The excitement is building for tonight’s post-season exhibition game between Chelsea and Manchester City, which will be played in St Louis. Players from both teams have been training in the States this week, with the Europa League champions Chelsea ready to play against Manchester City, the team that has been stealing all the headlines this week after their announcement of their MLS sister club, New York City FC.

Tickets for this match at Busch Stadium sold out in 20 minutes. If you have tickets to the match and you’ll be there tonight, let us know in the comments section below. Where are you sitting, who do you want to win and how far are you traveling to get to the match tonight?

Share your stories in the comments section below.

And if you can’t make the game, it’ll be shown live on ESPN2 and ESPN3.com at 8:30pm ET.

Chelsea vs Manchester City in St Louis: Roll Call For Tonight’s Match is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Manchester City announced their plans to own the 20th MLS franchise this week, and in section one we discuss the implications for the Citizens and MLS. What do you think? Are billionaires what the league needs to progress?

In section 2, it’s all about Wembley baby. Not since the Kraftwerk world tour has England had such a popular German invasion as ‘holistic’ meets manufactured in Dortmund v Munich. With Mario Gotze forced to watch from the stands, we look to decipher just why the team resembling bumblebees have captured the hearts and minds of so many neutrals. We also tread into the dreaded waters of prediction – think that’s easy? Then drop your own in the comments and take a chance on eternal pod prestige.

It wouldn’t be the off-season without transfer rumours. Has that really brilliant striker been spotted house hunting? Maybe an international looking defender just got off the train at your local station. Thanks to science, and Morgan’s Shreeves-o-meter (patent pending) we try to give you an indication into which rumours are runners and which are better served to train your puppy on.

We’re not always serious at EPL Talk though, and after 40 odd minutes of chat, we need just a bit of Suarez Menu to keep us energised. Thought of one you haven’t heard? Drop it in the comments, it would be rude to turn up to the party without something.

As always the discussion is just boring without you, so Twitter, Facebook, Email, or carrier pigeon, whichever method seems the most appropriate to you and your views, get in touch and enjoy your football! Let’s EPL Talk about it:

EPL Talk: @epltalk

Kartik: @kkfla737

Kristan: @kheneage

Matt: @mattcrduncan

Morgan: @Morgan_Green

Laurence: @lozcast

Here are the different ways you can listen to the EPL Talk Podcast each day:

• Listen via the EPL Talk website, or visit the EPL Talk Podcasts page
• Subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast on iTunes,
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• Subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast on TuneIn.

Post-Season-Podding (EPL Talk Special Podcast) is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Rio Ferdinand has signed a one-year deal at Manchester United to keep him at the club through until the end of the 2013-14 season.

The 34-year-old defender, who announced his retirement from the England national team last week, said  “It has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue. I can now fully concentrate on my club career which has worked well for me over the past few years.”

David Moyes said: “It is clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of his best seasons with the club and I think even from the outside you can see what a big character Rio is around the dressing room, so I am delighted he has signed a new contract. I am looking forward to working with him.”

Do you think Ferdinand will get much playing time for United next season with Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Nemanja Vidic competing his spaces? Share your insight in the comments section below.

Here are today’s Premier League news headlines:

• Rio Ferdinand signs one-year contract extension at Manchester United — The Guardian
• Europa League winners could earn Champions League place — BBC Sport
• BT Sport picks up non-league soccer package in UK — SportsPro
• Berlin to host 2015 Champions League final, Warsaw gets Europa League — The Guardian
• Titus Bramble will leave Sunderland but not be fined £80,000 — The Mail
• Roberto Martínez’s future will be decided next week — The Guardian
• Liverpool striker Andy Carroll delays over West Ham move — The Independent
• Monaco preparing €30m offer for Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany [L'Equipe] — 101GG
• Man City face competition from Real Madrid for Isco, according to reports in Spain — Independent
• Manchester City MLS franchise can help US soccer grow, says Hart – video — The Guardian
• Liverpool are being linked with a move for Spanish forward Iago Aspas — Liverpool FC
• Gareth Bale switch to Real Madrid would suit him, declares Sergio Ramos — The Independent
• Sacked Tony Pulis writes thank you letter to Stoke fans in local paper — Dirty Tackle
• Manchester City denies club are chasing the signatures of Falcao and Neymar — FOX Soccer
• Scott Sinclair has to had have his rib removed — The Daily Mail
• Arsene Wenger urge Thomas Vermaelen to stay and fight for his place — The Telegraph
• Alan Pardew free to focus on summer plans following meeting with Newcastle hierarchy — Independent
• Coaches seek urgent help from ruling bodies as they look to German model to boost talent — Telegraph
• Roy Hodgson’s warning: No anti-IRA songs at Wembley — Evening Standard
• Roberto Mancini’s voice is deleted from the Manchester Metrolink — The Mail

