By ADAM TROXTELL
Local bragging rights and more is on the line in a full slate of rivalry games across Europe.
It all starts with the North London Derby as Tottenham entertains Arsenal. Both teams enter the contest in good form, with Spurs winning five of their last seven league games and Arsenal on a five-game winning streak in all competitions.
The rivalry theme spreads north later when Everton and Liverpool contest the Merseyside Derby. The Reds are unbeaten in eight league games and will be buoyed by a 2-1 FA Cup win against Bolton on Wednesday.
The Toffees will look to build on last week’s result. Their win against Crystal Palace was the club’s first in nine games, a run that caused them to drop to 12th in the English Premier League.
Atletico Madrid is looking for a way back into the La Liga title race when they host Real Madrid. Atletico already beat its league-leading neighbors twice this season; once in La Liga play and again in the Copa del Rey.
Juventus hosts AC Milan in one last high-profile game in Europe. While the two don’t share a city, they do share an exciting past. It’s been almost three years since a meeting between the clubs ended in a draw.
If you will be watching today’s action, feel free to leave your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (today’s soccer on TV schedule after the jump):
7:45 a.m. – NBCSN – Tottenham vs. Arsenal
9:30 a.m. – GolTV USA – Stuttgart vs. Bayern Munich
10 a.m. – beIN Sports USA – Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid
10 a.m. – NBCSN – Aston Villa vs. Chelsea
10 a.m. – Premier League Extra Time – Manchester City vs. Hull
10 a.m. – Premier League Extra Time – Leicester City vs. Crystal Palace
10 a.m. – Premier League Extra Time – QPR vs. Southampton
10 a.m. – Premier League Extra Time – Swansea vs. Sunderland
Noon – beIN Sports en Espanol – Villarreal vs. Granada
12:30 p.m. – NBC – Everton vs. Liverpool
12:30 p.m. – GolTV USA – Hamburg vs. Hannover
2:45 p.m. – beIN Sports USA – Juventus vs. AC Milan
6 p.m. – Univision – Cruz Azul vs. Monterrey
8 p.m. – Univision Deportes – Tigres vs. Puebla
9 p.m. – Telemundo – Pachuca vs. Toluca
10 p.m. – Univision Deportes – Chiapas vs. Tijuana
Jax Armada beats Philly Union 3-1 in front of Jax crowd of 14,000.
And, no, they do NOT plan on trying for MLS. Ownership is 100% committed to growing the NASL.
Rubin starting at forward in a big match against PSV. Sucks that WatchESPN no longer does these matches.
are you able to watch through, um, other sources? thought i heard he played as more of an attacking mid. i’m assuming they play 3 up top, like most eredivisie teams?
I watched the first 75′. Rubin was the center of 3 STs. from what i saw, PSV was clearly the better team. FCU looked lost in the attack at times. chemistry lacked. they were able to get a good few passes to score a goal to bring it back to 2-1 but doesn’t look like they’ll pull this one back. Rubin also subbed out around the 69′
thanks. pretty sure the one fcu game i saw, he was a CAM (in fifa terms). wondering at what position klinsmann projects him.
I don’t do the illegal streams anymore. I had to completely reformat my hard drive a couple years back due to them…. among other less than savory sites. I’m clean ever since then. Plus there are so many games on TV, now, that I don’t miss it… too much. Sucks, I really want to see this kid play.
perhaps not a bad game to miss tho. For a while, i thought i was watching Sunderland again… haha jk
never a good sign when you are subbed and your replacement immediatly gives an assist..
fair enough but the player that subbed for him didn’t do much but a simple one touch pass to a wide open streaking man. it would have been a bigger deal had the player done some magical solo run to score. but sure.
on a side note, whoever is wearing the captain band for FC Utrecht is having a terrible game, and to make it worse every time he messes up he yells at his teammates…. I’ve never watched them play before so this could be an outlier
Gerrard with a bike kick attempt blocked by Naismith. Second half heating up now… Let’s go Red Dragons!
Excitement in the daaarby: Arlo White pronounces Roberto Marteeenez’ name correctly, perhaps for the first time.
Re Jozy and Sunderland – I don’t think the two apparent positions on Jozy’s time at Sunderland are mutually exclusive. Jozy works better in a 4-4-2 rather than as a lone striker – I think that is true at the USMMT level. Sunderland and Klinsman too apparently have reasons not to put him in that formation . Even if Sunderland played a 4-4-2 Jozy was going to struggle.
“Even if Sunderland played a 4-4-2 Jozy was going to struggle.”
