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This week marks the return of EFL Cup matches in England, with a host of Premier League clubs stepping onto the field for the third round. Additionally, preparations for the upcoming international break are already in full swing, especially according to Cavan Sullivan. I’m Pardeep Cattry, bringing you the latest updates.
📺 Football Highlights
All times are listed in U.S. Eastern Time.
Monday, Sept. 14
🇮🇹 Serie A: Inter vs. Udinese, 2:45 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🏴 EPL: Leeds United vs. Newcastle United, 3 p.m. ➡️ USA Network
🇪🇸 LaLiga: Villarreal vs. Real Betis, 3 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+
Tuesday, Sept. 15
🏴 EFL Cup: Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+
🇪🇸 LaLiga: Elche vs. Real Madrid, 3:30 p.m. ➡️ ESPN2
⚽ Spotlight on Rising Stars
🇺🇸 Cavan Sullivan’s Impact
With the World Cup now in the past, emerging talents have the perfect opportunity to carve out their positions for future international play, and one player leading the way is Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union. Over the past week, Sullivan has netted two goals and provided two assists, showcasing his skill with impressive finishes, including a backheel goal and another where he nutmegged the goalkeeper.
Currently, Sullivan has five goals and seven assists in just ten games, establishing himself as one of the most effective players in Major League Soccer post-World Cup. At just 14, he became the youngest player to debut in MLS and has a contract with Manchester City that activates when he turns 18, a testament to the promise he holds. Now, with his impressive performance and contributions, Sullivan is solidifying his place among the league’s elite.
Sullivan boasts a significant skill set, ranking within the top 91st percentile for non-penalty expected goals among attacking midfielders and wingers across MLS this year. This makes him a crucial asset for a Union side that has recently climbed back into playoff contention after a rough start. His remarkable form comes after interim coach Ryan Richter has opted to give younger players more minutes, allowing Sullivan to thrive. As speculation mounts regarding U.S. men’s national team selections, Sullivan is making a compelling case for why he deserves a spot.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino is set to announce his squad for upcoming friendlies, framing this period as a “fresh start” for the national team on the path to the 2030 World Cup. While not all talented players will be ready for the intense environment of the senior team, Sullivan’s recent performances put him firmly in consideration. Chuck Booth provides a strong argument for Sullivan’s inclusion.
- Booth: “With the international break on the horizon and a new opportunity to evaluate younger players, Cavan Sullivan must be included. There’s no American player performing at a higher level since the World Cup, and with the current uncertainty among other forwards, Sullivan has earned his place on merit.”
📺 Upcoming Matches
🔗 EFL Cup: Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur
The third round of the EFL Cup is packed with top-tier talent as last season’s premier teams enter the tournament, many facing lower-league opposition in hopes of claiming the first trophy of the year. A notable match involves Tottenham Hotspur traveling to face Liverpool.
Both squads are navigating a transitional phase this season; Liverpool has shown promising results under new coach Andoni Iraola, while Tottenham has struggled, finding itself without a goal in its last four league games. James Benge analyzes the attacking challenges faced by Spurs after their recent 0-0 draw against Everton.
- Benge: “Spurs generated just 0.64 expected goals from 14 attempts, with minimal threat to the opposing goalkeeper. If they hope to break their scoring drought, significant changes may be necessary.”
As each team searches for a vital win, particularly Liverpool, who has recorded two clean sheets so far this season, the stakes remain high. A strong performance this week could ignite the season for both clubs.
🔗 Key Updates
👎 Manchester United Struggles: A narrow defeat to Manchester City highlighted United’s attacking inconsistencies, especially when they had the advantage of an extra player.
⏪ Referee Woes: Recent matches saw referees admitting to significant mistakes, causing backlash from clubs, including Arsenal.
🔴⚫ Pulisic Shines: Christian Pulisic made an impactful return for AC Milan with an assist against Lazio.
🏴 Premier League Rankings: Arsenal and Manchester City lead the rankings, while Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa face increasing pressure.
💰 Best Bets
Serie A: Inter vs. Udinese, Monday, 2:45 p.m.
- THE PICK: Inter to win 2-0 (+600) – Starting the season with three consecutive victories, Inter is poised to maintain their winning streak against an average Udinese team.
For more predictions and expert tips, check out CBS Sports’ betting page.
⚽ Streaming Highlights
What’s On CBS Sports Golazo Network
☀️ Morning Footy: A morning show featuring highlights and discussions on the latest soccer news, available as a podcast.
3️⃣ Attacking Third: A live show covering women’s soccer, focusing on NWSL and USWNT developments.
⚽ Call It What You Want: A discussion show on all things USMNT and soccer in the U.S.
🥅 Scoreline: A daily recap of major football news, match highlights, and essential goals.
How to Stream: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free channel dedicated to comprehensive soccer coverage. Available for streaming on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts, especially with the emergence of Cavan Sullivan, who represents the bright future of American soccer. His rise could indicate a shift towards more homegrown talent in the national team, injecting fresh energy and potential into the sport at an exciting time.
Source: www.cbssports.com
