Chelsea vs Tottenham, AC Milan vs Juventus headline top live games to watch on January 21-27, 2020

Top games to watch this week

Friday, January 21

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Arminia Bielefeld (Bundesliga)

Arouca vs Benfica (Primeira Liga)

Olympique Lyon vs Saint-Etienne (Ligue 1)

Saturday, January 22

Manchester United vs West Ham (English Premier League)

Southampton vs Man City (English Premier League)

Sevilla vs Celta Vigo (La Liga)

Atlético Madrid vs Valencia (La Liga)

Internazionale vs Venezia (Serie A)

Lazio vs Atalanta (Serie A)

Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)

Sporting CP vs Sporting Braga (Primeira Liga)

Lens vs Olympique Marseille (Ligue 1)

Sunday, January 23

Arsenal vs Burnley (English Premier League)

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool (English Premier League)

Chelsea vs Tottenham (English Premier League)

Real Madrid vs Elche (La Liga)

Deportivo Alavés vs Barcelona (La Liga)

Milan vs Juventus (Serie A)

Hertha BSC vs Bayern München (Bundesliga)

Porto vs Famalicao (Primeira Liga)

PSG vs Reims (Ligue 1)

Burkina Faso vs Gabon (Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16)

Nigeria vs Tunisia (Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16)

Monday, January 24

Guinea vs Gambia (Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16)

Cameroon vs Comoros (Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16)

Tuesday, January 25

Senegal vs Cape Verde (Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16)

Morocco vs Malawi (Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16)

Wednesday, January 26

Ivory Coast vs Egypt (Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16)

Mali vs Equatorial Guinea (Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16)

Angers vs Saint-Etienne (Ligue 1)

Thursday, January 27

Ecuador vs Brazil (World Cup Qualifiers)

Paraguay vs Uruguay (World Cup Qualifiers)

Chile vs Argentina (World Cup Qualifiers)

Jamaica vs Mexico (World Cup Qualifiers)

USA vs El Salvador (World Cup Qualifiers)

Honduras vs Canada (World Cup Qualifiers)

Costa Rica vs Panama (World Cup Qualifiers)

Most-watched soccer games on U.S. TV: Jan. 10-16, 2022

An average of 549,000 viewers watched USA Network's Premier League clash between Liverpool and Brentford on Sunday, Jan. 16, making it the most-watched soccer game on U.S. TV from Monday, Jan. 10, through Sunday, Jan. 16.

Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino filled the shoes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are representing Egypt and Senegal respectively in the Africa Cup of Nations, last weekend at Anfield. The three goalscorers helped Liverpool maintain their 11-point gap from current Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Newcastle's one-all draw against Watford at St. James' Park on Saturday, Jan. 15 was the second most-watched soccer game last week, scoring a 0.14 viewership rating after an average of 428,000 viewers watched the match broadcast. 

And finally, ESPN's screening of the Spanish Supercopa semifinal between Barcelona and Real Madrid landed third in the soccer TV viewership podium last week. El Clasico attracted 328,000 average viewers and received a 0.14 viewership rating. Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde scored the game-winning goal in extra time before Los Blancos secured their 12th Spanish Supercup courtesy of a victory over Athletic Club in the final.  

What are this week's must-watch matches?

Man United vs West Ham this Saturday at 10 a.m. ET live on Peacock and SiriusXM FC

After their excellent midweek victory over Brentford, Man United will return to action this weekend. However, the Red Devils will be in for another tricky showdown, with Ralf Rangnick's men taking on fellow top-four challengers West Ham at Old Trafford. While the Premier League giants overcame the Bees on Wednesday, they failed to put in a dominant performance once again, with Toney and Co. missing several good opportunities in the first half. Man United might not be able to get away with such a display against David Moyes' men, who despite their recent loss to Leeds, have been one of the most difficult teams to beat in the league. Do not miss this showdown.