Facts suggest otherwise BUT we’re all entitled to our own opinions… perhaps we can agree he would have struggled… less? haha
Danny Williams with a goal today…Odds he makes the Gold Cup roster?
He seems to be on the outside looking in.
Has anyone watched him play for club this season and can comment on how he’s looked? Also, what position do they have him lining up in?
Hard to watch the championship. I just read the match reports sometimes. =/
He was Reading’s most important player last year apparently. I have gotten the feeling he hasn’t been as good this year but eh who knows. He has serious competition in Alfredo Morales as Ingolstadt seems to be 100% on for promotion this year. 9 points clear and only 1 loss all season. Morales will be there for sure.
The real question is Beckerman there? Beckerman is perfect for CONCAF as his lack of speed isn’t much of a problem.
I like Beckerman, but the thing I worry about is father-time catching up and affecting his work rate ability. As you mentioned, pace has never been his strong suit.
Yup, he is getting on… but we will see this season with RSL how much.
Sorry for being a bit mean earlier. =(
Increase0,
I don’t mind the banter and probably enjoy it more than I care to admit. To be clear, it’s exactly what the forum is for: for sports nuts to debate, banter and even argue at times.
Sincerely, no need to apologize man.
+1
PS, I HATE you Old School… haha
=D
i’m with you here in a sense, but pace and work rate are two completely different things. his work rate is high and that’s his asset. he’s just never been a quick guy. he works hard in the run of play but on some counters he can get caught due to his pace, or lack of. so while his pace will certainly continue to age his work rate may stay relatively constant.
In terms of his NT role, i see him MAYBE on the Gold cup roster but not much after that. as a player over 30 (34 in 2 months) he most likely will be a player slowly phased out– although JK seems to want to keep a different +30y.o. around ………. looking at you, Wondo…..
I don’t think Beckerman gets enough credit. I see Beckerman still having a place on the roster but I also see him being phased out with the increase usage of Mixx in the midfield.
I only wish he was younger and/or Bradley gave him an actual chance during his tenure.
i agree here on all accounts.
…and the wind in the sails of the Altidore apologists continue to decrease.
Surprise, surprise. Defoe scores again.
442!
442!
Absolutely!
It’s not Jozy’s fault. It’s the
leagueclubmanagerteammatesserviceformation’s faultagentweather!Hah, you really do enjoy your own negativity don’t you?
They used to set up not to lose. Now they set up in a 442 to score goals. Two totally different strategies… I don’t see your point. Altidore isn’t good enough to make stuff happen on his own we know this… That doesn’t mean Sunderland isn’t terrible. It can be both you know.
Hah, you really do enjoy your own negativity don’t you?
I give as good as I get. Turn about is fair play.
don’t bother, increase. when it comes to jozy–for whatever reason–old school’s merely a troII.
welp, everyone can go home now. old school’s won the straw man contest. thanks for playing.
Tail between your legs. Bye!
haha exactly. Old School refuses to understand these “apologists” that he calls out randomly aren’t people saying “Jozy is god, pray towards him 5 times a day” we’re actually fairly saying things like Increase brought up: “Altidore isn’t good enough to make stuff happen on his own we know this… That doesn’t mean Sunderland isn’t terrible. It can be both you know.”
so Old School, before you convey us as extreme apologist coming up with every excuse under the sun, first listen to the worrrrddss coming out of our moooouuuuuthssss (Chris Tucker).
Lost in a lot of this is that my posting history supports that I like Altidore as a player. I just simply dislike the posters that make excuses for his failure.
A true “straw man” argument is exactly what you’re attempting. I’ve never once portrayed the apologists as proclaiming Jozy is a god. I’m pointing out the absolute litany of excuses provided to deflect how poorly Jozy was during his tenure at Sunderland/EPL.
In fact, it was you Drake Davis that initially compared Defoe’s lack of production through his first two games to Altidore’s 40-50 matches and then on a dime, Defoe starts scoring and your exact words were, “I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two.”
I didn’t mind having this on-going debate with a handful of people but the debate is flat out over. If you guys can’t see the light, you never will.
Tails between the legs with more excuses. There’s literally nothing else to be said. You were wrong. Take the L and walk it off.
Be right back…I think Defoe just scored again.
it’s comical, your comment started out intellectual. but you fail to realize that we’ve all at times said exactly that. we know Jozy isn’t the greatest, we just don’t care to see people say how extremely terrible he is (e.g. ‘jozy shouldn’t be called up’ etc). THATs when we say something, then you take that as an “excuse”, THEN you say things like
“I didn’t mind having this on-going debate with a handful of people but the debate is flat out over. If you guys can’t see the light, you never will.
