Greetings, Reds and Blues! The international break is upon us. So how did our clubs sign off in the league?

Chelsea have now lost 4 games in a row and failed to score in the last 3. But it is the manner in which they’ve lost that should be worrisome. The first leg of the PSG CL tie was going along acceptably until the last 20 minutes, during which the wheels fell and have not been located since. A dreary 1-0 at home to Newcastle followed. Then another capitulation to PSG. And finally this past weekend’s dire outing away to Everton. So the break comes at an opportune time for them. And an additional saving grace arrives upon their return to action, as they face Port Vale at home in the FA Cup. But that game is followed by visits from Manchester City and United, respectively. Liam Rosenior has his work cut out for him for the month of April.

Michael Carrick is now rumored to be getting the position full-time and a 3-year contract. They looked convincing against Villa, and slightly less so against Bournemouth. But the trajectory has been good, and they appear set to hold firm on third place and a CL spot. But this will add pressure and further questions between now and the end of the season. I personally think there was no harm in waiting to announce the decision, even if all parties knew behind the scenes. The last thing this team needs at the moment is a further distraction. This may ultimately be the real test for Carrick.

The USMNT enters their last camp before gathering for the Cup this summer. Belgium awaits on Saturday. How experimental and/or pragmatic Poch will approach this match remains to be seen.

The USWNT returns to action mid-April with a friendly against Japan.

And several teams will take one step closer to the World Cup on Thursday in the first leg of the playoffs.

We’ll be wondering just how and why VAR chooses to get involved, so join us Wednesday at 7 p.m. live at Chatham Tap, or online via Facebook Live and YouTube Live as well. You can also catch us on the platforms listed below. Like, subscribe, comment, and raise a glass with us wherever you listen. Cheers!

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Hello, Reds and Blues! We took an extra week off, but the football world certainly didn’t. Let’s catch up with our clubs!

Chelsea now ignominiously holds the record for most red cards by a team in a single season across all competitions, and they are quickly closing in on the record for the Premier League. That indiscipline has been an Achilles Heel all season, but it was particularly impactful against Arsenal. They clawed their way back into the match thanks to an own goal—despite rarely looking comfortable in it. But a second and completely unnecessary yellow for Pedro Neto made any sustained comeback all the more difficult. They bounced back in a big way against Villa (4-1) before an entertaining extra time thriller against Wrexham (4-2) in the FA Cup. Wrexham showed that they just might be ready for prime time, and Chelsea showed they may not be ready for a sustained run at the top 4. They did manage to pull it out, but they will need to show a more disciplined and cohesive performance against PSG in the Champions League before hosting a resurgent Newcastle in the league on Saturday.

Michael Carrick finally suffered a loss as manager of Manchester United. Despite losing to a last-minute worldie, it was really a tepid performance from the United players. Carrick (and certainly fans) may secretly be relieved that the “unbeaten” questions will no longer be asked, and he can focus on the task at hand: top 4. And the opportunity to put some daylight between themselves and their closest points rival when they host Villa this weekend will probably be a welcome challenge. That would solidify their hold on third place before what could be a tricky trip to Bournemouth the following week.

The USWNT captured the SheBelieves Cup with a 1-0 win over Colombia on Saturday. They won all 3 matches en route and have not given up a goal since October. Emma has this team flying as they continue the momentum toward next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

We’ll be trying to avoid 23 red cards, so join us Wednesday at 7 p.m. live at Chatham Tap, or online via Facebook Live and YouTube Live as well. You can also catch us on the platforms listed below. Like, subscribe, comment, and raise a glass with us wherever you listen. Cheers!

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Greetings, Reds and Blues! It’s been far too long, and there’s a lot to unpack. The new year has brought new managers—and new hope. Michael Carrick’s second spell as caretaker at United has picked up where he left off. And Liam Rosenior’s move to the Chelsea dugout is already showing signs of life. Let’s assess.

Since the loss to Fulham in early January—the last match before Rosenior took charge—Chelsea have looked sharp. Two Carabao Cup defeats to a high-flying Arsenal side shouldn’t overshadow the results. They’re 7–2 in that stretch, with most wins looking comfortable. Cole Palmer’s resurgence has played a part, but the growing consistency across the squad has been just as important.

Chelsea welcome a struggling Leeds on Tuesday, followed by an FA Cup trip to Hull. They round out February at home to Burnley. Maximum points will be the goal before a dangerous March that includes trips to Arsenal, Villa, and Everton—plus a visit from a lively Newcastle side.

Has Michael Carrick done enough to earn the job full-time? Most of us aren’t ready for that conversation just yet. For now, let’s enjoy the ride. It’s been a while since United fans have felt this kind of buzz. And speaking of buzz, a certain young lad will be watching Tuesday’s clash with West Ham very closely. A win would make it five in a row for the first time in two years. After that, they have a fortnight off before another trip to Everton. Will United still be in the top four come March?

On the international front, the USMNT won’t return until late March, but there’s plenty to like with Pulisic and McKennie both in strong form.

The USWNT handled business in late-January friendlies against Paraguay and Chile. Next up: Argentina in March.

We’ll be hoping our clubs keep the momentum rolling, so join us Wednesday at 7 p.m. live at Chatham Tap, or online via Facebook Live and YouTube Live as well. You can also catch us on the platforms listed below. Like, subscribe, comment, and raise a glass with us wherever you listen. Cheers!

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#ChathamTapFishers

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