Chelsea vs Tottenham this Sunday at 11:30 p.m. ET live on Peacock and SiriusXM FC

Things get tougher and tougher for Tottenham, with the north London giants gearing up for their third showdown with Chelsea this month. After losing both home and away against the Blues in the Carabao Cup semifinals, Spurs are set to visit Stamford Bridge in the league with the sole aim of getting revenge as they look to build upon their dramatic late comeback victory over Leicester. Tuchel's men, despite being the superior team, will enter this clash low on confidence. Yes, Lukaku and Co. recently secured their ticket to the League Cup final but in the English top-flight, the Blues have won only once in their last seven outings. In fact, Conte's men have four games in hand over Chelsea and should Kane and Co. triumph in all of those fixtures, Tottenham would leapfrog their London rivals. Tune in to Peacock and SiriusXM FC to catch the action live in the United States.

AC Milan vs Juventus this Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET live on Paramount+

Two of Italy's biggest teams will lock horns this weekend, with AC Milan set to host bitter rivals Juventus on Sunday. The Rossoneri currently sit in second and while their controversial loss to Spezia a few days back cost them the opportunity of leapfrogging league leaders and neighbors Inter Milan, Pioli's men remain one of the favorites for this season's Scudetto crown. The Old Lady, on the other hand, have been through several ups and downs this term and are merely fighting for a top-four finish. Allegri's men currently sit in fifth, with fourth-placed Atalanta sitting a mere point ahead – though having played one less game. Victory at the San Siro could do wonders for the Bianconeri but beating Ibrahimovic and Co. this term is no easy feat. Catch this game live exclusively on Paramount+ in the United States.

 

This week in women's football, learn how to watch AFC Women's Asian Cup games live in 26+ countries and more.

Watch AFC Women's Asian Cup live in 26+ countries

China and Chinese Taipei kicked off the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup on Thursday, with China taking all three points after a decisive 4-0 win. Tournament hosts India clashed against Iran after, with this contest ending in a goalless draw.

The AFC Women's Asian Cup serves as the final stage of the Asian Football Federation qualifiers for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Australia already qualified as a co-hosts and five other teams will qualify directly to the World Cup depending on group stage performances. Two more teams will advance to the Inter-confederation playoffs. 

Here are the channels and online live streams that will cast the game around the globe:

• Australia: 10 Play

• China: PPTV Sport China, QQ Sports Live, iQiyi

• Cook Islands: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• Fiji: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• India: Eurosport, JioTV

• Indonesia: MNC Soccer Channel

• International: Fanseat, Eleven Sports

• Ireland: FreeSports TV ROI

• Japan: DAZN

• Kiribati: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• Macau: iQiyi

• Marshall Islands: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• Nauru: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• New Zealand: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports, beIN Sports Connect New Zealand

• Niue: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• Palau: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• Samoa: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• Solomon Islands: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• Taiwan: ELTA Sports 2

• Tonga: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• Turkey: Spor Smart, D-Smart Go

• Tuvalu: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• United Kingdom: FreeSports TV UK

• United States: Paramount+

• Vanuatu: Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports

• Vietnam: FPT Play

AFC Women's Asian Cup group stage matches 

Friday, Jan. 21

• Japan vs. Myanmar at 3 a.m. ET

• Australia vs. Indonesia at 5 a.m. ET

• Thailand vs. Philippines at 7 a.m. ET

• South Korea vs. Vietnam at 9 a.m. ET

Sunday, Jan. 23

• Iran vs. China at 5 a.m. ET

• Chinese Taipei vs. India at 9 a.m. ET

Monday, Jan. 24

• Myanmar vs. South Korea at 3 a.m. ET

• Philippines vs. Australia 5 a.m. ET

• Indonesia vs. Thailand at 7 a.m. ET

• Vietnam vs. Japan at 9 a.m. ET

Wednesday, Jan. 26

• Chinese Taipei vs. Iran at 9 a.m. ET

• India vs. China at 9 a.m. ET

Thursday, Jan. 27

• Vietnam vs. Myanmar at 3 a.m. ET

• Japan vs. South Korea at 3 a.m. ET

• Australia vs. Thailand at 9 a.m. ET

• Philippines vs. Indonesia at 9 a.m. ET

Watch European Women's Football League Matches on ATA Football

ATA Football will screen seven top European women's football matches exclusively this weekend. The games will stream live in Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the UK and USA. 

Juventus' home match against Fiorentina headlines Italian Serie A Women games this weekend. As for Division 1 Arkema fixtures, Montpellier hosts Olympique Lyonnais on Saturday and Paris Saint-Germain visits Saint-Etienne on Sunday. Lastly, an FA Women's Super League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal will close-out the weekend play. 

