Where have we been? The answer is simple. We were spending all of the money we made with our super smart betting picks all over the world. It was awesome. But we ran out of money and are back now. We know you missed us... but don't fret––Straight Red is back and will give you everything footie each week once again.

You know what we are gonna ask. SHARE. THE. NEWSLETTER. It's easy––and will make a couple of broke guys very happy. The Jersey Giveaway will resume too! More on that next week... For now, let's talk ball.

Let's get straight into it.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)- Season Recap:

If you're ever in financial trouble, just activate a few "economic levers" and you'll be all good. You can then go and buy that Gucci bag you were after, or in FC Barcelona's case, spend big on Lewangoalski, Kounde, and Raphinha. The strategy might be suspect, but Barcelona, and especially Lewandowski, have started the season well with 11 goals in 8 games.

Arsenal called Jesus, and he answered. It's been a reincarnation for the Brazilian forward, who looks completely rebirthed with Arsenal––who sit top of the league. He certainly knows how to nail a cross home. Are Arsenal title contenders this season? Manchester City new boy Erling Haaland's 14 goals in 10 games this season have been impressive as well, but were we expecting any different?

Bayern who?? It's Union Berlin top of the Bundesliga to this point. Their incredible run through the first seven games sees them clear of both Bayern and Dortmund by 2 points. A stout defence, conceding only 4 goals in those seven matches, has seen them get to the top of the pile. Yet, an attack led by American striker Jordan Pefok, has also netted 15 goals over the span. Enough to get into Berhalter's XI? Apparently not.

Quiz Of The Week

Who holds the record for North London Derby appearances?(Find the answer at the end of the letter)

North London Derby

Saturday –– 7:30 AM ET

Arsenal (+105) vs Tottenham (+240)

It's one of the most heated rivalries in English football... Arsenal v Tottenham. This North London derby just feels different, doesn't it? Both teams are flying at the moment. El plan, the project and backing of Arteta for years now, is finally coming together. Arsenal look the real package, and they've now got a collection of players to be feared. Title contention will be difficult this year, but the way they're playing you can't rule it out.

Tottenham are firm under Antonio Conte. They are compact, defend first attack second, but ultimately have immense quality up front to get at their opposition. Level with City on 17 points and just a point behind Arsenal, they could go top-for-the-moment with a win at the Emirates early Saturday.

Arsenal should dominate the ball and the play, but Spurs will come in gameplanning for just that. It's whether or not Tottenham can absorb enough pressure whilst capitalising on the chances they get at the other end that will determine the winner here.

North vs South In Italy

Saturday –– 7:30 AM ET

Inter (+105) vs Roma (+260)

Mourinho's men take aim at Inter at the San Siro on Saturday. It's been another sort of meh start for Roma, even with some pretty nice squad additions like Paulo Dybala and veteran Mourinho disciple Nemanja Matić. Can José win the league with Roma, or is it too tall an order?

Inter have likewise muddled through the early portions of the campaign, and after an international break, this blockbuster features an opportunity to get right the rest of the way. A 3-1 loss to Udinese certainly wasn't in the script, and Inzaghi certainly wasn't shy with his players about it.

Look for Inter to really take hold of this game at home, but Mourinho to pack in and try to win the game on the counter. And also look out for José on the touchline, box office.

Manchester Derby 

Sunday –– 9:00 AM ET

Manchester City (-300) vs Manchester United (+725)

If you listen to bookies, you won't be giving United much of a chance in this latest installment of the Manchester Derby. But is it that straight forward?

Erik ten Hag has come in and done a job at Manchester United, which, you have to say, is a mighty accomplishment considering everything going on in the background. Fan protests against the owners, players in and out the door, Cristiano Ronaldo taking a spot on EtH's bench... He's had to deal with quite a lot. Yet (apart from a complete disaster against Brentford), Manchester United look a much improved side this season, playing more or less good football. Christian Eriksen, who ten Hag has deployed in a deeper playmaking role, has been a revelation since signing in the summer. As has Lisandro Martínez, who has dwarfed his competition at centre half. And even something of a revival for forgotten man Marcus Rashford? The job ten Hag has done, having to transform the philosophy around the club whilst getting the players onside, should be admired thus far.

On the flipside, it's business as usual for Pep and his boys in blue. When you have everything, it's impossible to need something, but they were missing one thing––a proper no. 9. And boy, did they find one in Erling Haaland. We expected him to score goals but man, he's scoring at an outrageous clip. In fact, he's scoring a goal per 13.2 touches so far in the Premier League. Outrageous.

United have turned a corner but I just can't see any result other than City winning resoundingly. They will simply be too much for United to handle at the Etihad.

Dan's Picks: My lock of the week is simple - Brentford to beat Bournemouth at +120. There is plenty of value there, for a good Brentford side playing against a Bournemouth team that has over-performed all of their underlying numbers the last few weeks. If you're feeling bold, add newest England man Ivan Toney as an anytime goal scorer at +150. I also love the over 3.5 goals in the Liverpool vs Brighton game (+150). Lastly, and I'm not sure how the bookies got this so wrong, but get involved in Fulham to beat Newcastle at +200.

Billy's Picks: Let's pick up right where we left off––smashing little Dan's picks to bits. I'm going to be bold and take the early headliner, backing Arsenal to get the job done against Spurs in the NLD (+105). I just really like them to win this game at home. I also like West Ham (-105) home to Wolves. When I see lines I don't think make sense (just dropped a hammer on Thursday Night Football) I pounce. West Ham don't deserve so much credit, which is exactly why I'm following the bookies that are giving it to them. Book it. Lastly, I'm giving you Mo Salah to score anytime against Brighton (+105). He's on a duck recently and against a transitioning Brighton and off a two week break, I think Liverpool win resoundingly and Salah gets on the scoresheet. Let's GO!!!

Red Card Of The Week

Is this the Neymar we've come to know? Shhh, Dan doesn't know I'm writing this. He earns himself a pretty generous red here for Brazil midweek... What do you think?

Goal Of The Week

If you don't know the name Benjamin Šeško, you should get to know it. The 19 year-old Slovenian wonderkid has been making headlines, and smashed this volley past Sweden on Tuesday. He's going to be a player...

Quiz Answer: Former Arsenal centre back David O'Leary, who made 35 appearances in the derby.

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