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Bayern Munich drew their third consecutive Bundesliga match on Saturday as Stuttgart equalised from the spot in stoppage time to earn a 2-2 result.

From near-perfect at San Siro in the Champions League on Wednesday to out of sorts against Bundesliga relegation battlers, Bayern Munich’s strange start to the season took another odd turn at Allianz Arena.

They put on a fabulous pressing show under Julian Nagelsman in their midweek 2-0 victory over Inter, suggesting they could better execute the coach’s tactics in his second season in charge. But against Stuttgart, the worst qualities of his first term – namely moments of dropped concentration at the back – bit them.

Nagelsmann made significant line-up changes from that victory at San Siro, with Mathys Tel, Dayot Upamecano, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka and Noussair Mazraoui coming into the line-up. Those players range in experience – Tel became the Bundesliga’s youngest ever starter while Goretzka is a veteran of the division – but the number of alterations at an early stage in the season seemed to affect the Bavarians in their all-round cohesion.

Still, two players who started against Inter who were responsible for Stuttgart’s goals. In the 57th minute, Alphonso Davies gave away a sloppy pass in his own half, then unconvincingly closed down Konstantinos Mavropanos who passed to Chris Fuhrich for an easy finish. In stoppage time, Matthijs De Ligt was adjudged to have fouled Serhou Guirassy in the box and the Stuttgart forward converted the ensuing penalty.

Davies did otherwise deliver a decent performance, assisting Tel for the opener while consistently breaking up attempted play from Stuttgart. De Ligt was less assured.

It takes a lot for Bayern Munich to worry about a domestic campaign. Ten titles in a row create a special kind of confidence, and they will still finish Saturday atop the Bundesliga table.

Nonetheless, for a club expected to achieve perfection not every once in a while, but every time they take the pitch, the past couple of weeks are unacceptable.

Slip-ups might not ultimately matter in their Bundesliga title race. They absolutely will, though, if they carry over to the Champions League.

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  The Winner: Mathys Tel

  In a squad of players much older and experienced than him, the 17-year-old stood above the rest.

  Despite his age, Tel was significantly more involved on the ball than the other Bayern Munich forwards. He took his first shot in the 30th minute, then tried again in the 39th minute and it was much better, putting the hosts 1-0 in front.

  At the beginning, he stayed pushed forward on the right wing too often to prevent Borna Sosa's attacking exploits but improved in that respect as the match went on.

  A great starting XI debut.

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  The Loser: Tiago Tomas

  The Stuttgart striker, who impressed last season, really struggled. He only touched the ball 11 times in the first half – and lost it on four occasions. He was substituted at half-time as the visitors looked for a more direct attacking outlet.

  Also poor: Konstantinos Mavropanos. Despite winning the ball before Stuttgart made it 1-1, he was otherwise off the pace of the match.

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  Bayern Munich Ratings: Defence

  Manuel Neuer (6/10):

  He saved a dangerous open play effort, which he had to parry. He didn't always look very satisfied with his defenders and made that clear a few times. Helpless when it came to the late penalty.

  Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

  Grew into the game. While he was cautious to start with, he gradually dared to get forward more as the game continued. Got the assist for Bayern's second goal.

  Dayot Upamecano – (8/10):

  As he has been all season, he was assured and didn't make any mistakes. He spent plenty more time on the ball than De Ligt. It's been a big improvement for him from last year.

  Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):

  A rather quiet performance in the heart of the defence until the latter stages. He conceded the penalty which cost Bayern two points after stepping on Guirassy's foot in the box.

  Alphonso Davies (6/10):

  Tried to dribble past opponents constantly but was often unable to beat his man. Defensively, he was decent but looked very anxious going forward in one-on-one situations. Made the poor pass that led to Stuttgart's first strike. His rating is boosted by his assist for the opening goal.

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  Midfield & Attack

  Joshua Kimmich (5/10):

  Far from his best. Lost the ball surprisingly often and got lucky that that Stuttgart's initial equaliser – which came from his mistake – was ruled out by VAR.

  Leon Goretzka (5/10):

  Back in the starting XI after injury and he was committed to stamping his authority on the match. However, he wasn't able to have the impact that he hoped for. He didn't see enough of the ball inside the first hour.

  Thomas Muller (4/10):

  Pressed very well as always but his attacking work was limited. He didn't have a single shot in the game despite leading the line.

  Jamal Musiala (6/10):

  Lost the ball on a number of occasions. He tried to do too much on the ball and his loss of possession led to Stuttgart's equaliser. Although, he was able to make amends for that with a brilliant goal to make it 2-1.

  Serge Gnabry (4/10):

  Like Muller, he hardly got involved throughout the game. He had four shots but only one of any significance.

  Mathys Tel (8/10):

  He was much more effective on the ball than his attacking team-mates and his goal made him Bayern's youngest ever Bundesliga goalscorer.

The Norwegian endured a frustrating evening at Signal Iduna Park but Manchester City still sealed top spot in their Champions League group.

There were smiles on both sides at the end of Borussia Dortmund's 0-0 draw with Manchester City in Germany.

The Bundesliga side got the point they needed to qualify for the knockout stages while Pep Guardiola's men guaranteed their spot among the top seeds.

However, it was a clash that won't live long in the memory, and proved a frustrating evening for Erling Haaland.

The prolific Norwegian striker failed to have a meaningful shot on his first return to Signal Iduna Park, while Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty for the second successive Champions League game.