Serie A Women

Saturday, Jan. 22

• Juventus vs. Fiorentina at 8:30 a.m. ET

Sunday, Jan. 23

• Napoli vs. AS Roma at 6:30 a.m. ET

• AC Milan vs. Sampdoria at 8:30 a.m. ET

Division 1 Arkema

Saturday, Jan. 22

• Montpellier vs. Olympique Lyonnais at 11 a.m. ET

Sunday, Jan. 23

• Saint-Etienne vs. Paris Saint-Germain at 8:45 a.m. ET

FA Women's Super League

Sunday, Jan. 23

• Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Chelsea at 7:30 a.m. ET

• Manchester City vs. Arsenal at 1:45 p.m. ET

Watch Four Liga MX Femenil games in the USA 

Women's football fans in the USA have the chance to watch four Liga MX Femenil games.

TUDN

• Cruz Azul vs. Queretaro on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m. ET

• Club America vs. Monterrey on Monday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. ET

Telemundo Deportes en Vivo

• Chivas Guadalajara vs. Toluca on Monday, Jan. 24, at 10 p.m. ET

ESPN Deportes

• Monterrey vs. Mazatlan on Thursday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m. ET

Biggest stories of the week

Kane scores landmark goal as Bergwijn snatches win from Leicester with TWO stoppage time goals

Tottenham Hotspur kept their unbeaten run in the Premier League under Antonio Conte intact after two goals in stoppage time secured a comeback win for them against Leicester City on Wednesday night. Substitute Steven Bergwijn scored twice in the final minutes of extra-time in a night in which Harry Kane grabbed his 250th career goal. After seeing his side concede Patson Daka's opener in the 24th minute, the 28-year-old English striker restored parity with a brilliant finish before the break. Maddison subsequently put Leicester on course for victory by firing them in front once more in the second half before Bergwijn turned up to score in the 95th and 97th minutes respectively to snatch the win for Spurs.

TRANSFER TALK: Juventus given major boost in pursuit of striker

With key player Federico Chiesa set to miss the rest of the season following a knee injury, Juventus have been stepping up their hunt for additional attacking options.

One player that has been on the radar for the Bianconeri is Mauro Icardi. Icardi is no stranger to Serie A, having played for Sampdoria and more recently, Inter, before moving to PSG. However, his time in Paris hasn't been as smooth sailing as the player would have liked, with numerous reports claiming that Lionel Messi's arrival has further unsettled the Argentinian striker.

And now, reports in Italy claim that Juventus may have been given a major boost in their pursuit, with PSG reportedly mulling a potential loan offer - although Les Parisiens are still ideally hoping for an outright sale.

Should everything pan out, that would technically work well for La Vecchia Signora as providing some short-term cover for them up front.

All in all, it'll be interesting to see how this story develops and if Icardi is a PSG player when the winter transfer window closes at the end of this month.

COVID-19: Unvaccinated Chelsea and Real Madrid players could be banned for UEFA Champions League last 16 away leg

While the entire world has been fixated on Novak Djokovic and the Australian Open controversy, the issue regarding major sporting tournaments and the participation of unvaccinated players has now made its way to football.

The tennis icon was deported from Australia due to his vaccination status, with France also recently implementing a similar law which prevents unvaccinated athletes from partaking in certain tournaments. This raises an issue for two of the continent's biggest clubs and they are Chelsea and Real Madrid, as both teams are set to face French opposition in the upcoming Champions League round.

The Blues are set to lock horns with Lille in the round of 16 while Los Blancos are gearing up for a mouthwatering showdown with PSG. Unfortunately, UEFA have issued a statement today regarding this dilemma, informing ESPN that both clubs are in danger of losing their unvaccinated players for the away leg.

Chelsea did not issue a response upon a request from the well-known American news outlet and while it is unclear who has and who has not received the vaccine at Stamford Bridge, recent figures suggest that 16% of the players in the Premier League have not gotten a single dose.

Real Madrid will be making the trip to the French capital in the first leg of their showdown with Messi and Co. while Chelsea will visit Lille in the 2nd leg of their last 16 affair. While the law will only permit vaccinated people and those who have recently recovered from the virus to enter large arenas, UEFA have not completely ruled out the possibility of an exemption. However, French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu stressed that this rule applies to "all spectators, athletes, French or foreign professionals". Additionally, the game could be held at a neutral venue should Chelsea and Real Madrid players be denied entry into France.