Tails between the legs with more excuses. There’s literally nothing else to be said. You were wrong. Take the L and walk it off.”
showing us that you still lack the ability to comprehend our points. THAT is where the straw man argument comment came from. You’re trying to show how silly we are for “all the excuses” when we’re not even giving excuses, just rational commentary and analysis. aka, “sunderland are not very good at service to their strikers (supported by the stats showing this that i’ve pointed out numerous times).” anyone can see Jozy did not have a good spell at Sunderland, another fact we’ve pointed out. so when someone intellectually mentioned a formation change it’s not an “excuse”…. it’s merely a “scientific”(lol) thesis on factual circumstances. Jozy performs better in a 2 ST formation ( he has shown this at AZ, USMNT). Thus being used mostly in a 4231 wasn’t helping him at Sunderland. pointing this out, again, is NOT an excuse. the fact you can’t see this is what makes people scoff/mock/laugh at you. I get you are a mild Jozy fan, cool, so are we. But when you choose to ridicule us for “excuses” that we aren’t giving it doesn’t serve you well.
All in all, your non-Jozy related comments are generally good to read. but you’re just grasping for straws (……….) when you try to bash [nonexistent]”jozy apologists”
have a stellar day
“In fact, it was you Drake Davis that initially compared Defoe’s lack of production through his first two games to Altidore’s 40-50 matches and then on a dime, Defoe starts scoring and your exact words were, “I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two.””
smh, I’ve oft explained this to you yet you still can’t comprehend my sarcasm in my original “defoe hasn’t score in 150+ minutes of football, he must be terrible” comment. DEFOE IS A GREAT PLAYER, WAY BETTER THAN JOZY IS. I’VE ALWAYS SAID THIS. again, perhaps my sarcasm was too thick when i made that comment but for the love of everything holy, just accept that i was poking the bear with my comment. Defoe not scoring in his first 2 games meant nothing, it shouldn’t make people say he is terrible, it shouldn’t make people want to compare him or defend him to/with jozy. THAT was my true point. in mocking those who would say “defoe must be terrible… etc” i thought i was clear in saying that there shouldn’t be a comparison. i do however acknowledge the B/R-worthy storyline of the comparison and am curious how it will pan out and be skewed on TV etc; thus i continue to watch Sunderland games while i can.
To sum, please understand comments before continually bashing them, especially the comments that are repeatedly and explicitly explained to you to clear any misconception.
Disclaimer: This will be my last statement on the topic, because I’m hoping he shines with TFC.
[nonexistent]”jozy apologists”
Oh, trust me. They exist and come out of the woodwork when convenient and hide away when not. Whether or not you’ve noticed them or acknowledge them doesn’t replace their existence.
Sarcasm, straw man arguments, midunderstandings or general disagreements be darned..the debate is absolutely over and the apologists are quelled with each passing week.
Jozy was horrible at Sunderland.
No excuses, no justifications, no deflections, no misplaced blame.
It’s over.
well on that note, can you at least agree to only call out the ACTUAL apologist, rather than the educated fans such as Nate Dollars, GW, Increase0, Fair Observer, USMNT Star Drake Davis and Drake Davis’ friend Brooks Lennon.
further more;
“Disclaimer: This will be my last statement on the topic, because I’m hoping he shines with TFC.”
Disclaimer, I WILL call you out any time you mention “Jozy apologists” then.
“Oh, trust me. They exist and come out of the woodwork when convenient and hide away when not. Whether or not you’ve noticed them or acknowledge them doesn’t replace their existence.”
many times i have stated i am aware of them, my consistent point was that me and a few other commenters aren’t those people.
“Jozy was horrible at Sunderland.
No excuses, no justifications, no deflections, no misplaced blame.”
we’re already agreed on this. that’s my point you’re arguing with people that agree with you that he was bad at sunderland. but then you’re making us out to be making excuses when we’re just commenting on a soccer blog about perhaps the CAUSE of SAID POOR PERFORMANCE….. thats not an excuse.. and excuse pardons blame from a party. once you realized we’ve acknowledge blame long ago you should realize you’re arguing with like minded individuals.
“It’s over.”
it never even began, please stop crying, we’re just not right for each other, you’re worse than my ex-GF…
Haters gonna hate. Some people just love trying to spread their misery around to others.
Ki S.Y. almost with a goal but BARELY called back offside. then Defoe on a counter scores, 1-0 Sunderland. that was a good goal
Defoe was oddly allowed to run 40 yards straight down the middle. a Swansea defender only steps in right at the 18-all but too late, Defoe calmly touches it outside to his right to set up a sharp shot to bottom left corner
out of curiosity, is poyet going with 2 up top again?
i know i know, it’s a silly question, since formations have nothing to do with player performance.
