More life, more footie... Fresh off another week of league action and UCL, let's get into where we are as we fast approach the World Cup in Qatar.

Jersey giveaway is back! And don't fear, referrals will carry over... First person to 10 referrals gets a free 22/23 jersey of their choice! It's super simple-–each and every one of you has a personalized referral card (in pink below). That link is yours to share with people you think might enjoy the newsletter. If they sign up through that link, you get a point on the board. It's super easy and super free––don't miss out!

Let's get straight into it.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It):

Arsenal comfortably dispatched Tottenham over the weekend, lending more credence to their title chances this season. The Mikel Arteta project has come full circle now, and he has his side purring thus far. Big test against Liverpool at the weekend, more on that to come...

The boy simply cannot be stopped. Erling Haaland didn't just score again, he banged in a hattrick in City's 6-3 drubbing of United in the derby. He's onto 14 goals in the Premier League now, in just 8 games...

José Mourinho's Roma rocked up to the San Siro and took down Inter Milan at the weekend. Only, José wasn't allowed inside the ground after receiving a touchline ban, so he posted this on his Instagram story: him watching the game from a bus just outside the stadium. Only José. 

In what looked like a race to the bottom, Leicester City showed the quality we've been waiting for in their 4-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest. Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers' job looks to be safe for the moment.

Quiz Of The Week

What % of all Man City's goals in the Premier League and Champions League does Erling Haaland have in just 12 games?

(Answer at the end of the letter)

Red War

Sunday –– 11:30 AM ET

Arsenal (+150) vs Liverpool (+160)

This is one of the games of the season so far. Arsenal come in on fire, while Liverpool not so much... Yet, let's not forget Liverpool won both domestic cups in England, whilst coming a point from the Premier League Title and reaching the Champions League Final last year.

Are Liverpool still one of the world's best teams? Well, recent results would suggest otherwise. Draws to Brighton, Everton, Fulham, Palace, while getting battered by Napoli and losing to Manchester United. Liverpool are simply conceding way too many goals. Four to Napoli, and three to Brighton just last weekend. Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold look out of sorts, and it needs to change quickly. Yet, Liverpool showed their stripes not long ago when they beat Manchester City in the Community Shield––so we know that Liverpool is still in there somewhere. A seamless transition from the Sadio Mané era has not since happened, but this game offers a huge chance to show they are still one of the world's best teams.

Arsenal have been magnificent this season. If you watched Amazon's All or Nothing, you've seen Mikel Arteta up close and personal as a manager. And whatever he's doing is paying off; he's taken a young squad and improved almost every player in his ranks, to a point where they look one of the PL's best teams. Is this just an early season bump? Or are Arsenal Football Club here to stay?

This is an intriguing matchup because, unlike the North London Derby, Arsenal have a chance to stack up with not just one of England's best, but one of the world's best. Likewise, Liverpool have to come out and show they can still be categorized as such. Arsenal won't be given the same license to keep the ball and dominate the game that Spurs gave them, and the Klopp era Liverpool have an amazing record v Arsenal. Something has to give. Do not miss this game.

Der Klassiker

Saturday –– 12:30 PM ET

Borussia Dortmund (+350) vs FC Bayern (-160)

It's the biggest game in German football... Dortmund v Bayern. And despite the fact that both have started the first eight games on equal points, it doesn't quite tell the story. Bayern have a goal difference superiority of 16 goals over Dortmund already, so where Bayern have perhaps been unlucky, Dortmund have been equally lucky.

Dortmund are coming off a big win in the Champions League midweek, bullying Sevilla away from home, but the bookmakers still heavily favor Bayern despite the match taking place at the Westfalenstadion.

Bayern may just have too much power in this one, and perhaps a reality check looms for Dortmund. Given the match is at home for the black and yellows, however, we can't rule out a Dortmund result.

Dan & Billy's Locks of the Week

Dan's Picks: You all put your faith in my picks, and I couldn't deliver... 1/3 simply isn't gonna get the job done. Let's see if we can't rite the ship this weekend.

Given Manchester City's form, it seems foolish to pick against them. Backing City -2 (+105) is FREE MONEY. West Ham is also getting great value at home against Fulham (-130) with injuries in Fulham's camp (most notably uncertainty around striker Aleksandar Mitrović). Then we'll go for go a Big 3 parlay in La Liga: Barcelona, Real Madrid, And Atlético Madrid all to win at +170.

Billy's Picks: I feel let down, betrayed, but mostly ashamed that people would back Dan's picks over mine last week. Have you seen this guy's record?! I put him to the sword in the end, so whatever, guys.

I'm not taking this bet, but let's take a moment to realize how insane Haaland as a -400 anytime goalscorer is. I mean, literally insane. I don't love the board this weekend, but I'm going to back Leicester to beat Bournemouth away from home at +110. Think it's good value there. I'm also going to reluctantly ride with Daniel taking West Ham (-130), and also grab the under in the Arsenal v Liverpool match at +125. This may not be my week, we'll see.

Red Card Of The Week

This has to be one of the softest red cards we've ever published on SR... which Leeds United's Luis Sinisterra found himself on the wrong end of.

Goal Of The Week

Jack Grealish famously told Riyad Mahrez he was playing like Miguel Almiron... well I bet they both wish that was true this season. Almiron is on fire and scored this absolute beauty.

Quiz Answer: In 12 games, Haaland has 19 goals, and thus 1% of Man City's goals in the PL and CL. Remarkable.

It's a pleasure to be back in your inboxes, please continue to spread the word and the Straight Red love!