The Daily EPL is your morning guide to the latest Premier League news headlines, so you don’t have to spend an hour or more scanning the Internet. We do all the work for you. Read The Daily EPL on EPL Talk every morning to stay on top of all the news that matters.

Rio Ferdinand Signs One-Year Contract Extension at Manchester United: The Daily EPL is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

On the eve of Tottenham Hotspur’s post-season friendly against Jamaica in The Bahamas, Spurs hope to renew their efforts to sign Brazil’s Leandro Damiao as well as Spanish international Roberto Soldado.

At the same time, Tottenham are expected to lose William Gallas (on a free transfer), Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone and Emmanuel Adebayor according to the report mentioned below in The Guardian newspaper.

While Tottenham have been pursuing striker Damiao for over 12 months, what do you think about Tottenham trying to sign Soldado, the Valencia striker? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Here are tonight’s Premier League news headlines:

• Tottenham target Leandro Damião and Roberto Soldado for next season — The Guardian
• Video: The Supporters presents NY Spurs — YouTube
• Stiliyan Petrov accepts coaching role at Aston Villa following retirement — The Guardian
• Everton have identified eight potential candidates to replace David Moyes — Sky Sports
• Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez to decide future in “next 24 hours” — The Telegraph
• Aston Villa face £18m loss on record buy Darren Bent after striker is shown the door — Telegraph
• England shut door on Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry — The Independent
• Chelsea’s Florent Malouda training alone before contract runs out — The Mail
• Brendan Rodgers has praised the ‘loyalty and support’ of Sebastian Coates — Liverpool FC
• Roberto Di Matteo in Stoke City’s sights as a replacement for Pulis — Telegraph
• Liverpool will not win Premier League unless UEFA change financial rules — The Mail
• Claudio Reyna unveiled as NYCFC Director of Football — Manchester City FC
• Stats reveal just how multi-national the Premier League has become — The Independent
• Newcastle United say they have no interest in re-signing Andy Carroll — Sky Sports
• Premier League’s managerial shift may bring end to patience as a virtue — The Guardian
• Racism charges against Swansea City fan against Norwich player has charge dropped — This Is S. Wales

The Nightly EPL is tomorrow’s news today. It’s often tomorrow morning’s British newspaper headlines that are published the night before. We do all the work for you, combing the Internet and aggregating the news for you. Read The Nightly EPL on EPL Talk every night before bed, so you can stay on top of all the news that matters.

Tottenham Target Leandro Damião and Roberto Soldado For Next Season: The Nightly EPL is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Manchester United and England footballer Brian Greenhoff died today, aged 60.

Greenhoff made 221 appearances for Manchester United from 1970-79 as a midfielder and centre-back. He was capped 18 times for England, and helped United win the 1977 FA Cup. After leaving United, Greenhoff played for Leeds United from 1979-82.

I vividly remember watching Greenhoff on television when he played for Manchester United and Leeds. The goal that I still remember to this day is the one he scored against West Bromwich Albion in the 1978-79 season (you can see it in the video below), where the ball looped in off the crossbar.

In the late 1970s, Greenhoff’s brother Jimmy played in the same team as Brian at Manchester United.

Since I’m not a Manchester United or Leeds supporter, my memories of Greenhoff aren’t as crystal-clear as some of you, the readers, so feel free to share your memories of him in the comments section below to paint a better picture for others.

Here’s a tribute video to Brian Greenhoff.

Manchester United Footballer Brian Greenhoff Dies, Aged 60 [VIDEO] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Paris Saint-Germain have offered to meet Wayne Rooney’s wages in an effort to convince Manchester United to part with the striker.

It’s understood that PSG are willing to pay Rooney’s £300,000 per week wages. The French club are interested in pairing Rooney with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Rooney is still reportedly disgruntled at the club, and the promise of a club matching his salary should push him closer to the edge of leaving the Old Trafford side.

