This week isn't a FIFA break, but U.S. Soccer and FMF got together to figure out how to play a game anyway. On Wednesday, in the middle of the club season, the United States takes on Mexico in San Antonio.
Backheel Breakfast: Get ready for USA vs. Mexico
The Cupcake version of this rivalry should still be pretty awesome.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
In the past, friendlies featuring (almost) exclusively domestic-based players have been pretty lame, but some of the best players from both countries play in North America now. As Liga MX and MLS have grown, they’ve been able to pay their top players more, and there aren’t that many first-choice players missing out for either side because of European club commitments.
Here are the squads for both teams. If there's one position where Mexico is weakened by not being able to call in European-based players, it's striker. Missing Hector Herrera in midfield is big too, but his backups are more than capable. The U.S. is missing Clint Dempsey due to injury and Jozy Altidore because of a suspension. Notable European-based players missing out are Brad Guzan, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Alejandro Bedoya and Fabian Johnson.
In the news
One notable player who got called in was Juan Agudelo, who earned himself a recall after a good start to the season with New England Revolution. (MLS)
Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger will miss Wednesday’s match against Porto. (Bundesliga)
QPR are working to identify and ban supporters who threw objects at Chelsea players this weekend. (ESPN FC)
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has taken the blame for his team’s poor performances. (BBC)
Fire up the outrage machine! Raheem Sterling was pictured smoking out of a hookah. (Guardian)
Apparently Neymar is throwing fits when he gets substituted. (AS)
Didier Drogba says he won't be retiring this summer. (Telegraph)
You should be reading
James Dart on Serie A’s desperate plan to become relevant. (Soccer Gods)
James Yorke on what’s wrong with Daniel Sturridge. (Stats Bomb)
Ian Walker on Corinthians’ new tactics. (The New Libero)
Fun with transfer rumors
The section in which nothing should be taken seriously.
If Man City are going full fire sale, they have a buyer in Inter Milan. (Mail)
West Ham are trying to sign Carl Jenkinson permanently. (Star)
Chelsea see Atletico Madrid’s Miranda as a potential value signing. (Mirror)
This weekend’s games
Arsenal put some pressure on Chelsea with a win over Burnley.
But Chelsea responded with a late win over QPR despite an average performance.
Bayern Munich are still crushing everyone in their path.
Real Madrid didn’t even have to shift into high gear to beat Eibar.
And they’re only two points back in La Liga, thanks to Sevilla’s draw with Barcelona.
Man United battered Man City, which might have sealed Manuel Pellegrini’s fate.
Napoli made Serie A’s top-three race interesting with a big win over Fiorentina. (The Siren’s Song)
It got more interesting with Roma dropping points. (Chiesa di Totti)
PSG captured the league cup, smashing Bastia. (Guardian)
What to watch on Monday (click for listings, all times ET)
Valencia vs. Levante (2:30 p.m.) - The pressure’s on Valencia after Sevilla took a good point from Barcelona.
Liverpool vs. Newcastle (3 p.m.) - We can’t imagine this is the game where Newcastle finally gets it together.
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