Rest assured I have that already added to the excuse list below.
Since we’re asking silly questions: should I add the physio, too? Maybe the sun? Crowd noise? Kit size? Surely there’s more reasons we haven’t conjured.
You can do it, Nathan!
Nate D, of course Poyet is. Danny Graham, former Swansea man, got the start with wickham out injured. Ki S.Y., the former Sunderland man, with the late equalizer.
i don’t know if i’ll ever understand why poyet thought jozy was incompatible with a 2-forward setup. i know he’s not stupid, so i’m assuming there’s some logical reason; would love to hear it.
+1 i think Poyet saw Jozy as another Lukaku or something which HE IS NOT… haha. nonetheless, i think Increase mentioned a good point earlier: Poyet had them in a system ‘not to lose’ and now they have moved to a system ‘to win’. in the former he only wanted 1 ST and two wide guys to get the ball out to to spread the field. not they seem to have more control moving the ball upheld (slightly) and allow their STs to face the goal during runs instead of hol’ up, hol’ up, hol’ up, hol’ up, hol’ up, hol’ up (… talk to the, talk to the ……. Haaaaaaaaaaaaand…..)
now* not “not”
Real Madrid being outmuscled, outplayed and outscored 40 minutes in.
Well done by Atleti, stunning bicycle kick for 2:0.
if y’all aren’t watching the madrid derby, i don’t think we can be friends anymore.
saul with a bicycle to put atletico up 2-0.
well it was nice knowing you, I can’t fathom ever missing a Sunderland game……..
Don’t ever tell me Simeone is not the best coach in the world.
Magisteeeeeerial goalby Atleti. For this time, Ray Hudson is spot on.
was that goal scorer (#17) left footed? if he’s naturally right-footed then that’s an even more ridiculous goal. a left footed bicycle kick that hits the inside of the post and in– aka the GK couldn’t do anything about that one. wow, great goal
Impressive performance by Athletico. Watching how Barca was able to handle them in their recent encounters I thought they maybe didn’t have it in them anymore, but man have they really gotten themselves up for their matches against Real this season.
Chelsea v AV final score predictions? 5-0 Chelsea
Hertha just scored a hilarious goal. Mostly because they tried sooo hard to muck it up with weak shots. They got back to back lucky rebounds and put the second one in.
welp…. here i am again, stuck in this contract commentating Sunderland games….
Watch the Hertha Berlin game! Centerbacks aren’t really exciting I know. =/
Sadly i signed the paper and must serve the jail sentence but what channel is it on? maybe i can stream it on my phone under the desk.
Um, it would be on Gol(which amazingly enough I have) but they aren’t showing it. Sooo I’m you know…. finding other ways.
Gooch starting for Charlton today. Haven’t seen him play in years.
Owen Hargreaves may be the worst commentator on tv right now. That was absolutely painful to listen to.
+1!
Was choking through his commentary with how much he talked about Tottenham and their players, formations, etc. Where did he play?
Swerve Z.
Hargreaves played wherever he was needed mostly at right fullback and as a box to box and sometimes as a holding midfielder. He won the Champion’s league with Bayern Munich then transferred to Manchester United where his career eventually ended due to injury.
In 2006 he was England’s best player in the World Cup.
He is new at being a pundit and I thought he did well and had more insightful things to say than for example, Twellman would have. He did talk too much though as you say..
Brian Dunseth remains the worst color commentator I’ve ever heard for a professional sporting event. Not by content, but rather by tone.
The guy has the nerdiest voice in the business and sounds like he fell short of going through puberty. His voice is like nails on a chalkboard.
Incredible stuff for Kane and Tottenham with the big win over Arsenal.
Two things:
The Arsenal keeper is fine except he has short arms and doesn’t seem to like catching the ball. Maybe his hands are bothering him? Everything else is okay though.
Yedlin may have a place on this Spurs team.
Ospina was hurt early in the match. He continued on, but I think it affected his ability to extend.
Walker and Rose were both very good. I don’t think Yedlin gets any time until he improves his defending quite a bit.
I disagree. Yedlin is perfect for this team, and although he has two big, seasoned guys in the starting lineup ahead of them, they have a lot of matches in other competitions for him to see time.
They do? All Spurs have outside the league are the cup final and Europa league knockout games
Jim,
I was thinking of Yedlin playing further forward. He’ll definitely have to earn his minutes but he also definitely has something to offer this team.
Ospina should have had a penalty against him when he jumped into the back of Kane. Those are never called when the CB manages to clear the ball so he got a bit lucky there.