Why Does Zouma Hate Cats?

Today's intro is simple. Like what you read? Hit forward! Plenty of footie for us to get through today. Happy Friday. 

Let's get straight into it.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Coutinho is Back: Philippe Coutinho is back in the Premier League, and he's tearing it up. After scoring a screamer for Brazil in the international break, he had a MOTM performance with 2 assists and a goal against Leeds. The GIF above is what he's all about: the touch, the vision, and the execution. Will he be a part of Brazil's 2022 World Cup squad? We're betting yes.

Senegal Finally Win AFCON: There are so many things to like about this story: Senegal had never won the tournament, finishing as runner ups in 2019, and 2002. Sadio Mané missed a penalty at the start of the game, and then had nerves of steel to bury the last penalty of the shootout. Eduard Mendy has cemented himself as one of the World's best goalkeepers. And of course, the manager, Aliou Cissé––he was the captain of the team that lost in the final in 2002, and the manager of the team that lost in the final in 2019. He finally did it. What a story!

Best Club In The World?

⚽️  Chelsea (-143) vs Palmeiras (+475)

Saturday 11:30 AM ET 

Brazilian clubs treat the Club World Cup like an actual World Cup––it means everything to them. Fans travel from Brazil, and the entire country stops to watch the game. It's a time where the best Brazilian club can measure themselves against the best European club. Sometimes––like when Messi's Barcelona beat Neymar's Santos 4-0––it doesn't work out. But other times, like when Sao Paulo beat Liverpool in 2005, it's nothing short of euphoric. Europe is known for taking the brightest Brazilian talents, and this is a chance for the ones who stay behind to prove their worth. 

Of course Chelsea are heavy favorites––but Palmeiras' performance in the semi-final left many in the camp optimistic. At the end of the day, this tournament truly crowns the champions of the world. And it's not like how the US crowns their sports teams "World Champions" after winning a domestic league. This time, it's for real. 

Serie A Title Race 

⚽️  Napoli (+175) vs Inter Milan (+155)

Saturday 12 PM ET 

After an enthralling Derby di Milano which saw a pair of Giroud goals coupled with a pair of late red cards, AC Milan jolted to within one solitary point of champions Inter in first place. Inter Milan won the Scudetto last season after nine years of Juventus dominance, and the team to win on the other side of that blockade was AC Milan. Between the two and Napoli, it’s set to be a lively three horse race the rest of the way––kicking off with another colossal bout between Napoli and Inter on Sunday.

UCL Is Back!

The UEFA Champions League is back next week, and boy have we waited long enough. The must-watch game is Real Madrid vs PSG on Tuesday; Lionel Messi gets a crack at his old nemesis. Liverpool vs Inter fixes to be a fine watch as well. Bayern and Man City are also in action next week.

Some Thoughts On Kurt Zouma 

It’s another week of talking about footballers and their indiscretions. In case you missed it: Kurt Zouma was filmed kicking his cat around his home multiple times, in a cruel and violent fashion one can only associate with a cretinous bully.

There was no shortage of outrage over this flagrant behavior, yet West Ham manager David Moyes chose to play his leading centre back just a day later––which only exacerbated the issue. Petitions have been signed and people are even calling for jail time. Whatever happens, it’s at least sensical that the RSPCA took the cat from his custody. 

Now, how do we digest this in the context of who Kurt Zouma is? Is he a monster? Or is he a showman who turned red in the face of a camera and a willing audience. One might give a pass to a ten year old for such deeds, but Kurt Zouma is twenty-seven years old––an age far too old to chalk a cruel act up as an immature gaffe. It’s sickening, bullyish behavior of a helpless animal, so at least the cat will find a better home.

In light of such uproar, many have questioned why disdain of the same ilk has remained largely vacant in the context of racial discrimination. Why are people so upset about Kurt Zouma kicking a cat and not police brutality and racist idealogues? Perhaps people have compartmentalized the two in the face of something so devilishly absolute. Perhaps people seek more context in making an initial judgment when it comes to racially charged events. Perhaps, there is just something so blatant about kicking a small animal across a room that leaves no room for debate. Whatever the case, both racism and animal cruelty are horrible, and should each be met with punishment. We can only hope for better. 

Dan & Billy's Betting Picks

Dan's Picks: I'm backing Brighton to get a win at Watford at +110 this weekend. Roy should have stayed in retired - his players are just not very good. I'm also backing Conte's men to get the job done against Wolves at -150. If you're looking for goals, look no further than the Leicester vs West Ham clash on Sunday - over 2.5 is a lock.

Billy's Picks: My lock of the century is Chelsea -143 against Palmeiras in the CWC final. You're putting down a little minus money to get this bet in but I simply cannot see Chelsea losing in any world I live in. Ride the blues to a trophy and little weekend cash. I'm also hitting you with a bright and early Southampton v Man United o2.5 goals (-140) Saturday morning. Southampton are feeling themselves at the minute, but are also suspect at the back. I also like Newcastle v Villa o2.5 (-120). Ride the over. 

Goal Of The Week 

Jordi Alba scored an absolute stunner at the weekend as Barcelona had their best performance under new manager Xavi. They leapfrogged Atletico in the standings, and are back in a Champions League spot. Xavi took over with the team in 9th place. 

Red Card Of The Week 

Dani Alves calls himself the "Good Crazy" guy. And that's exactly what he was on Sunday. He assisted Jordi Alba's volley and scored a great goal. He also got a straight red in this horrible challenge after the whistle had already blown for offside. 

One thing is for sure––the 38-year-old is still balling. 

Enjoy the weekend and spread the love!