Premier League Club Power Rankings: Week 7

By Nicholas MendolaOct 4, 2018, 2:15 PM EDT

Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

There’s a new look in the Top 3 ahead of Sunday’s massive tilt between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield.

[ MORE: Winks – “Messi completed football” ]

20. Huddersfield Town — Eight matches in all comps + three goals = two points. Bad math.
Last week: 20
Season high: 18
Season low: 20

19. Cardiff City — Added to its own misery by thoroughly outplaying Burnley only to lose 2-1.
Last week: 19
Season high: 19
Season low: 20

18. Newcastle United — Need January in a big way. Well, they would need January if Mike Ashley was willing to spend on a difference maker. So what they need is a couple good bounces to find a win. Hey, at least they have a chance to get Jose Mourinho sacked?
Last week: 18
Season high: 13
Season low: 18

17. Burnley — Beating Cardiff while being outplayed doesn’t get you much of a bump in our book, but Sean Dyche‘s men look a bit more like themselves lately.
Last week: 17
Season high: 15
Season low: 20

16. Fulham — Simply must figure out the defense, because the attack is mid-table.
Last week: 15
Season high: 11
Season low: 17

15. Southampton — A very difficult task ahead at Chelsea following a rough loss to Wolves.
Last week: 16
Season high: 13
Season low: 17

14. Brighton and Hove Albion — Winless since their upset of Manchester United, the Seagulls would’ve been looking at this weekend as the beginning of fixture respite. Not-so-fast, West Ham’s been looking good.
Last week: 14
Season high: 9
Season low: 19

13. Crystal Palace — The Eagles have every reason to spread their attacking wings against Wolves this week after a disappointing setback at Bournemouth.
Last week: 12
Season high: 6
Season low: 13

12. Watford — Winless in four ahead of a surprisingly big mutual litmus test versus Bournemouth.
Last week: 8
Season high: 4
Season low: 12

11. Everton — A fun if fulsome defeat of Fulham sets the table for a contender-pretender bout with Leicester City. And Gylfi Sigurdsson missed a penalty kick in the 3-0 win.
Last week: 13
Season high: 5
Season low: 13

10. Manchester United — Reports say Jose Mourinho could be shown the door if United fails to beat Newcastle. Will the players show up for their man(ager)?
Last week: 7
Season high: 4
Season low: 14

9. West Ham United — Drew Chelsea, beat Manchester United. Smoked lower division competition in between. Beating Brighton on Friday could see them comfortably mid-table heading into the international break.
Last week: 11
Season high: 11
Season low: 2

8. Bournemouth — Solid win over Crystal Palace, if greatly aided by a silly Mamadou Sakho handball.
Last week: 6
Season high: 6
Season low: 12

7. Leicester City — Easily dispatched of Newcastle United, and taking care of business almost every time it’s expected of them. Sneaky look at the Top Six?
Last week: 10
Season high: 7
Season low: 13

6. Spurs — It’s the injuries that have Tottenham sitting this low. If there was a game right now against Wolves, there’d be struggles. Power rankings, y’know?
Last week: 8
Season high: 3
Season low: 8

5. Wolves — Maintaning a spot ahead of Spurs for equal bits of style (and Spurs current injury bug).
Last week: 6
Season high: 5
Season low: 13

4. Arsenal — Unai Emery‘s men are still figuring out defense in his system, but the Gunners have scored two or more goals in 8 of 9 matches heading into Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Qarabag.
Last week: 4
Season high: 4
Season low: 9

3. Liverpool — Winless in three, all will be forgiven with a fourth consecutive defeat of Pep Guardiola‘s City this weekend.
Last week: 1
Season high: 1
Season low: 3

2. Chelsea — Outside matches are not supposed to play into the power rankings, but the Blues win at Anfield in the League Cup and draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in league play would make it stupid for us to put them underneath the Reds.
Last week: 3
Season high: 2
Season low: 4

1. Man City — In first place despite missing Kevin De Bruyne for most of the season, maintaining this place against an ornery Mohamed Salah and Liverpool will be tough. That said, they are in first place despite missing Kevin De Bruyne for most of the season.
Last week: 2
Season high: 1
Season low: 2

Follow @NicholasMendola

New deadline looms for Manchester United bids

By Joe Prince-WrightMar 21, 2023, 11:27 AM EDT

A new deadline is looming for potential new owners of Manchester United, as our partners in the UK at Sky Sports say the deadline for second offers is Wednesday, March 22.

They add that up to eight bids are expected, while INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has told The Wall Street Journal he won’t pay a ‘stupid price’ for the Red Devils.

The Glazer family continue to explore either the full or partial sale of the Premier League giants.

It has been widely reported by ESPN and Sky Sports that two bids, one from Ratcliffe and another led by Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, are the frontrunners as the Glazers look at all of their available options.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

Over the last few months the American family have been seeking potential investors in Manchester United and they have not been short of suitors.

