Defoe to Toronto, Rooney to "Hot Weather", Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona, Lawro vs. De Niro & Stallone

Is it Friday already? These weeks just have a way of evaporating before our very eyes. 

Sampdoria fans receive plenty of protection during their side's Cup match at Roma.

We'll begin in England (and Wales), where the FA Cup makes way for the Premier League and Wayne Rooney will not be playing for Manchester United. He's been sent away to hang out in some hot weather. Ok, then. Sticking with the Crisis Club of the Month, just why has Old Trafford lost its fear factor? Elsewhere? Here, just look at all of this:

Premier League Preview

Premier League Spotlight

10 Things To Look Out For

Lawro, De Niro & Stallone's Predictions

Paul Merson's Predictions

Simon Bird's Predictions

As fans, we don't really care about the reasons Michael Bradley has for jumping to Canada, but here are Three that make sense. They just don't make us very happy.

At least three times every season various SSN staff are asked about Frank Ribery. Why does his face look like that? This is why. Read it and remember it and store it away for later.

El Estádio de Atlético Madrid. En Madrid. Bueno. 

No, it's not El Clásico but it's still a big one. Tomorrow at 2pm EST on beIN Sport USA you can watch the top two teams in La Liga (sorry, Real Madrid -- you're not even the best in your town!) battle it out at the Vicente Calderón. Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona. Tied at the top of the table. So good it's the European Match of the Weekend. Tactical battles? Look at some slides. Guillem Balague? He's in on this, too.

Don't ask. Do not ask. DO NOT ASK! Are Barcelona better without Messi? We told you not to ask.

The transfer window remains ajar until the end of the month. Hence, The Mill. And, your Plus One.

In Italy, we've reached Round 19 of the Serie A campaign. This is what said round will offer.

Enjoy the weekend.

Onward!

-SSN