Happy Friday! Your Weekend Soccer Primer
As the men’s international break fades into memory, soccer fans are gearing up for an electrifying weekend filled with high-stakes matches across the globe. Whether you’re a fan of the Premier League, Serie A, or the NWSL, there’s something for everyone. I’m Pardeep Cattry, here to guide you through the weekend’s action.
📺 Footy Fix
Friday, Oct. 18
- Championship: Leeds vs. Sheffield United, 3 p.m. ➡️ CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
Saturday, Oct. 19
- Premier League: Manchester United vs. Brentford, 10 a.m. ➡️ Peacock
- Serie A: Milan vs. Udinese, 12 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- NWSL: Kansas City Current vs. San Diego Wave, 1 p.m. ➡️ CBS, Paramount+
- La Liga: Celta de Vigo vs. Real Madrid, 3 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+
- MLS: New York Red Bulls vs. Columbus Crew, 6 p.m. ➡️ Apple TV+
Sunday, Oct. 20
- Premier League: Liverpool vs. Chelsea, 11:30 a.m. ➡️ USA Network
- WSL: Chelsea vs. Tottenham, 1:45 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+
- Serie A: Roma vs. Inter, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
- La Liga: Barcelona vs. Sevilla, 3 p.m. ➡️ ESPN2
- NWSL: NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. Orlando Pride, 5 p.m. ➡️ ESPN
⚽ The Forward Line
🏴 Liverpool vs. Chelsea: A Top Four Clash
This Sunday, all eyes will be on Anfield as Liverpool hosts Chelsea in a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are in the mix for the Premier League title and the coveted top four spots, making this clash a significant early-season test.
Liverpool, under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, has made a remarkable start to the season. With a solid defense that has conceded just two goals in seven matches, they currently sit atop the league table. Slot has managed to instill a sense of discipline and attacking flair, making the Reds a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, has also shown promise. Despite a rocky start, including a loss to Manchester City, they have bounced back to secure fourth place in the league. Their attacking prowess, highlighted by the performances of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, has made them a team to watch. With both clubs in transition, this match will serve as a litmus test for their respective managerial strategies.
Expect a clash of styles: Liverpool’s experienced squad against Chelsea’s youthful exuberance. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams as they look to solidify their positions in the league.
🔗 Midfield Link Play
🇺🇸 NWSL Playoff Race Heats Up
As the NWSL regular season nears its conclusion, the race for the playoffs is intensifying. With only two spots left, six teams are vying for a chance to compete for the championship. The Portland Thorns and Bay FC are in a strong position, with wins potentially securing their playoff berths.
Bay FC, as an expansion team, has faced challenges, particularly in defense, conceding 39 goals this season. However, they have shown flashes of brilliance in attack, ranking sixth in expected goals. Meanwhile, the Thorns, despite their offensive strength, have struggled defensively, making their upcoming match against Racing Louisville crucial.
The top four teams—Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, NJ/NY Gotham FC, and Kansas City Current—have established themselves as the teams to beat. However, the final weeks of the season could reveal surprises as lower-ranked teams look to upset the status quo.
🔗 Top Stories
-
USMNT Review: Mauricio Pochettino’s early tenure as head coach has yielded mixed results for the US Men’s National Team. While some players have shone, the team as a whole has room for improvement as they prepare for upcoming fixtures against Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League.
-
USWNT Roster Updates: Emma Hayes has introduced fresh talent into the US Women’s National Team ahead of friendlies against Argentina and Iceland, blending Olympic gold medalists with new faces.
-
Fixture Congestion Concerns: Aitana Bonmati’s decision to skip Spain’s friendlies underscores growing worries about fixture congestion affecting players in both men’s and women’s soccer.
- MLS Decision Day: As the regular season wraps up, several playoff berths remain up for grabs, making this weekend’s matches critical for teams looking to secure their postseason spots.
💰 The Back Line
💵 Best Bets
-
Serie A: AC Milan vs. Udinese, Saturday, 12 p.m.
- Pick: Christian Pulisic to score (+130). Pulisic has been a reliable goalscorer and returns fresh from international duty, making him a strong candidate to find the net.
- La Liga: Barcelona vs. Sevilla, Sunday, 3 p.m.
- Pick: Barcelona to win 2-0 (+650). Despite recent injuries, Barcelona’s form under Hansi Flick suggests they can maintain their lead in La Liga.
For more betting insights and expert tips, check out CBSSports.com’s betting home page.
📺 What’s on CBS Sports Golazo Network
-
Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): Start your day with highlights and interviews from the world of soccer.
-
Attacking Third (Monday, Thursday): A deep dive into women’s soccer, covering the NWSL and USWNT.
-
Call it What You Want (Monday night): A podcast focused on the USMNT and the state of soccer in the U.S.
- Scoreline: A daily show featuring the latest news and highlights from global soccer.
For continuous coverage of soccer, tune into the CBS Sports Golazo Network, available for free on various streaming platforms.