By JUSTIN FERGUSON
While Jozy Altidore and Sunderland will take the field for the first time this English Premier League season without Paolo Di Canio, Liverpool will welcome striker Luis Suarez back to league action Sunday.
Suarez will make his much-anticipated return to EPL play Sunday when Liverpool visit Sunderland, who recently fired polarizing manager Di Canio after a winless start to the Black Cats’ season. USMNT striker Jozy Altidore and Sunderland bounced back with a Capital One Cup victory earlier this week, and they will look for their first EPL win of the season against a Liverpool side that has struggled recently at the Stadium of Light.
The day’s action will start with the Derby della Mole in Italy. Defending Serie A champions Juventus are undefeated to start their quest for a league three-peat, but their first match of the season against city rivals Torino is expected to be a tougher challenge than ones in years past. Torino sit in eighth place with a 2-2-1 record, and they were seconds away from a win over Italian giants AC Milan earlier this season.
Soccer fans in the United States will want to keep an eye on Sunday afternoon’s Liga MX clash between Puebla and Club Tijuana. As many as seven Americans could be in action in that match between two Mexican sides desperate for three points. Puebla’s DeMarcus Beasley and Michael Orozco will welcome fellow countrymen Herculez Gomez, Joe Corona, Edgar Castillo, Greg Garza and Paul Arriola, who are coming off Thursday’s 6-0 CONCACAF Champions League victory over Victoria of Honduras.
If you will be watching today’s action, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Today’s TV schedule is after the jump):
6:30am – beIN Sport – Torino vs Juventus
8:30am – NBC Sports Network – Stoke City vs Norwich City
9am – beIN Sport – Cagliari vs Internazionale
11am – NBC Sports Network – Sunderland vs Liverpool
11am – beIN Sport – Ajaccio vs Montpellier
1pm – ESPN Deportes – Puebla vs Tijuana
1pm – Univision – Toluca vs Atlante
2:45pm – beIN Sport – Roma vs Bologna
3pm – beIN Sport en Español – Real Betis vs Villarreal
3:30pm – NBC Sports Network – Portland Timbers vs Los Angeles Galaxy
6pm – UniMás – Guadalajara vs Atlas
8:30pm – MLS Direct Kick – Dallas FC vs Columbus Crew
9pm – ESPN – Seattle Sounders vs New York Red Bulls
11pm – UniMás – Chivas USA vs San Jose Earthquakes
Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Suarez with two pretty simple goals.
Suarez with great service for both goals
mike e you realize you’re watching sunderland here right? At their best they’re a bottom half team. Not sure why you’re so appalled that they aren’t playing flawless attacking football.
not sure what your position is. Mike e is rooting for Jozy as an America player to play well and lead his poor team. The ref is letting Liverpool beat him up. I don’t think Mike is saying Sunderland will compete for a European spot; he wants S-land to do good because Jozy is on the team.
Keep it up Mike e
Jozy fouled again and no call.
Now that Messi is injured Jozy should go to Barcelona.
Would Jozy even make their B team?
Lol no.
No American would come close to the reserve squad of Barcelona.
Easily. According to most people here
according to whom? lol
Wait Howard Webb, so pulling a shirt is a foul for Sturridge?
Surely you are going to go back and give Jozy about 10 retroactive foul calls because twice that mug contact happened to him a dozen times.
To be fair a lot weren’t clear cut and I say only two instances were clear fouls
Altidore’s shot in the 63rd minute is proof that he knows that the only way to get a shot off in this team is to be more selfish.
And with the way things are now he’ll have to be.
Now this I agree about. Everyone else keeps taking half chances, he will have to take them too. Sadly, I think this means his overall play will get worse.
There we go. Not so grim anymore is it. Their just confused with one another, but the foundation is there. Jesus already calling for transfers
Really?
They just fired their coach its been so bad. Don’t come on here and act like you’re a purveyor of calmness. Sunderland have 1 point so far on the season. 1.
Why? I know what these comment boxes are like. You’d think it was the end of times based on how bipolar things are when there’s a very reasonable, objective explanation for the state of most things.
I mean look at you. Lol, your condemning me for not loosing my mind.
Ok Di Canio sucked. Fine. The players have said they liked this manager. This is the first time I’ve seen most of these players lined up with one another; the new transfers or more technical players capable of providing service. So it’s a new start, not a continuation of disaster in a young, young season
From what I see Sunderland’s defense is struggling and Jozy isn’t getting good service.
Dammit Larrson!!!
Jozy sets the attack up again and Larrson jut passes it backward to nobody.
Where was Larrson going with that? another really bad turnover.
Larsson hasn’t been the greatest on the wing, but the clear problem is the lack of familiarity between everyone in the attack. No one knows what anyone’s final choice is in the pass or what their runs are going to be, so the result is an errant pass or a hopeful cross.