Presentations have been taking place between potential new owners and investors and the Man United hierarchy over the last few weeks.

The latest updates

Two bids have now taken center stage as they arrived before the first, well-documented, deadline.

One is from INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who failed to buy Chelsea last year but was always said to prefer a bid for his boyhood club Manchester United.

“How do you decide the price of a painting? How do you decide the price of a house? It’s not related to how much it cost to build or how much it cost to paint. What you don’t want to do is pay stupid prices for things because then you regret it subsequently,” Ratcliffe told The Wall Street Journal.

Another bid is led by Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is seeking full control of the club and is the chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank as his father was the former prime minister of Qatar.

The Glazer family bought United in 2005 for $1.4 billion and it is believed they are now asking over $7.3 billion for a full sale of the club.

Statement from INEOS

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS confirmed they have ‘submitted a bid for majority ownership of Manchester United’ and went into more detail on their plans.

“We would see our role as the long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community. We are ambitious and highly competitive and would want to invest in Manchester United to make them the number one club in the world once again.

“We also recognise that football governance in this country is at a crossroads. We would want to help lead this next chapter, deepening the culture of English football by making the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership. We want a Manchester United anchored in its proud history and roots in the northwest of England, putting the Manchester back into Manchester United and clearly focusing on winning the Champions League.”

Statement from Qatari bid

The Qatari bid, led by Sheikh Jassim, promised that their offer is ‘completely debt free’ and they want United to become ‘the greatest football club in the world’ during their stewardship of the club.

“The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training center, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.

“The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.”

Follow @JPW_NBCSports

USMNT roster for Nations League features Gio Reyna, no Tyler Adams

By Andy EdwardsMar 21, 2023, 11:27 AM EDT

The USMNT will be without captain Tyler Adams when they play a pair of CONCACAF Nations League games later this month, but they will have 13 members of the 2022 World Cup squad, including Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, as confirmed by U.S. Soccer on Wednesday.

The Yanks will also not have Timothy Weah, who suffered a scary concussion for Lille versus Toulouse on Sunday. He’s been replaced by AZ Alkmaar’s Djordje Mihailovic.

[ MORE: USMNT to face rivals Mexico in April friendly ]

Adams will miss the games against Gernada (March 24) and El Salvador (March 27) after suffering a hamstring injury during a recent training session with Leeds United.

Reyna’s place within the team and program had come into question in the weeks and months since the World Cup, with events and an investigation transpiring involving former/a candidate to remain USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter and Gio’s parents, Claudio and Danielle. Interim head coach Anthony Hudson explained Reyna’s inclusion as a decision to “move forward.”

[ MORE: USMNT upcoming schedule – Nations League, friendlies, Gold Cup ]

“It became a bit more complex in the months since the World Cup, but as far as we’re concerned Gio is a part of our program,” Hudson said. “He’s a good guy and a top talent, and he is evaluated like any other player. We made the roster decisions based on what gives the team the best opportunity to win these games, and we brought him in because we think he can help us do that.”

Full USMNT roster for 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League

Goalkeepers (3): Ethan Horvath (Luton Town), Zack Steffen (Middlesbrough), Matt Turner (Arsenal)

Defenders (8): Sergiño Dest (AC Milan/), Mark McKenzie (Genk), Tim Ream (Fulham/), Bryan Reynolds (Westerlo), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach/), Auston Trusty (Birmingham City)

Midfielders (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Johnny Cardoso (Internacional), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Weston McKennie (Leeds United), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Alan Sonora (Juárez), Djordje Mihailovic (AZ Alkmaar)

Forwards (6): Taylor Booth (Utrecht), Daryl Dike (West Bromwich Albion), Ricardo Pepi (Groningen), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)

EDIT: Tim Weah (Lille) was originally called up, but exited due to a head injury.

Follow @AndyEdMLS

USMNT upcoming schedule – Nations League, friendlies, Gold Cup

By Andy EdwardsMar 21, 2023, 11:26 AM EDT

After reaching the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup, the USMNT have a big 2023 coming up as they aim to build off a successful showing on the world’s biggest stage.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

For the next few months CONCACAF Nations League takes center stage, while the program is very much in transition as Anthony Hudson takes temporary charge and both the GM (Brian McBride) and Sporting Director (Earnie Stewart) left in recent months.

As for now, here is the USMNT’s upcoming schedule for 2023, with plenty more games to be added based on their potential qualification for the 2023 Gold Cup on home soil.

