Revised Content
Summer Dog Day is thriving as European clubs are actively engaging in their preseason tours abroad, switching their MLS focus to the League Cup. This week, we have new matches on the horizon, including the arrival of Pareep Cattry, adding excitement to our midweek schedule.
Footy Fix
Always us/east
Wednesday, July 30th
🇺🇸🇲🇽 League Cup: Inter Miami vs. Atlas, 7:30 PM
USL Championship: Hartford Archives vs. New Mexico United, 8 PM
🌍 Friendly: Manchester United vs. Bournemouth, 9:30 PM
Thursday, July 31st
Friendly: Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur, 7:30 AM, Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
🇺🇸🇲🇽 League Cup: Cruz Azul vs. Seattle Sounders, 10:30 PM ➡️ FS1
Forward Front
🇺🇸🇲🇽 League Cup Kicks Off
The League Cup made its return this week with matches starting on Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday and Thursday. Much attention is on Inter Miami as the iconic Lionel Messi greets another teammate in South Florida.
Messi’s Argentinian counterpart, Rodrigo de Paul, who is known for his close camaraderie with Messi, joined the team over the weekend and is set to make his home debut with Atlas on Wednesday. Although not your typical European player, De Paul could still bring valuable experience to a Miami team eager to reclaim the League Cup and secure its first MLS title this season. Despite a somewhat complicated roster situation, Chuck Booth observes that De Paul aligns well with the team’s tactical aims.
- Booth: "Having such a dynamic presence enhances the midfield profile while reinforcing the defense. Miami has only managed one clean sheet in the last six matches. With significant competitors like Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and Philadelphia Union pursuing points, De Paul’s presence in midfield could prove pivotal."
Messi and Jordi Alba return to Miami’s lineup after serving a one-game suspension for skipping the MLS All-Star Game. Their return coincides with the significance of the League Cup, particularly for Miami, as it positions itself for a shot at the prestigious Concacaf Champions Cup.
This Friday and Sunday
🔗 Midfield Link Play
🏴 Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur Clash in Hong Kong
The preseason action continues for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, who will compete in the first North London Derby held outside the UK at Kaituck Sports Park in Hong Kong on Thursday. Although the stakes aren’t as high as in competitive matches, this unique encounter provides an interesting contrast between the two teams.
After finishing as runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive years, Arsenal hopes to finalize its roster for upcoming title challenges. Thursday’s match could present Viktor Gyoker with his first minutes after his $74.2 million transfer from Sporting Lisbon—an important move as the Gunners look for a reliable goal-scorer to address past issues.
- Frank: "This poses a significant challenge. Not only is Arsenal our biggest rival, but they’re also among the best teams. It’s going to be a tough test."
Frank raises a valid point; while Arsenal is close to being ready for competitive action, Tottenham seems to be still finding its footing. Amidst a busy preseason, the Spurs have faced mixed results, revealing an uncertain transfer strategy and some key missing players.
🔗 Top Stories
🏴 Lions’ Parade: Around 65,000 fans celebrated England’s Euro victory, highlighting the growth of women’s football in the country since the Lionesses secured the title three years ago.
🤝 Transfer Window Update: Joao Felix has joined Chelsea’s Al Nasr, while Thomas Muller is close to signing with MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps as a free agent.
🔴 Diaz to Bayern: Luis Diaz’s transfer from Liverpool to Bayern Munich is official; the implications of this move for Arne Slot’s squad remain to be seen.
🏆 2027 WWC Outlook: It may seem early to speculate on the 2027 Women’s World Cup, but the U.S. women’s national team is already entering new power rankings, with few reliable threats foreseen for Brazil.
Backline
💵 Best Bets
- League Cup: Inter Miami vs. Atlas, Wednesday, 7:30 PM
💰 Bet: Lionel Messi to score the first goal of the match (+245). Returning from an extended break, Messi could be primed to make an immediate impact as Inter Miami starts the League Cup.
For additional betting insights and predictions, make sure to check out the CBS Sports betting homepage.
Fan Take
This news highlights the excitement surrounding high-profile matches like the North London Derby and the League Cup, which not only showcase top talent like Messi but also reveal the evolving landscape of soccer. For fans, these events are vital as they capture the competitive spirit and drama of the sport, reminding us of the significance of every match in shaping team strategies and narratives.