Individually their doing well, besides the shots from distance, but they just are too hesitant to make a decisive move with or without the ball, because everyone is just so unpredictable to each other and their all left pointing fingers
Well said. A bunch of talented individuals not playing as a team
That’s really all it is. Give them time.
Hell they’ll probably loose this game, but what they have going for them is faith in their manager and some talented players that only need more practice time with each other.
to me the midfield simply doesn’t look for each other…long shots fired aimlessly, runs that do not get service, and hold up play with no one to distribute to because the midfield is watching not running. Maybe that is unfamiliarity, but 5 games in that does not compute to me. Johnson and Larrson must do better, pretty clear it seems, and if they do, Sunderland can score
But you have to understand this is the first time these particular players have all had the same run out together by a new manager with new tactics.
I do understand and stick by what I said above
This team before the sub had never been on the field at the same time! Amazing. Before today, Ki had only played in two games, Larson in three, Gardner in Two, Catermole in 1 as a sub, and this is Cuellar’s first. Only Johnson, Colbeck and Celustka, who just came in, had started and played all five previous games. Every game played has featured complete different lineups.
It’s just ridiculous to suggest that there’s no excuse for a bad play after only five games
Shocking.
Adam Johnson shoots from 25 yards again and missed everything.
And ki follows it up with another ridiculous long range shot that is spilled by some even worse goalkeeping.
I know this is hard for a lot of people to accept, but, if you want the US to do great at the World Cup, not just ok/good, guess what, we’re going to have games where Jozy will get similar service to what he is getting at Sunderland. Sure, I have no doubts Bradley/Donovan are better playmakers, but him learning how to make do with limited service won”t hurt us against Spain, Holland, Brazil, Argentina, etc.
Stop with the Hull comparisons-a) he was younger and less mature, b) he was brought in on a huge transfer, c) he’s playing well, nobody’s scoring. Highly doubt he will be benched.
And to those who said this was a mistake, where do you want him to go? Half of you said everything he did at AZ was illusory and the product of bad Dutch defenses, and, it’s not like that many teams in a better situation were clamoring for him. Let him play the October MNT games, I have a feeling he’ll play just as good as he was before.
I just think a semi competent team would have been fine. I’m talking teams like Norwich/WestBrom or if Germany Bremen/Mainz. Nothing special just boring competence.
I don’t disagree, I just don’t know if any of those teams wanted him at the price AZ wanted to sell at-and despite how easy it is to see now, going into the season I think it was somewhat reasonable to expect Sunderland to be Ok-ish. They did quite well under Di Canio to avoid relegation (including a 3-0 win against rivals Newcastle), they got a bunch of new people including an Italian international from Juventus, etc.
Your right. But the thing with the Nats is that there’s familiarity between the players, unlike this Sunderland side, so they’ll all have a better idea as to what each wants from one another on the field
Sure, Jozy has to make *due*, maintain his professionalism and all that. And good on him for trying to push himself in the Prem.
But one point in 5 games? I don’t think the Hull comparisons are that far off. This midfield is crap, and the defense leaks goals. PDC was an absolute joke. Jozy would likelt have 8-10 goals f he stayed at AZ, and he’d be gelling with Johanson instead of Giaccherini. Could it still work out? Sure. As I type, he smacks one right at Mignolet.
My bad on make due.
It was time for him to move on. He had accomplished everything he could and needed to test himself at the next level. He could also have 19 goals in MLS right now, that’s not a reason for him to go there.
At the end of the day, as long as he’s playing well, the fact his teammates aren’t the best should have little bearing on his USMNT performances. This is the guy who as an 18-year old was scoring on Spain despite not playing with his club.
You can see that Jozy is playing on a higher footballing level than the rest of these bums.
He is smart in his movement into space and looking for creating it for others.
He is frankly their best player and is creating so much space for other players who then decide to just go alone from irresponsible distances.
That is on the coaching staff. But then again this is why the EPL is falling quickly on the international scale.
I disagree. He does well chasing down the ball, holding it up and laying it off. But isn’t taking by the scruff enough, at least not in the first. Like in my above post, it’s really everyone. No one knows what anyone is going to do in the end
In the spirit of discussion here, its reasonable to assertbthat Jozy’s teammates most of the time are not looking for him, playing him into advantageous positions. It’s not just that Sunderland attackers are confused about where each other will be.
Cheers
^^this
Agreed. But I don’t think it’s simply because they don’t want to, and their glory mongering, selfish, pri*ks. I think they genuinely don’t what the other is going to do, so rather then play a ball into empty space, essentially for Liverpool, they’d try and take it one themselves and go for what they see as something definite.
