Image Source: КириÐ"Ð" Ð'енедикÑ'ов (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Domestic football took a break for the Euro 2020 qualifiers and starting with England, their two matches were a mixed affair. Gareth Southgate's side lost 2-1 at the Czech Republic despite starting as the odds on favourites to win, though they made amends by destroying Bulgaria 6-0 this week.
It was the game in Bulgaria that would sadly be overshadowed by racist chanting and even some fans using Nazi signs towards England's players, which in itself was rather odd given that Bulgaria finished the second World War on the allies side. Raheem Sterling has faced abuse in the past and he responded the best way he could by scoring a brace in an easy victory. However one could turn their thoughts to Tyrone Mings making his England debut, who looked visibly shaken as early as the 30th minute when clear racist chants were directed at him. Should Southgate have made this the game to give him his full debut? In a way yes, because racism shouldn't win but this would have been an awkward game for the player to participate in. The match had to be stopped two times, and now it is up to UEFA, but nobody should be holding their breath here. Banning a few thousand fans and/or a fine to the national team doesn't work.
In pure footballing terms it was a great away win for England which wiped out the disappointing feeling of losing against the Czechs which was remarkably England's first defeat in a European qualifier for 10 years. After six games England have 15 points which means they are assured of at least the play-offs, but look set to qualify as winners.
As far as the home nations are concerned Wales look like they could miss out with just 8 points and will really need to push now in their final games for a play-off spot. In normal circumstances Scotland's Euro 2020 hopes would be over after a poor qualifying session, but because they won their UEFA Nations League they will advance to the play-offs to be held next March.
European champions Portugal lost 2-1 away to Ukraine but nobody could steal the headlines from that man Cristiano Ronaldo who scored a penalty for the away side to score his 700th career goal. That is quite a record and his goal tally adds up to scoring 41 goals on average every season since 2003, impressive doesn't come close.
Domestic football returns at the weekend and in the Premier League the two most successful teams in English football will do battle on Sunday when Manchester United host Liverpool. Normally one could vouch for a United home win but times have changed and Liverpool will surely be the favourites to win at Old Trafford and pile the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. By the end of this month if results do not go United's way they could incredibly be in the relegation zone. A United win could change everything at the club, but that looks difficult to see.
There will be genuine pressure on Manchester City to beat Crystal Palace. On paper a City win looks inevitable, but Palace have played some good football this season and they will be at home. City on their day are fantastic but they have looked a little jaded too at times. Defeats to Norwich and Wolves have underlined that and there is a chance that Liverpool could go 11 points clear at the top.
The latest Premier League odds to win the title are:
Liverpool 1.62, Manchester City 2.25, Chelsea 81.00
In France ex-Arsenal player Sylvinho was sacked from his managerial role at Lyon after less than five months in charge. Lyon have started the season poor and are over 10 points behind leaders PSG. Talking of the French champions they will be without Neymar for at least the next month as he was injured on international duty with Brazil.
In Spain despite the league getting off to an unfamiliar start with both Barcelona and Real Madrid struggling, the league is starting to reflect the big three's dominance, with Real Madrid in 1st position, followed by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Only 3 points separates the clubs after 8 games, and Real Madrid are the only team still unbeaten in Spain. Barcelona remain the favourites to win the league at 1.62. Real Madrid are 2.50 and Atletico are 13.00.
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