The World Cup is nearly upon us... Just SIXTEEN days left until the big dance. Where are you from? Who are you supporting? We will be watching from the couch as Gregg Berhalter does his best José impression and tries to get us out of the group. Until then, more club action...

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Let's get straight into it.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It):

Benfica topped group H, after beating Maccabi Haifa 6-1 in the final Champions League group stage match. It was level at 1-1 in the second half, when Benfica stormed an onslaught of goals––finished with a 92' dagger––that saw them top PSG in the group. It went to a 7th tiebreaker, as the two finished level on points in the group. Both PSG and Benfica had the same amount of goals scored, and goals conceded, and played out two 1-1 draws against one another. It ultimately went down to away goals scored across the group to determine the winner. Crazy scenes. 

Will the real Liverpool please stand up? In what was a thrilling game, Leeds' Crysensio Summerville scored a late goal in a 2-1 win over Liverpool. Liverpool simply haven't gotten off the mark this season, and any hopes of a title have been lost. In the meantime, cowboy Jesse Marsch gets a brilliant result that helps quell some rumors of his sacking. 

Quiz Of The Week

With the defeat against Leeds at home, Virgil Van Dijk's Anfield unbeaten record came to an end on Saturday. How many games unbeaten was he?

(Answer at the end of the letter) 

Are Arsenal For Real?

Sunday –– 7 AM ET

Chelsea (+165) vs Arsenal (+170)

We keep asking this question, why can't we just admit our feelings? Arsenal are the real deal––they are a top side that is now beating the lesser teams that have stopped a serious points tally in the past. The only thing that can stop this team from making a serious title push is injuries. If Gabby Jesus goes down or Martinelli or Odegaard, things might get hairy. That said, Bukayo Saka did pick up an injury that forced on longtime Arsenal youth man Reiss Nelson, who bagged a brace off the bench against Forest...

Graham Potter is coming off humiliation at Brighton. I'm a Potter fan, but I love a good old spanking at the club you left for greener pastures. Brighton continue to excel despite his departure, and it hasn't all been smooth sailing since Potter took his post at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will look to rebound off a dismal result at the weekend, while Arsenal will try to stay hot away from home. Saka looks to be out for this one, so expect Reiss Nelson to lodge another start in place of Arsenal's key man. The Chelsea lineup is still a bit of a headscratcher. Aubameyang? Sterling? Havertz? Who knows with Potter. Arsenal will come here to win, so I expect a game with goals in it. 

Dan & Billy's Locks of the Week

Dan's Picks: After a solid 2/3 haul last weekend, including my parlay, I am feeling pretty good. It helps that the money I won has been spent wisely on a 1991 Ferrari. If you want to be more like me, follow these tips: 

1-Don't bet with Billy.

2-Bet the house on: +120 Brighton to beat Wolves. +135 Everton to beat Leicester, at home. Lastly, Barcelona -2 at home to Almeria. Lock it in and watch the money come in. 

Billy's Picks: I guess Dan is a funny guy, I didn't know that. Listen it might be time to stop listening to me (to the one or two that have been). I'll throw out some bets anyways.

Back the truck up and DUMP it on Leeds -135 against Bournemouth. Leeds have actually played quite well and have been somewhat unfortunate with results. I expect them to handle this one with ease at home. Everton have done well, but I'll throw some value on a cheeky Leicester away win (+205). Again, do not listen to me, there's just value there to lose money on. Another away one––Brentford +160 at Forest. Forest are still coming off the buzz of the Liverpool game, but Brentford (even without Ivan Toney) are still just so much better. Final disclaimer: do not take any of these picks.

Red Card Of The Week

We are getting you in the mood for the World Cup with one of the most iconic red cards in football history. Oh and Zizou is rumored to be the next France manager... no matter what happens this World Cup.

Goal Of The Week

How about we throw it back to a James Rodríguez worldy at the World Cup 2014, since we're in the mood... Good enough for goal of the tournament, who gets this year's?

Quiz Answer: 70 games straight unbeaten for Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield! Sad!

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