The team I root for has the pr*ck in one mr. Bitey mcbitey. I’m not suggesting Sunderland players are deliberately not getting Jozy involved. They are clearly wasting crosses and not playing in Jozy after he’s held up play… poorly taken shots from distance, no one running into space for combination play with the center forward… And these players are practicing with each other day in and day out. So, simply don’t buy the line of reasoning that Sunderland’s woes are *primarily* due to lack of familiarity.
This said, surely we’ll continue debating this until Sunderland show improved play that is sustained.
Cheers guy
Cheers
“these players are practicing with each other day in and day out. So, simply don’t buy the line of reasoning that Sunderland’s woes are *primarily* due to lack of familiarity.”
Practice? Are we talking about practice?
It’s not the same as games.
Haha, too true. Love the iverson quote
I also disagree. He’s reverting back to the way he played for the US for that long goalless stretch. You can tell he is frustrated and losing confidence, and at times not moving around enough. I just hope it doesn’t go on too long or this move/season could result in his benching for the US.
Howard Webb is not being fair or balanced in his refereeing. If I am Jozy I ask for a transfer. Either Webb is incompetent or there is a true anti American bias.
Because this is absurd.
And really? Adam Johnson gets a turnover and decided to shoot from the corner of the 18 again instead of looking for an open player? Announcer says what a great shot it was.
Um hello he missed everything.
Ki has taken at least a couple 30 yard shots that have just rolled out as well. Really disappointing decisions in the final third from some players.
Larrson too. So like all of them.
I really don’t know what Johnson was doing. He was completely open and didn’t even get it on target. He didn’t even think about a pass. Larson is taking long shots all the time too.
I think the worst part is their inability to counter.
It was a good shot. From what I saw, unless there was someone on the other side of the pitch he could of crossed it to, no one was open and he clear of any pressure to take a shot at goal from a decent angle. Besides Gardner’s clear cut miss and Larson’s free kick it was Sunderland’s best look
Another poor giveway by Larsson. Sunderland’s wing play is just awful. They just want to blindly kick the ball at goal instead of working a play. There’s a huge disconnect between the style played down the spine versus on the wings.
Jozy should have never signed with that team. What a snafu. He’ll be either playing back in Holland or in the MLS w/n 2 years.
wtf…
This is gonna be a long frustrating year for Jozy. This team is BAD, you can see their confidence in each other deteriorate as the the games and seasons progress. A new coach could help the situation but more likely it will be a struggle all year.
Jozy made an foolish decision to go there. Hull all over again. He will likely be benched by January or maybe sooner. Ives should comment on his decision.
Benched for who? The injured guy?
Honestly, AZ would win more games. Because they would actually score, they would give up tons of goals but they would score.
Why exactly would he be benched? He’s playing well, given the circumstances.
foolish to go get paid? please dude
Sunderland playing the best they’ve played yet this year seems to me, and Jozy playing pretty well. Larsson? not so much
It was foolish for several reasons:
1) Strikers are ultimately paid to put ball in the goal.
In 6 league games Jozy has none so far
2) His team will likely be regulated fodder this season. Assuming they drop, what happens next?
3) He chose a team with no midfield just like in the Hull case
I think he’ll live and the Nats will do fine. Sunderland might come out alright in the end as we’ll, lol
agreed. by far their best performance so far this year today. I’ve watched every game
exactly where should he have gone to get paid? who was it going after him to pay him? maybe you are independently wealthy so do not have to think about those things
Another overly optimistic ball from Johnson. Just terrible.
How many times in this thread have folks called out Johnson for selfish or poor wing play… Why Sunderland let Sessengnon go is beyond me as Jozy is either left isolated up top or not included in any sort of combination play in the final third. Too many wasted crosses or distance shots that don’t bother the keeper.
DUIs are frowned upon.
Terrific combination play from Sturridge and Suarez for Luis’ tap in. Gerrard can still whip those long diagonal balls to ignite positive sequences.
I don’t know. To me, O’Shea simply drifted off of Suarez and gifted the goal. He had the mark and just inexplicably decided to let it go. Far too easy, IMO.
Agree TomG. Easy goal for Suarez who had way too much space to finish the sequence.
Sunderland’s back line is just so bad. How do you not bother marking Suarez on that play?
He was mark. The just did it horribly.
Wish they could find a way to get Jozy facing goal
The myth that Adam Johnson is a good player needs to be eradicated. I am on a crusade.
I’m with ya! He makes me furious!
He’s got talent, but his decision making is awful
Jozy’s impriving a bit with his head. Good win and distribution there.
Wtf!
Howard Webb is a fool! This is awful, awful refereeing.
Webb’s usually good. He’s letting a lot go today.
Sturridge! Red Dragons needed that after Sunderland had been looking lively for a spell.
Nice job winning the corner by Jozy, but terrible corner by Johnson.