Perhaps the only obstacle in the path between Rooney and Paris Saint-Germain is Manchester United themselves. The Red Devils paid Everton £25 million for Rooney in 2004, and the club will want to recoup a princely sum to let Rooney go.

Publicly Manchester United have stated that Rooney is not for sale. But privately, I wouldn’t be surprised if discussions will take place in the near future about whether United should seriously consider PSG’s intentions.

What do you think? Should Manchester United consider Paris Saint-Germain’s interest? And do you think this is a smart career move for Rooney who will be guaranteed Champions League football at a club where he’d be happier? Tell us your opinions in the comments section below.

Paris Saint-Germain Offer to Match Wayne Rooney’s Wages is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

With less than 90 days to go before NBC Sports begins televising the Premier League on US television, the number of TV providers who will providing access to every single Premier League match next season still only numbers five. They are Comcast xFinity TV, DISH Network, Verizon FIOS, Suddenlink and Cablevision — all of whom will be providing access to NBC Sports Live Extra as well as NBC Sports Network, etc.

If your TV provider isn’t listed above, it’s time to take action.

According to industry sources that EPL Talk has spoken to, the most effective method of getting your message through to your TV provider is to call them. With e-mails or social media, the TV providers don’t know if you’re an actual customer or not. Plus by phoning your TV provider, they’ll be able to hear the sense of urgency in your voice.

It’s important that you tell them exactly what you want. If you call your TV provider and tell them that you want to make sure you’ll get access to all of the Premier League matches on NBC Sports, you’ll likely to get a response that says you already have access to NBC Sports Network and NBC, or a similarly vague reply.

Instead it’s vital that you be as precise as possible. When you call your TV provider, tell them: “I want to get access to NBC Sports Live Extra and Premier League Extra Time.”

What is NBC Sports Live Extra?

NBC Sports Group is offering NBC Sports Live Extra to all TV providers at no extra charge, but TV providers have to agree a deal with NBC Sports in order to provide the service to their customers. Once you have access to NBC Sports Live Extra (through an authenticated login), you’ll be able to access every single game via streaming through the NBC Sports Live Extra app (available on the web, tablet and mobile devices).

What is Premier League Extra Time?

Premier League Extra Time are the overflow channels that TV providers will make available to show telecasts of live matches. So if a 10am ET Saturday match is being shown live on NBC Sports Network but there are other matches being played at the same time, NBC Sports will show the other games live on TV too on the overflow channels (Premier League Extra Time).

What You’ll Miss if You Don’t Take Action

Without NBC Sports Live Extra, you’re going to miss out on Premier League games each weekend. With it, you’ll be able to watch the games on TV as well as your web, mobile or tablet devices. NBC Sports Live Extra will show all 380 games per season.

On television, games will be shown live on NBC Sports Network (154 games per season), Telemundo/mun2 (76 games per season), NBC (20 games per season), and other NBC Universal channels (22 games). Premier League Extra Time, meanwhile, is scheduled to show 184 games.

Words of Advice

The only way to make a difference is to take action. Call your TV provider directly and tell them you want access to NBC Sports Live Extra and Premier League Extra Time so you can make sure you don’t miss a single Premier League match beginning with the August 17 kickoff.

Don’t be surprised if your call is met with a confused customer service representative or someone who is reading from a script. Be patient and explain how important it is to you. Ask to speak with a supervisor if you’re not satisfied with the response. And, if the answer they give you is not what you want to hear, consider playing the trump card by mentioning that you’re thinking about switching to a different TV provider if you don’t get access to NBC Sports Live Extra (Premier League Extra Time would be nice, but NBC Sports Live Extra is what will give you access to everything).

The customer service rep from your TV provider may tell you that a decision hasn’t been reached yet. Or he or she may not know what you’re talking about. But don’t get frustrated. Instead, before you hang up, be sure to ask that your request is noted and that it’s passed along to the people who make the decisions.

Once you’ve called, it doesn’t end there. Tell your friends who are on the same TV provider to do the same thing. Plus, be sure to follow up with your TV provider in a few weeks to find out what progress has been made, if any.

Most of us have a choice when it comes to our TV provider. Some of us are in long-term contracts. Some of us are limited to what TV providers are in our area. But all of us, myself included, are customers. Special customers who love the Premier League and who want to make sure that we don’t miss a single game.