How to watch USMNT

TV channels in English: HBO Max, TNT
TV channels en Español: Universo, Telemundo Deportes
Streaming en Español: Peacock

USMNT upcoming schedule

* Friendly | ** CONCACAF Nations League | *** 2022 World Cup

2023

vs. Serbia* — Jan. 25, 10 pm ET — Loss 2-1 | Recap & highlights
vs. Colombia* — Jan. 28, 7:30 pm ET — Draw 0-0 | Recap & highlights
at Grenada** — March 24, 8 pm ET — St. George’s, Grenada
vs El Salvador** — March 27, 7:30pm ET — Orlando, Florida
vs Mexico* — April 19, 10:22pm ET — Glendale, Arizona – More details

2023 Gold Cup from June 16 to July 19 (USMNT yet to qualify)

USMNT games in 2022

vs. Morocco* — June 1 — Win 3-0
vs. Uruguay* — June 5 — Draw 0-0
vs. Grenada** — June 10 — Win 5-0
at El Salvador** — June 14 — Draw 1-1
vs Japan* — Sept. 23 (in Dusseldorf, Germany) — Loss 2-0
vs Saudi Arabia* — Sept. 27 (in Murcia, Spain) — Draw 0-0

USMNT at 2022 World Cup

Group B
vs. Wales*** — Nov. 21, 2 pm ET — Draw 1-1
vs. England*** — Nov. 25, 2 pm ET — Draw 0-0
vs. Iran*** — Nov. 29, 2 pm ET — Win 1-0

Last 16
vs. Netherlands*** — Dec. 3, 10 am ET — Loss 3-1

USMNT 2022 World Cup qualifying scores, recaps, analysis

at El Salvador — Sept. 2 — Draw 0-0
vs. Canada — Sept. 5 — Draw 1-1
at Honduras — Sept. 8 — Win 4-1

vs. Jamaica — Oct. 7 — Win 1-0
at Panama — Oct. 10 — Loss 0-1
vs. Costa Rica — Oct. 13 — Win 2-1

vs. Mexico — Nov. 12 — Win 2-0
at Jamaica — Nov. 16 — Draw 1-1

vs. El Salvador — Jan. 27 — Win 1-0
at Canada — Jan. 30 — Loss 0-2
vs. Honduras — Feb. 2 — Win 3-0

at Mexico — March 24 — Draw 0-0
vs. Panama — March 27 — Win 5-1
at Costa Rica — March 30 — Loss 0-2

Final CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings

Canada — 28 points – (QUALIFIED) GD +16 – automatic qualification
Mexico — 28 points (QUALIFIED) GD +9 – automatic qualification
USMNT — 25 points – (QUALIFIED) GD +11 – automatic qualification

Costa Rica — 25 points (PLAYOFF) GD +5

Panama — 21 points (ELIMINATED)
Jamaica — 14 points (ELIMINATED)
El Salvador — 10 points (ELIMINATED)
Honduras — 4 points (ELIMINATED)

Follow @AndyEdMLS

Erling Haaland injury update: Man City star leaves Norway squad

By Joe Prince-WrightMar 21, 2023, 11:22 AM EDT

Manchester City star Erling Haaland has left the Norway squad after suffering a groin injury.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

Haaland, 22, joined up with Norway for their EURO 2024 qualifiers but has been sent back to Manchester City for treatment.

The Norwegian striker has been in stunning form in recent weeks, scoring nine goals in his last three games in all competitions for City (including five against RB Leipzig in the Champions League and a hat trick against Burnley in the FA Cup) before the break.

He has scored 42 (yes, forty two) goals in all competitions for Man City this season.

However, Pep Guardiola and Man City now face an anxious wait as an injury to Erling Haaland is the last thing they wanted before a pivotal final few months of the season as they chase the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.

What is the latest update?

Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, gave an update on Haaland’s injury.

“We hoped that this was just a familiarity that would carry over to Saturday, but after doing tests and examinations yesterday it became clear that he will not make it to the games against Spain and Georgia,” Sand said. “It is better that he receives medical follow-up at the club.”

Norway face Spain on Saturday and Georgia next Tuesday, so it seems like Haaland is in a race to be fit for Man City’s games after the international break.

Which games could he miss?

After the international break Man City are playing in the first game of the weekend as they host Liverpool on Saturday, Apr. 1 at the Etihad Stadium.

It seems like Haaland could be struggling to be fully fit for that game, and maybe even the trip to Southampton on Apr. 8, so Pep Guardiola may choose to rest him for their massive UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Bayern Munich on Apr. 11.

Given the form Haaland is in right now, it will be a blow for City if he does miss the next few games but the last thing they want is any long-term damage. Plus, it’s helpful to have the likes of World Cup winner Julian Alvarez in reserve to step in for Haaland.

Follow @JPW_NBCSports

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

Latest Premier League news

The latest updates

Statement from INEOS

Statement from Qatari bid

Full USMNT roster for 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

Latest USMNT news

How to watch USMNT

USMNT upcoming schedule

USMNT games in 2022

USMNT at 2022 World Cup

USMNT 2022 World Cup qualifying scores, recaps, analysis

Final CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings

Latest USMNT news

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

Latest Premier League news

What is the latest update?

Which games could he miss?