Friday, January 03, 2014

Back in Business with La Liga, Serie A, FA Cup, Bob Bradley, The Mill, Americans Abroad

Oh! And it's the first Friday of 2014. How do you like that? The Germans will keep hibernating, but action thankfully resumes in Spain and Italy. The Premier League takes a wee respite while the FA Cup attempts to maintain its romance and market share. Ahem.

Lionel Messi. Remember that guy? He's almost ready to play again. Almost. It probably won't happen this weekend but he should be in action against Atlético Madrid next weekend. Here's a preview for this weekend as La Liga gets back in gear. And speaking of Atlético Madrid, do they have what it takes to topple the Big Two this year? Can they pull it off?

Over in Italy they'll be back in action as well, and with a doozy, no less. Leaders Juve welcome unbeaten Roma to Turin for a big-ass battle royale on Sunday (beIN Sport USA at 2:45pm EST). Elsewhere, third-place Napoli host Sampdoria and Lazio host Inter. Click here.

North London Derby. 1948.
Back in England they'll be contesting the Third Round of the FA Cup. The standout match has to be Arsenal vs. Tottenham (FOX -- yes, that FOX -- at 12:15pm EST) in the 174th North London derby.

Elsewhere, Derby County host Chelsea, Newcastle United host Cardiff City, Norwich City welcome Fulham, West Bromwich Albion host Crystal Palace and Manchester United host Swansea. Cup holders Wigan Athletic (the first side to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season) are home to League One (third tier) MK Dons. Here's some stuff you can read to further prepare:


Oh, dear. Apparently, some Stockport County fans stink.

Not tired of "End of Year" stuff? Good. Neither are we. Welcome to Americans Abroad: Best of 2013 Edition.

Nadderud Stadion. Bob Bradley's new home in Norway.
Hey! Bob Bradley has a new gig! He's been named the new coach at Norwegian club Stabaek. All the best, Bob!

Oh, boy. The Mill. Plus One. Oh, boy.

We'll finish with Adebayor. Why didn't AVB play him? According to some, it's all because of a hat.

Onward!!

-SSN

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