If you have questions about NBC’s coverage plans, here’s everything you need to know about their Premier League plan.

Here are the phone numbers for the major TV providers in the US:

AT&T U-verse:

• Phone: 1-877-U-ASK-ATT

Bright House Networks:

• Phone: 1-888-289-8988

COX:

• Phone (select your state from the drop-down)

DirecTV:

• Phone: 1-800-531-5000

RCN:

• Phone: 1-800-RING-RCN

Time Warner:

• Phone

If your TV provider isn’t listed above, post their phone number in the comments thread below.

With the 2013-14 Premier League season kicking off on August 17 with new managers at Chelsea, Manchester United, Everton, Stoke and possibly other clubs, it promises to be one of the most eye-opening seasons in quite some time.

It’s time to start calling!

‘I Want My EPL’: How to Make Sure You Don’t Miss Any EPL Matches On NBC is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

In the modern game, success is often bought just as much as it is earned. To challenge on all fronts, the common view is that you need massive financial backing. As unromantic a viewpoint as this is, in the past decade or so, it has been very much the case.

But, every now and then, a team will buck the trend and triumph against the odds. On occasions, it has been Barcelona. But in the here and now, it’s Borussia Dortmund (BVB).

Under the enigmatic Jurgen Klopp, they have implemented years of sensible but ambitious development, a clear philosophy and a focus on promoting young, talented players. Now, somewhat remarkably, BVB are one game away from the ultimate prize. For this weekend, they will take on their domestic rivals and German Champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

The average football fan has fallen in love with Dortmund after their recent resurgence. For in many respects, they are the antithesis of the modern game that has alienated so many supporters.

They aren’t reliant on a wealthy backer, they trust their youngsters and they charge relative pennies for their ticket prices. This all accumulates in a genuine affection existing between the players, fans and manager. The results have been astounding, as two German titles and a German Cup have followed.

For the football romantic, a Dortmund team winning the Champions League final would really be one in the eye for modern football. They will be the neutrals pick when both teams take to the pitch at Wembley.

But you get the impression that this weekend’s clash is do or die for BVB. If Dortmund and Jurgen Klopp are going to together write their names in European football history, then Saturday’s final represents their biggest and potentially last chance for many a year.

It may seem misguided to be predicting the decline of a club that has been on the up for the past eight years. But Dortmund are relative paupers in comparison to other European juggernauts. Unfortunately for them, when a team of their comparatively humble stature has such high-profile success, vultures begin to circle.

We’ve seen it before. Porto and Monaco were unexpected finalists in this competition in 2004. But both teams were subsequently broken up, as the more illustrious names came in and pinched almost all of their prize assets.

Even in the past couple of seasons, absorbing, eye-catching sides like Napoli and Athletic Bilbao have made a remarkable impression in European competitions; that before the inevitable transfer sagas ensued and shunted the development of both sides.

For Dortmund, this unenviable and yet inevitable procedure has already begun. Mario Gotze, the golden boy of German football, has already agreed a deal to leave BVB and sign for rivals Bayern. Robert Lewandowski too, the man who smashed in four goals against Real Madrid in that historic 4-1 win, also looks set to leave the club. Bayern again, look set to be his destination.

Dortmund will of course be suitably compensated for any departing players and Klopp has shown himself to be astute in the transfer market. But his has never been Dortmund’s style under the former Mainz man.

In fact, since the club’s near bankruptcy in 2005 they have been very careful with their finances. So much so, that their emphasis on using the academy, not to mention the unity and togetherness that has consequentially stemmed from this, contributes to a significant part of their much celebrated image.

We were witness to this against Real Madrid, as a team with that hardworking, unified mindset turned over a collection of superstars.

But what Klopp has done remarkably well, is turned these players into superstars, almost with them even realizing. The players and manager resemble a group of friends, enjoying their football and each other’s company. In reality however, Dortmund is now home to some of Europe’s best.

But with perhaps the two crown jewels – Gotze and Lewandowski – gone, can you really see Dortmund challenging at the pinnacle of European football again next season?

It looks unlikely. Replacing those two in itself will be a difficult enough task, but the transfers could ruin the dynamic that currently exists at Dortmund. Klopp himself actually spoke of the distress the transfer of Gotze has caused some of his current playing staff.