"UEFA is liaising with the relevant stakeholders across Europe ahead of the resumption of UEFA's club competitions in February," the statement read.

"The specific conditions under which matches are played in each country are subject to the decisions of the competent authorities in that country.

"Each team will in principle be required to comply with the applicable rules in the country where the match takes place, but the specific competition Annexes -- still under elaboration -- which contain special rules due to COVID-19 applicable to the knockout phase, may provide further guidance in this regard."

PSG handed huge injury blow ahead of UEFA Champions League clash vs Real Madrid

There were good and bad news for PSG in their recent training session, as Lionel Messi returned to training after dealing with his COVID-19 diagnosis. The bad news for Les Parisiens came as Kylian Mbappé's availability for their upcoming games has been jeopardized due to a groin injury.

In a brief press release, the club revealed that their rising star will not be available for an indefinite period of time as a result of this injury.

"Kylian Mbappé is undergoing treatment for pain in his left groin. A follow-up assessment will be done on Friday to see how it is progressing," the club informed in their daily medical update.

This brief report about Mbappé raises doubts about his availability for the team's crucial clash against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The Frenchman's absence would represent a serious dent to the club's chances of success against Ancelotti's team, where some believe Mbappé will be playing next season.

Other key headlines from the world of football 

PSG ace Mbappe signs sponsorship agreement with luxury eyewear brand

In December, PSG star Kylian Mbappe was unveiled as one of Dior's newest global ambassadors. Mbappe will serve as the new face of Sauvage (a men's cologne brand) and will also lend his face to additional new artistic creations put out by Dior (who is owned by luxury conglomerate  LVMH).

And now, a month later, he's added another company to his portfolio. The 23-year-old, who was part of France's 2018 World Cup winning squad, will be tasked with helping to promote Oakley's lifestyle collection, with a focus on their new Kato eyewear range, which launched in 2021.

To announce this new partnership, Oakley and their new ambassador have created a campaign titled "Be who you are" which highlights Mbappe's rise from aspirational youth to the global superstar he is today.

Arteta addresses anger from North London Derby postponement, throws dig at rivals Tottenham

Arteta, in his pre-match press conference for their recent Carabao Cup semifinal clash with Liverpool, described most of the criticism regarding Arsenal's request to have the North London Derby postponed as lies, stressing that his side took this measure for only the right reasons. Speaking ahead of the 2nd leg encounter with Klopp's men, which they eventually lost 2-0, the Spaniard said:

"We will defend our club with teeth and nails. We're not going to get anybody damaging our name or trying to spread lies.

"We didn't have the players necessary to compete in a Premier League match. That is 100 per cent. We postponed the match for all the right reasons."

The Arsenal boss did not stop there. The Gunners tactician even threw in a sly dig at Tottenham, who issued a public statement in anger. Arteta stated that despite having had games called off on his club by opposition teams, his side have never publicly questioned the matter.

"When a team has come to us and said we cannot play, we have never ever publically questioned any of that. That is why we have the Premier League and the FA," the Emirates Stadium gaffer added.

Official: Barcelona confirm Dembele will be leaving Camp Nou, Frenchman to be sold this month

Ousmane Dembele's time is finally approaching its end. After an expensive, injury-plagued spell at the Camp Nou, the Frenchman has decided to leave the Spanish giants, with the Blaugrana now looking to move the winger on this month.

The official confirmation came from Mateu Alemany before their Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Club, with the Barcelona director revealing that the Frenchman has no intention of staying at the Camp Nou after rejecting many renewal offers. As a result, the winger has been frozen out of the first team and will be put up for sale this month.

"In all this time, almost seven months, we have talked, Barca has made different offers, we have tried to find a way for the player to continue with us and those offers have been continuously rejected by his agents," Alemany said.

"It seems obvious to us that the player does not want to continue at Barcelona and is not committed to Barca's future project.

"We told him and his agents that he must leave the club immediately because we want to have players committed to the project.

"We expect a transfer to take place before January 31. The sporting consequence is that we don't want to have players who don't want to be at Barca.