It's the final home game for FC Barcelona, who host Real Betis in a match that is basically dead rubber for both sides. Barcelona have already celebrated their La Liga title and Real Betis have clinched a Champions League berth for next season. So everything is wrapped up, in a nice little package, for both teams in the bigger picture. The only real things to watch here are on … [Read more...] about Barcelona Team News vs Real Betis: Andreas Christensen, Raphinha
Football/Soccer
Arsenal Team News vs Burnley: Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori
It has been awhile since Arsenal and Manchester City were level on total Premier League matches played, but here we are! 36 matches down, and only two more to go. Arsenal obviously and clearly have the upper hand, but the margin remains very thin. Arsenal host second-to-last place, and already relegated Burnley FC on Monday night. They'll do so with three injury doubts: Jurrien … [Read more...] about Arsenal Team News vs Burnley: Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori
USMNT Has Two More Chances to Inspire Excitement for Home World Cup
The run-up to every World Cup inevitably leads to a series of news stories that expose the worst inherent elements of the host nation. These "off-the-pitch concerns/problems/issues" are consistently in the public consciousness in the weeks leading up to the quadrennial soccer/footbal/futbol tournament. In the case of the United States of America and 2026, the sociopolitical … [Read more...] about USMNT Has Two More Chances to Inspire Excitement for Home World Cup
FIFA Making 2026 World Cup the Most Exclusionary of All-Time
If there is one word to describe this upcoming 2026 World Cup, it's "exclusionary." If you wanted the right to buy tickets to the matches, you had to first win a lottery. As with all lotteries (an exercise that Voltaire called "a tax on stupidity"), a very VERY low percentage of entrants actually won. Which means you must turn to the secondary market, where ticket prices are so … [Read more...] about FIFA Making 2026 World Cup the Most Exclusionary of All-Time
Manchester United News: Michael Carrick, Bruno Fernandes, Home Kit Reveal
Monday brought news that Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick was nominated for the Premier League's Manager of the Year award. He's on the short list despite being at the helm for just four months and 15 games. Still he's done work over that time, with a form line that reads W10D3L2. Only Manchester City's Pep Guardiola has taken more points, from league play, … [Read more...] about Manchester United News: Michael Carrick, Bruno Fernandes, Home Kit Reveal
West Ham United at Newcastle United Team News: Adama Traore, Fabian Schar
Adama Traore is a new injury/fitness concern for West Ham United, who otherwise have a pretty fit squad. Traore is a doubt for Sunday's trip to Newcastle United, as he's reportedly dealing with tightness in his quadriceps. It's a must win game for the Hammers, so if he's borderline in terms of fitness, he'll play. They need him, and simply put, they need everyone, because the … [Read more...] about West Ham United at Newcastle United Team News: Adama Traore, Fabian Schar
Man City Team News vs Chelsea: Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Abdukodir Khusanov
Both Abdukodir Khusanov and Josko Gvardiol came off of Manchester City's injured list and into the starting lineup on Wednesday night. The former played all 90 minutes of City's 3-0 rout of Crystal Palace while the latter was subbed off in the 58' for Jeremy Doku. That leaves Rodri as the side's only fitness/injury concern as they head into Saturday's FA Cup Final versus … [Read more...] about Man City Team News vs Chelsea: Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Abdukodir Khusanov
Man United Team News vs Nottingham Forest: Michael Carrick, Casemiro, Benjamin Sesko
Michael Carrick is set to see the "interim" portion of his job title removed. The results speak for themselves, as Carrick has truly earned the permanent manager job at Manchester United. According to The Guardian, the club "will open formal discussions" with Carrick, for appointing him to the full time head coaching role. Since assuming the caretaker manager gig, on … [Read more...] about Man United Team News vs Nottingham Forest: Michael Carrick, Casemiro, Benjamin Sesko
Real Madrid Team News vs Real Oviedo: Kylian Mbappe, Dean Huijsen, Federico Valverde
One of the most nightmarish weeks in Real Madrid history has concluded, and now it's time to look ahead to the future. Jose Mourinho is set to become the new manager, in a move that can certainly be classified under the "desperate times call for desperate measures" cliche. The Special One takes over at the end of this campaign, which still has three games left. And for the … [Read more...] about Real Madrid Team News vs Real Oviedo: Kylian Mbappe, Dean Huijsen, Federico Valverde
Jose Mourinho Set for Real Madrid Return After La Liga Season Concludes
He's back! Jose Mourinho is set to return to Real Madrid, and manage the club for a second time. According to The Telegraph, Mourinho is "now on the verge of making a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabeu," with the official appointment expected to be finalized once Benfica's season concludes next week. An official announcement, from the club is expected to come … [Read more...] about Jose Mourinho Set for Real Madrid Return After La Liga Season Concludes