Keeping that dynamic will be challenging for Dortmund and Klopp. And this will become even trickier when you ponder the strides taken by their competitors. Bayern in particular. By signing Gotze, not only have they picked up one of the brightest young players of this generation, they have considerably weakened their major rivals, domestically and in European competition.

It is a statement of massive intent, too. Gotze is (or was) Dortmund through and through, having been at the club for all of his footballing life. He is challenging for the top honors on a regular basis, yet even he couldn’t resist the lure of Bayern, Pep Guardiola and the riches that will ultimately follow. After all, if Gotze can be tempted away, why not others?

This season has been full of positives for the German game, with the monopolization of the Champions League final merely the cherry on top. But the league looks unlikely to be competitive for the foreseeable future. Bayern won the Bundesliga by 20 points this season and they are intent on improving their already daunting squad at the expense of some of their immediate rivals.

Looking ahead, Dortmund will bring in new players and with Klopp at the helm, they will probably be of a very high calibre. But rebuilding a squad to win the Champions League will not happen overnight. Their current team and the groundwork that has gone into it, is proof of that.

But on Saturday, Dortmund have the chance to emulate their 1997 European Cup winning side and write their name in the annals of European Football history. It would be fantastic for them to grasp their opportunity and give us something truly memorable to associate this remarkable side with.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments section or on Twitter:  @MattJFootball

Dortmund Must Seize Their Champions League Chance; They May Not Get Another is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

In the 52nd minute at St. James’ Park, the inevitable happened. Arsenal scored. Not many would have banked on the rejuvenated Laurent Koscielny to break the deadlock in such a fine fashion, putting his team firmly in the driving seat after a well taken half-volley, but it was no surprise to see another Wenger team heading for the Champions League (with the qualification round in their path) for the umpteenth time in a row (16 to be exact). Once again, The Gunners had got one over their fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who, in spite of Gareth Bale’s efforts, were powerless to buck the trend and snatch North London bragging rights from the red contingent.

When the final whistle blew, Arsenal’s players jubilantly celebrated as if they had won some silverware that has long since eluded them. And who could blame them after spending a large chunk of the season languishing outside the top four? After all, since the loss of their talisman Robin Van Persie, many sceptics had written off Wenger’s troops believing them to have finally capitulated after a lack of investment in the transfer market. But, Tottenham being Tottenham, the prospects of a lillywhite festivity eventually sagged, and now Thursday nights on UK TV are back to haunt Andre Villas-Boas and co.

Having to marshal a team of capable players, glaringly absent of world-beaters, Wenger has fulfilled the minimum expectations of the board and the fans, and his achievement is not to be scoffed at with the battle for a Champions League spot now more arduous than ever. It goes without saying that this current Arsenal side are no match for their predecessors, with Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere the only genuine sprinkles of stardust in a line-up that does little to whet the appetite, now that all the major players have defected for meatier salaries and, more importantly, a stab at the big prizes.

Just over two months previously, when Tottenham emerged victorious in the derby on March 3rd, it seemed that the long awaited sea change had finally arrived. With their Welsh wizard smashing in goals from left right and centre, it looked for a moment that the perpetual also-rans were on their way to the promised land, with their foe seemingly incapable of a riposte. However, after a crushing defeat that left Arsenal seven points adrift and their task looking quite insurmountable, the players galvanised themselves, taking 26 points from a possible 30. And so, the chants of ‘Boring boring Arsenal’ filled the terraces again, with many a neutral disappointed to see Spurs throwing their dreams away in predictable fashion.

Now that the natural order of things is set in stone for another season at least, what can we expect from Wenger and his team next time around? Will they mount a serious challenge for European greatness, or will they, as is foreseeable, fail to bring in the necessary quality to compete  with the top sides? Too many times have Arsenal bowed out meekly to the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and, perhaps most painfully, Manchester United. Since 2006, the year when they last reached the final, Arsenal have never realistically looked like getting their hands on the greatest trophy available in club football. That night they were unfortunate to lose to a pre-Messi Barcelona, then under the command of Frank Rijkaard, with Wenger’s men fighting gallantly after losing Jens Lehmann to a red card. Back then, Arsenal were still a force to be reckoned with, boasting a side that included Gilberto Silva, Robert Pires, Alexander Hleb, and the genius of Thierry Henry. Seven years after that pain and disappointment, they have quite simply failed to kick on and recapture the greatness of the famed Unbeatables.

