Welcome to the weekend! Club football is back after the international break, with exciting matches in Italy and England headlining the next few days. I`m Pardeep Cattry, bringing you the latest updates.
Key Football Fixtures
Igor Tudor`s Juventus Era Begins
Juventus are returning after the international break with a change in leadership, replacing Thiago Motta with Igor Tudor before their Saturday game against Genoa (1 PM ET). Tudor`s mission is clear: to revitalize the team following Motta`s disappointing tenure, marked by 13 draws in Serie A, equaling their win count for the season. The central question is how Tudor plans to spark this turnaround.
Many questions surround Tudor`s first Juventus lineup, especially in attack and midfield. The team`s struggle to win is linked to their scoring issues, having only managed 28 goals in 29 Serie A games this season. Focus will be on Dusan Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani, who have scored nine and five league goals, respectively, but are yet to realize their combined potential. Michael Lahoud from Morning Footy suggested Motta didn`t maximize these players, a challenge Tudor might overcome.
- Lahoud`s Insight: `Before Thiago Motta`s dismissal, Juventus circles were questioning the compatibility of Randal Kolo Muani and Vlahovic. Motta attempted to play them together, deploying Kolo Muani out wide, often on the left wing. I advocated for playing them as a duo upfront, a change I expect under Igor Tudor. Tudor`s approach is typically consistent, favoring a back three formation, often a 3-4-3. However, with Juventus` attacking midfielders capable of pushing higher to support a front two, it might resemble a 3-5-2.`
Equally crucial is the midfield composition, particularly for USMNT players Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah. Both have played various roles under Motta. Weah frequently featured as a wingback, while McKennie was Motta`s versatile player. His role under Tudor remains uncertain, though midfield, his natural position, is a possibility, a role he played even under Motta.
Manchester City`s FA Cup Ambitions
The Premier League takes a backseat this weekend as the FA Cup quarterfinals take center stage. Manchester City is the sole remaining `Big Six` club, making the FA Cup their most likely path to silverware this season. However, they face competition from several strong Premier League teams and a lower-league underdog aiming to extend their cup journey.
Manchester City will face Bournemouth on Sunday for a semifinal spot at Wembley. Despite an inconsistent season, City are favorites, boasting world-class players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. However, Bournemouth, who defeated City 2-1 last fall, exemplify their impressive season and could pose a threat. Inspired by Newcastle United`s EFL Cup win, Bournemouth, with players like Justin Kluivert, aim to surprise. This match could also be crucial for Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, reportedly a Tottenham Hotspur managerial candidate.
Another notable game is Aston Villa`s visit to Preston North End, the Championship`s 14th-placed team and the last lower-league team in the FA Cup. Villa are clear favorites and eye FA Cup success alongside their Champions League quarterfinal appearance. Unai Emery`s Villa could be strong FA Cup contenders, making Sunday`s match vital for both teams.
Key Football Headlines
- World Cup Qualifying Recap: A look at the highlights and lowlights from the recent international window as 2026 World Cup qualifiers began globally.
- Real Madrid Investigation: UEFA is investigating Real Madrid players Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Ceballos for alleged `improper conduct` during their Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid.
- Ancelotti to Brazil?: Brazil is considering Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid as their national team coach for the 2026 World Cup cycle, attracted by his rapport with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
- Davies` ACL Injury Dispute: Alphonso Davies` agent and Canada Soccer are in disagreement regarding responsibility for Davies` ACL tear, sidelining him for about six months.
- USWNT U-23 Roster Announcement: Gisele Thompson, Makenna Morris, and others were selected for the U-23 USWNT camp next month, integral to Emma Hayes` 2027 Women`s World Cup preparations.
- Coventry`s Promotion Push: Coventry City, under manager Frank Lampard, are targeting promotion playoffs and a Premier League spot next season after a significant turnaround.
- Club World Cup Prize Money: FIFA may award $125 million to the Club World Cup winner, part of a $1 billion total prize fund, surpassing the $440 million for the 2022 World Cup.
- Carnell on Messi: Philadelphia Union coach Bradley Carnell discussed strategies for defending Lionel Messi ahead of their Inter Miami game on Morning Footy.
- Gasperini to Roma?: Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta is linked with a move to Roma, but caution might be wise for both parties before making changes.
Betting Insights
Top Bets
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NWSL: Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC, Friday 8 PM ET
Pick: Washington Spirit to win (+130) – Despite Bay FC`s good start, Washington Spirit, a strong contender, are expected to win at home after a recent loss. Their deep roster makes them a solid bet. – Chuck Booth -
La Liga: Real Madrid vs. Leganes, Saturday 4 PM ET
Pick: Real Madrid to score 2+ goals in the first half (+148) – Real Madrid needs to maintain pace in La Liga. A fast start at home against Leganes is likely, leveraging their depth for early and multiple goals. – Chuck Booth
For more betting tips and news, visit CBSSports.com`s betting section.
CBS Sports Golazo Network Highlights
- Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 AM ET): Start your day with soccer highlights, interviews, and top storylines on Golazo Network`s flagship show, also available as a podcast.
- Attacking Third (Monday, Thursday): A live studio show from the leading women`s soccer podcast, covering USWNT, NWSL, and European leagues. Live streams Wednesdays at 11 AM ET on YouTube.
- Call it What You Want (Monday and Thursday): A weekly podcast with Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola discussing USMNT and US soccer. Live streams Mondays 1 PM ET and Thursdays 6 PM ET on YouTube.
- Scoreline (Daily): Catch up on global football news, results, highlights, and top goals daily on Scoreline, starting Thursday, seven days a week.
- How to Watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 soccer channel, streaming on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
Benedict Kingsley