international break is over, and club teams are back in action with exciting matches just around the corner this weekend. I’m Pardeep Cattry with the end-of-week update.
📺 Footy fix
All times U.S./Eastern
Friday, Sept. 12
🇩🇪 Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Eintracht Frankfurt, 2:30 p.m. ➡️ ESPN2
🇺🇸 NWSL: San Diego Wave vs. Gotham FC, 10 p.m. ➡️ Amazon Prime Video
Saturday, Sept. 13
🏴 EPL: Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest, 7:30 a.m. ➡️ USA Network
🇪🇸 LaLiga: Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid, 10:15 a.m. ➡️ ESPN+
🇮🇹 Serie A: Juventus vs. Inter, 12 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🇩🇪 Bundesliga: Bayern Munich vs. Hamburg, 12:30 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+
🇺🇸 NWSL: North Carolina Courage vs. Angel City, 12:30 p.m. ➡️ CBS, Paramount+
🇺🇸 MLS: San Jose Earthquakes vs. LAFC, 8:30 p.m. ➡️ MLS Season Pass
🇲🇽 Liga MX: Club America vs. Guadalajara, 11:15 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
Sunday, Sept. 14
🏴 EPL: Manchester City vs. Manchester United, 11:30 a.m. ➡️ Peacock
🇮🇹 Serie A: AC Milan vs. Bologna, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🇪🇸 LaLiga: Barcelona vs. Valencia, 3 p.m. ➡️ ESPN
🇺🇸 NWSL: Chicago Stars vs. Portland Thorns, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
⚽ The Forward Line
🏴 A tale of two Manchester teams
There is plenty of intrigue in Europe’s top leagues this weekend, but the headlining act is arguably one of the last on the schedule – Manchester United’s trip to Manchester City, which wraps up Premier League action on Sunday.
City and United are chasing different targets this season, but amidst their differences, they enter the latest edition of the derby with surprising commonalities. Both teams are adapting after significant summer spending, marked recently by City’s acquisition of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG. Donnarumma is expected to take the starting goalkeeper role for the derby, although James Trafford, who performed well with Burnley last season, began the campaign as first choice.
Donnarumma stated, “I’m happy because competition is good for everyone. I can’t wait to meet [James], and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates. We have to be a strong and united group with people who care for each other and that is the key to success…”
The upcoming match is not without its lineup questions. Both Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim are still refining their new-look squads, yet injuries to Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush complicate matters for City. Rodri, returning from an ACL injury, did not solve all profound issues for City as shown in their matches against Brighton and Tottenham, where they struggled offensively.
For United, it’s a favorable fixture to assess their status, being just a point above City as both sides navigate early season challenges. Despite promising highlights in recent games, United’s results illustrate a need for cohesion, especially in defense, with Altay Bayındır starting this season in goal while Andre Onana’s loan to Trabzonspor unfolds.
🔗 Champions League play on the horizon
This weekend’s matches will serve as a precursor to the UEFA Champions League, beginning Tuesday. Defending champions PSG will meet Lens in Ligue 1 before facing a challenging opener against Atalanta in the Champions League.
🔗 Top Stories
- World Cup ticketing pushback: New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani launched a campaign demanding changes to FIFA’s ticketing strategy to make prices more accessible.
- Chelsea’s 74 breaches: Chelsea faces charges for 74 infractions against FA agent regulations from 2009 to 2022, self-reported during Roman Abramovich’s ownership.
- USMNT stock watch: Folarin Balogun’s performance earns praise while Josh Sargent presents mixed news as preparations for the World Cup advance.
- Dispatches from Italy: Christian Pulisic’s adjustment at AC Milan represents a promising chapter for the winger.