One of the primary reasons for Arsenal’s slump is the board’s apparent unwillingness to replace big-name departures year after year, leaving the fans exasperated and understandably morbid about their team’s outlook for the new season. The customary forecast of a top-four finish is simply not enough to satisfy the long-serving sectors of the Emirates crowd, who have to shell out mind-boggling amounts of money just to watch their team fail to go that extra mile as the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City grow stronger and threaten to displace United’s reign of tyranny.

When Henry departed for Spain in 2007, Wenger had to patiently wait for Robin Van Persie to finally overcome his injury struggles and mature into a world-class centre-forward, with only Emmanuel Adebayor to rely on, who would then ditch the team for the riches of Manchester City after a period that reaped only one decent season out of four. Once Van Persie had established himself, there was little quality to support him and so the goalscoring burden was left solely to the Dutchman, with the likes Marouane Chamakh and Andre Arshavin providing little or no assistance when the going got tough.

Furthermore, the lack of urgency to the replace the losses of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas only served to prove that those at the top of the hierarchy at Arsenal were not taking the team’s decline seriously enough, opting for prudence in order to recoup the funds spent on the new stadium. Though The Emirates was an expensive project to say the least, the club could possibly have acquired the necessary finances much more swiftly if they had taken a gamble in the transfer market and pushed the boat out to sign players of real quality, and in doing so seized the trophies that now look so far out of reach.

The chasm in Arsenal’s midfield which dates back to the farewell of Patrick Viera, combined with Wenger’s failure to establish a solid back four and snare a reliable goalkeeper, are just a few of a multiplicity of reasons as to why the team has been left punch-drunk in Europe and domestic competitions. Most recently in the Champions League, they were knocked out by the mighty force of Bayern Munich, who were embarrassingly superior at The Emirates, and despite a 2-0 victory at the Allianz Arena, the fightback came too little too late as Arsenal went out on away goals. In the aftermath, some fans phoned in to BBC Radio 5 Live and Talksport to applaud their teams efforts in Germany, claiming that the late surge justified their belief that Arsenal were not yet on the wain. In truth, the win was barley a small consolation from the letdown of yet another high-profile blow.

In the past eight years, the controlling forces at the club, including Wenger, have settled for too little, citing European qualification as a marker of accomplishment when it should in fact only be one objective amongst many when establishing the goals for the upcoming campaign. For a club of Arsenal’s size and reputation, ambitions need to be higher, and if they already are, the purse strings will have to loosen a little in order to back up the convictions. The fans deserve more; they have been left to wait for too long and the situation is starting to look dire. A place in the Champions League will not paper over the cracks; only the trophy will do.

In hindsight, if Tottenham had qualified for Europe, one is left to ponder whether Daniel Levy may have provided AVB with the coffers to mount a serious offense. In their one and only campaign since the inception of the tournament, Harry Redknapp took the team to the quarter-finals, before succumbing to the herculean force of Real Madrid. If Peter Crouch had not been sent off at the Bernabeu, the outcome of the tie may have turned out differently and who knows how far Spurs may have gone? If Arsenal fail to deliver for the 16th time in a row, the question of their earnestness on the main stage will be more poignant than ever.

Fourth Place Is Not Enough For Arsenal is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Chelsea and England footballers Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill will miss this Saturday’s exhibition game between Chelsea and Manchester City at Yankee Stadium in order to return to London to meet up with the England squad for their upcoming friendlies against Ireland and Brazil.

However, Lampard, Cole and Cahill will be available for Thursday’s match in St Louis between Chelsea and Manchester City.

The trio will train today and are expected to be involved in tomorrow’s match in St Louis before flying back to England on Friday to meet up with the England national team under manager Roy Hodgson.

Last weekend, England manager Roy Hodgson criticized Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs for their post-season tours that would impact England’s friendlies.