Ummm he just hit that in with his arm.
That’s a hand ball and a yellow point blank.
You can say that was against the run of play….
Jozy’s ballwatching on the goal
Typical Sunderland. Playing well and gives up the goal against the run of play on the set piece. May have been Jozy’s man on the goal there.
Nice win by Jozy there.
Sunderland looks surprisingly lively. Jozy has been good. He’s team mates are not quite on the same page with him, however.
I don’t like the Cats composure in the final third so far. Lots of hopeful long range shots from bad angles instead of making a pass.
I am logging on to simply state that Adam Johnson is a cancer. He could be more selfish than Sturridge. Quit killing great build ups.
And not that fast nor that skillful nor that intelligent etc etc etc
He’s been doing that all year
Jozy looking excellent in the first 15 minutes, and Sunderland playing well with heart and actually looks like a strategy now. Maybe this interim coach is the man to keep for the job permanently.
jozy’s distribution very sharp today. Cats look much more lively and more ideas in the final third. Cattermole giving them some bite in complement to Ki’s composure.
I hope Jozy does well every game but today… Liverpool wins ties for second keep winning and face arsenal in 3 weeks the real test.
Lets go Josmer, take a bite outta tge ‘Pool defense.
*the
Whoops. Only half saw Nantes’ last goal. The pass from Nantes’ half to the goal scorer came from Bedoya’s general area. Maybe it was him with the assist? Not sure. In any case, Nantes win, 1-3.
Schalke have suspended Jermaine Jones for their next game against Basel for “Poor Play”. Don’t blame them, he’s been horrible lately.
“Suspended” for “poor play”? As in, formally suspended? Hunh? Is that a German tjing?
Ahhh damn it Google translate, it’s actually an injury.
Naw, thats not a thing.
Looks like Jermaine Jones is going to be out for some time with meniscus surgery. With Bradley coming back from an injury, could be an interesting midfield for the next qualifiers. Beckerman and Geoff?
doubtful Cameron plays CM. my guess is Beckerman, Kljestan, Mix, etc.
Arrgh, Bedoya was racing towards goal alone calling for the ball, the pass was maybe a little late, Bedoya’s first touch not quite perfect and the keeper swallows it up as Bedoya tried to round the keeper. That was a chance.
Holy Shi*. Florian Kringe with a goal in 86′ min. to put St. Pauli up 2-1 versus Morales and Ingolstadt, after a drawn and missed penalty.
And we get the win and as of now are no. 4
Morales came in the game in the 38th minute and played centrally.
FYI: The Timbers/Galaxy game is on NBC (the main station), not NBCSN.
Shame the Sounder’s game is not on the NBC network too.
We will have to listen to ESPN pontificate on “where MLS needs to go, what MLS needs to do, etc”, rather than just enjoy a great soccer game.
Harkes makes me suicidal. I turn off or mute, but I prefer commentary I can stand. I hate Harkes, he ruins the joy of sports.
Every time he broadcasts a game, I hide my wife.
Nantes counter. Bedoya with a shot from just outside the area, right side. Goes way over for a goal kick.
Rennes 0-2 Nante
HT
Bedoya subbed in due to injury about half way through thr first half.
Does beIn have an app that shows games like NBC or ESPN?
Apparently not, judging by the reviews on the App Store. Time to work some programmers to death, sheikh Tamim!
Yeah, they don’t, which is why I don’t have it
http://www.beinsportplay.tv/
“Welcome to beIN SPORT Play!
Watch all the LIVE action on beIN SPORT and beIN SPORT en Español in HD on your computer, tablet or smartphone!
With beIN SPORT PLAY, you even get to watch LIVE events not featured on the channel.
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bleh. finally get a chance to watch bedoya, and he’s on the bench.
assuming cameron will start, so i’ll get to see if he’s playing as well as biff has let on.
hey, Nate Dollars. I just turned on the Stoke game a few minutes ago to hear the announcers saying that Stoke has not looked good from the get-go. So how has Geoff looked?
By the way, I have not been exaggerating Cameron’s recent performances. He has honest-to-gosh generally been playing RB very well. His touch seems to have improved significantly since last season.
I have been a detractor for playing Cameron at RB for the USMNT, but I can’t argue that his recent form hasn’t been exemplary. He has to be one of the first names on the team sheet for Stoke, which is a drastic change from where he was last year.
Geoff has looked good this game except for 1 or 2 times where he passed his teammates into trouble. Stoke still haven’t adjusted to Norwich’s pressure and it’s hurting them.
I have been watching this game today. Geoff is doing well. I wouldn’t call it amazing but he had a really good cross a bit ago and the striker fell down for some reason…. I couldn’t tell quite why.
The Turin Derby, as narrated by Ray Hudson. Genius