Footy Digest: Here’s how Manchester City plan to beat Liverpool

Footy Digest is a global roundup of the headlines, stories, and matches that make the beautiful game so beautiful.

Europe

• Manchester City host Liverpool FC on Sunday in a top-of-the-table clash, and The Guardian picks John Stones to replace the injured Rúben Dias. —The Guardian

• Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag might be making the move to take over at Manchester United. What could go wrong? —BBC Sport

• Jesse Marsch isn't just the second-longest tenured American manager in Premier League history after Ted Lasso, he’s so liked and respected he gets the full profile treatment by Scottish writer Phil Hay and there are no cheap shots. —The Athletic

• From Dodger blue to Chelsea blue: LA Dodgers principal owner Mark Walter joined Todd Boehly’s bid to buy Chelsea FC. —Sports Illustrated

New York

• Keaton Parks is one of the best midfielders in MLS, and maybe the world. —The Outfield

• The Gotham FC squad looked sharp ahead of their home opener. —Gotham FC

• Things didn’t go as planned in Seattle, where NYCFC were outplayed, outclassed, and outscored by the Sounders in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Semifinals. —Hudson River Blue

• Still, Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer thanked Ronny Deila before the game for beating Portland Timbers in the MLS Cup. The two shared a laugh. —Sounder at Heart

• Oyster Bay United FC’s charmed run in the US Open Cup came to an end last night in a 3-1 loss to Hartford Athletic, but we still support this year-old semi-pro team that plays in a public park. —Hudson River Blue

MLS

• They’re dropping like flies in Hotlanta: Josef Martinez will be out approximately 6-8 weeks after knee procedure. —Dirty South Soccer

• New England Revolution signed Serbian Goalkeeper Djordje Petrović, lining up Matt Turner’s heir apparent. —The Bent Musket

NWSL

• We are four games into the group stage of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup, so let’s catch you up: Alex Morgan of San Diego Wave FC scored a brace facing off against Angel City FC’s Christen Press, who also scored a goal; Rose Lavelle is looking sharp at OL Reign; and Mal Pugh is finding her form at Chicago Red Stars. —All for XI

International:

• As for that other CCL Game this week, Pumas defeated Cruz Azul 2-1 in the first leg of their semifinal matchup, setting up a do-or-die second leg at Estadio Azteca. —FMF State of Mind

US Soccer

• English pundits aren't taking the USMNT seriously. —The Guardian

• The USMNT was placed in Group D in the CONCACAF Nations League, which might prompt the question: What is the CONCACAF Nations League? Well, it’s a tournament that starts in June 2022 and ends in June 2023, for one. Read the full primer here. —Stars and Stripes FC

Games to watch

Saturday, April 9

LA Galaxy vs LAFC (MLS), 7:30 pm ET — ESPN+, YES, YES App

Sunday, April 10

Leicester vs Crystal Palace (EPL), 9 am ET — Peacock

Manchester City vs Liverpool (EPL), 11:30 am ET — USA

Tuesday, April 12

Bayern vs Villarreal (Champions League), 3 pm ET — Paramount+, TUDN

Real Madrid vs Chelsea (Champions League), 3 pm ET — Paramount+, TUDN

Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM (CONCACAF Champions League), 10 pm ET — FS1, TUDN

Wednesday, April 13

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester City (Champions League), 3 pm ET — Paramount+, TUDN

Liverpool vs Benefica (Champions League), 3 pm ET — Paramount+, TUDN

NYCFC vs Seattle Sounders (CONCACAF Champions League), 10 pm ET — FS1, TUDN

Thursday, April 14

Atalanta vs Red Bull Leipzig (Europa League), 12:45 pm ET — Paramount+, TUDN

Rangers vs Braga (Europa League), 3 pm ET — Paramount+, TUDN

Barcelona vs Frankfurt (Europa League), 3 pm ET — Paramount+, TUDN

Lyon vs West Ham United (Europa League), 3 pm ET — Paramount+, TUDN

Know of other articles NYCFC fans should read? Games they shouldn’t miss? Post a short description and a link in the comments below.