Here are today’s Premier League news headlines:

• Chelsea’s three England players to leave United States tour early — The Guardian
• Fulham have signed defender Fernando Amorebieta on a free transfer — Fulham FC
• FC Porto manager Vitor Pereira has pre-agreement with Everton — A Bola.PT
• Sami Khedira tops Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea wish-list — Evening Standard
• Phil Neville ‘flattered’ to be linked with Everton job — The Independent
• Andy Carroll injury keeps him out for up to four months — The Mail
• West Brom have released winger Jerome Thomas and defender Gonzalo Jara Reyes — Sky Sports
• Adel Taarabt fined £60k by QPR for refusing to be weighed & turning up late for training — The Mail
• Malky Mackay has played down talk linking him with the vacancy at Everton — Sky Sports
• Dwight Tiendalli offered new Swansea City deal and wins first Holland call-up — This Is South Wales
• QPR goalkeeper Rob Green insists he wants to stay at the club — Sky Sports
• Carlton Cole will leave West Ham in the summer after contract not renewed — The Independent
• Leon Britton says he will travel to Germany next month for a double hernia operation — Sky Sports
• Stoke line up Gus Poyet, Rafa Benitez and Roberto Di Matteo to replace Tony Pulis — The Mail
• Razvan Rat has mental strength to succeed at West Ham, says Sam Allardyce — Evening Standard
• Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography to be published in October — The Telegraph
• Huw Jenkins: ‘Swansea City do not need to sell best players’ — This Is South Wales
• Malaga have been given the go-ahead to compete in next season’s Europa League— Sky Sports
• Brendan Rodgers insists that striker Luis Suarez will not be sold — The Telegraph
• Van Persie retains Barclays Golden Boot Award for 2nd year in row — Premier League
• Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he will be leaving Malaga at the end of the season — Sky Sports

The Daily EPL is your morning guide to the latest Premier League news headlines, so you don’t have to spend an hour or more scanning the Internet. We do all the work for you. Read The Daily EPL on EPL Talk every morning to stay on top of all the news that matters.

Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill to Miss Chelsea Game Against City in New York: The Daily EPL is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

As part of the deal where the New York Yankees are part owner of the New York City Football Club with Manchester City, the Yankees could play a Major League Baseball game at City’s Etihad Stadium, reports The Telegraph newspaper tonight.

Here’s what Yankees President Randy Levine said today:

“The idea has come up through Major League Baseball about us maybe coming over to play. I don’t think they have actually said it yet, but we’d love to come over to play at the Etihad Stadium.

“We think Manchester City are extraordinary partners for the Yankees – there are some great opportunities and we only team up with people who we think are first rate. They fit into our overall plan. Obviously our brand is very well known – it’s about winning, winning championships and we are here to lend our support to make sure that it happens.”

England has recently hosted NFL and NBA games, so MLB games would be a natural fit to expand the Yankees brand in the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the same article reports that New York City could wear sky blue to mirror their Premier League sister club. Plus, there’s a strong likelihood of transatlantic player exchanges.

What do you think about the partnership between the Yankees and Manchester City? Do you think it’ll help make City more popular in the United States? And do you think other Premier League clubs may copy the formula and launch their own MLS team in the United States? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

Here are tonight’s Premier League news headlines:

• New York Yankees could play MLB game at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium — The Telegraph
• Phil Neville pitches for the vacant Everton manager’s job — The Guardian
• Championship clubs set to push for safe-standing trials — The Independent
• Arsenal interested in West Ham defender Winston Reid — 101GG
• Phil Neville in frame for role at Stoke City to replace Pulis — The Independent
• Andy Carroll has been ruled out of England’s friendlies against Eire and Brazil — Evening Standard
• Game Hunting in England’s Premier League — New York Times
• EPL clubs see avg. home attendance up 4%; Everton leads gains with 9% jump — SBD
• Wigan keeper Al Habsi set for surgery as shoulder problem returns — The Mail
• VIDEO: Di Canio cannot do as he wishes – PFA — BBC Sport
• Gael Clichy says Roberto Mancini should take some blame for Manchester City’s season — The Mail
• Man City begins U.S. tour with new $109M Nike kit deal — Sports Business Daily
• Leon Osman signs new contract at Everton — The Mail
• Paolo Di Canio’s crackdown on player discipline backed by Sunderland owner Ellis Short — Telegraph
• Real Madrid and Barcelona are battling to lure Chelsea defender David Luiz — The Mail

The Nightly EPL is tomorrow’s news today. It’s often tomorrow morning’s British newspaper headlines that are published the night before. We do all the work for you, combing the Internet and aggregating the news for you. Read The Nightly EPL on EPL Talk every night before bed, so you can stay on top of all the news that matters.

New York Yankees Could Play MLB Game At Etihad Stadium As Part Of Deal: The Nightly EPL is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Since he burst controversially into the Stadium of Light dugout, Paolo di Canio has been box office. His knee sliding, air punching celebrations have endeared him to the Sunderland faithful but his latest press conference has placed him on a narrow, treacherous path as we head into the summer transfer window.

His public shaming of the culture amongst the squad has pleased the majority of fans who have grown sick of season after season of mediocrity and in the case of this year, dangerous flirting with the bottom three. However it is unlikely the players share the fans enthusiasm.

In an explosive post match conference at White Hart Lane on Sunday, di Canio confirmed he had fined seven players in the previous week, something that the player’s union, the PFA, have announced they will look into. Phil Bardsley is almost certain never to play for Sunderland again after the pictures of him covered in money angered the Italian. Titus Bramble and Matt Kilgallon have also fallen foul of the new regime.

On the face of it there is little to say against di Canio’s tactics. He has inherited a group of players who clearly have grown used to having a pretty easy life. Fitness and energy levels were poor and judging by di canio’s descriptions of what he has found in his first few weeks, the level of professionalism at the club was incredibly low.

In his outburst he spoke of two players who arrived 20 minutes late for a meeting and did not seem to care. He mentioned one player who declared himself unfit for training and promptly switched his phone off so as to be uncontactable by the club’s medical staff. If these stories are true, and there is little to nothing for di Canio to gain by lying, then there were clearly serious problems at the club.

And yet, as with most things in modern football, it is not that simple. By publicly slating not only individuals but also the general culture at the club, di Canio has set his stall out very clearly. Those not willing to tow his line are not welcome. The complexity in the situation is the players. Those who are unwilling to embrace the new methodology are likely to be on good contracts and not that willing to leave in a cut price deal. And having players hanging around a club where they are not welcome is never a good situation.

There is also the probability that not all of those who do accept the changes are going to be good enough players to improve Sunderland. After all there is more to a good side than professionalism. Sunderland have lacked quality this season and if players such as Stephane Sessegnon and Adam Johnson decide they do not like the challenge of working with di Canio then almost all of what little quality there is will have gone.

And so the challenge for the fiery Italian is one of balance. He must create an environment where unprofessional behaviour is not tolerated whilst making Sunderland an attractive place not only for those already at the club but also potential new signings. He must also balance the undoubted desire of the fans to see a full scale revolution sweep the club with the practicalities of being in charge of a top flight football club. Whatever happens this summer on Wearside I doubt it will be dull.

Sunderland Manager Paolo Di Canio Is Walking A Tightrope is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Manchester City have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 2013-14 season.

City, who just bought a MLS franchise today to become the majority owner of New York City FC, today launched their new kit to coincide with their tour of the United States where they’ll wear the new kit on Thursday in St. Louis and on Saturday in New York City.

Designed by Nike, the new Manchester City home shirt is sky blue with dark blue and white trim. The design of the jersey is simple, clean and effective.

The new shirt is part of a new six-year deal with Nike that will see the American company continuing to create shirts for City through 2019.

MORE — Is this Manchester City’s away shirt for 2013-14?

View the photographs below to see close-ups of the crest as well as other features of the shirt.

Share your thoughts on what you think about the new jersey in the comments section below.

Manchester City Officially Unveil Their Home Kit for the 2013-14 Season [PHOTOS] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

EA Sports today announced their IGNITE game engine, which will power FIFA 14 (and other games) on the new Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles.

Xbox One is scheduled to be released later this year. FIFA 14 is due out in September, 2013. With the timing, FIFA 14 will be one of the first games available to show off the new games engine in the game and what the Xbox One is capable of.

According to EA, “With Human Intelligence, True Player Motion and Living Worlds, the way sports games are played will fundamentally change. EA SPORTS IGNITE is designed to harness the potential of next-generation consoles and will power FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, EA SPORTS UFC and NBA LIVE 14 on Xbox One and PlayStation 4.”

Here’s the trailer for FIFA 14 NextGen:

Trailer for the Xbox One ‘Ignite Engine’:

What do you think about the next generation of FIFA? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

EA Sports Previews FIFA 14 For Xbox One and PS4 [VIDEO] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.