Below, GOAL runs through the winners and losers from a dour draw…

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  The Winners

  Stefan Ortega Moreno:

  Pep Guardiola likes to throw in the odd selection head-scratcher and giving the German goalkeeper his debut at Dortmund was a surprise. The City boss confirmed Ederson wasn’t injured but only added that Moreno “had to play” after being forced to wait two-and-a-half months for first team action. Ortega looked more than comfortable with the ball at his feet, particularly when Dortmund tried to put him under pressure and City’s build-up was uninterrupted in starting from the back. And when the home side got a glimpse of goal, he stood strong, shovelling away one Karim Adeyemi effort and keeping out another from Gio Reyna. 

  Pep Guardiola:

  Group G’s top spot was the main target from City’s trip to Germany so, from that perspective, it was mission accomplished for the Premier League champions. It perhaps hasn’t been secured in the dominant way that the City boss will have wanted with back-to-back lacklustre goalless draws. But the Champions League can be forgotten about until February, when City will again be among the top seeds for the last 16. And with a hectic pre-World Cup schedule over the next fortnight, the matchday-six clash with Sevilla next week will be another chance to rest key players and give an opportunity to fringe players.

  Manuel Akanji:

  The player to leave Dortmund for City in the summer but the one who made more of an impact. Indeed, it shows what a quick impact Akanji has made that he was initially rested for this game with more important Premier League matches on the horizon. But with Dortmund pulling City defenders out of position in the first half, Guardiola decided to rejig his backline. Akanji was flawless as he stepped in at right-back and one strong and perfectly-timed tackle on Gio Reyna showed his commitment to his new side.

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  The Losers

  Erling Haaland:

  It wasn’t quite the dream return to Dortmund that Haaland wanted as he lasted just 45 minutes without making much of an impression. All eyes were on the Norwegian striker has played in front of the Yellow Wall for the first time since his £51 million ($63m) summer switch that has seen him just continue his incredible goal record. But the home fans were desperate to see him draw a blank, with huge cheer for Mats Hummels when his lunging tackle stopped Haaland racing in on goal early in the game. That was about as close as he came as City struggled to cut open the Bundesliga side and the experiment of playing alongside Julian Alvarez failed to pay dividends.

  Riyad Mahrez:

  It might be some time before the Algerian winger is back on penalty duty as the back-up to Haaland. Had he converted a spot-kick in Copenhagen a fortnight ago, there would have been nothing at stake in this game for City. And the night would have been over much earlier had his penalty been saved again, this time Gregor Kobel guessing right by diving to his right. Mahrez won the penalty himself by jinking inside Emre Can, but for a player that finished last season as City’s top scorer, he’s lost his touch in front of goal.

  Leicester:

  With five matches over the next 18 matches, Pep Guardiola decided to use his squad depth with knockout qualification already secured. The City boss made six changes from the side that beat Brighton 3-1 with Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte and Ederson all sitting out the clash. On top of that Haaland, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Manuel Akanji only played for 45 minutes in Germany. If Brendan Rodgers was hoping the Premier League champions might be tired after their midweek trip, Guardiola has done his best to keep his players as fresh as possible. 

• Ratings: Defence

  Stefan Ortega Moreno (8/10):

  Very impressive debut, both with the ball at his feet and dealing with any shots from the home side.

  John Stones (6/10):

  His first start in five weeks and was occasionally caught out of position, playing Adeyemi onside for one quick break before switching back into the middle.

  Ruben Dias (6/10):

  Solid in the centre of defence and organised the backline when Dortmund threatened from dead-ball situations.

  Nathan Ake (6/10):

  Could have been closer to Cancelo to stop the threat down the right but was strong when the ball came close.

  Joao Cancelo (6/10):

  Was a threat going forward but was also isolated defensively and Dortmund’s most dangerous moments came down his side before he was taken off. 

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• Midfield

  Rodri (7/10):

  Another enjoyable scrap with rising star Jude Bellingham where neither came out on top but showed why they are two of the best midfielders in the world.

  Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):

  Neat and tidy as he tried to link the attacks but Dortmund were determined to get men behind the ball.

  Phil Foden (6/10):

  Took up some promising positions but his final pass was missing particularly when he tried to find Haaland.

The Brazil international headed home the only goal of the game as the Blaugrana hung on after Ronald Araujo's red card

Raphinha's first-half goal was enough for Barcelona to see off Valencia at home and extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 10 points, at least for a few hours.

Barca wasted no time asserting themselves on the game, and Raphinha handed the Blaugrana the lead inside 20 minutes, meeting Sergio Busquets' chip with a deft header.

Ferran Torres should have doubled Barcelona's lead in the second half, but clanged a spot-kick off the post after 54 minutes.

Barca then handed Valencia a further lifeline after Ronald Araujo was sent off for dragging Hugo Duro down as he ran through on goal.

Xavi's side, though, turned in a measured showing for the final 30 minutes, grinding out a 1-0 home win that could go a long way to helping them seal the title.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Camp Nou…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Marc Andre ter Stegen (6/10):

  Almost gave up a goal with a lax clearance. Didn't have a save to make.

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  His poor header doomed Araujo to a straight red card.

  Ronald Araujo (4/10):

  Shown a straight red card for dragging Duro down as he ran through on goal.

  Andreas Christensen (7/10):

  Won his headers, passed well. Crucial in seeing off late pressure.

  Alejandro Balde (7/10):

  Another fantastic performance from the youngster, scampering up and down the left with ease.

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  Midfield

  Sergi Roberto (7/10):

  Another impressive shift from a reliable player, a few days after penning a new deal.

  Sergio Busquets (7/10):

  Assisted Raphinha's opener with a wonderful chip over the Valencia back line. Tackled well, although looked slightly exposed as Valencia started to push for an equaliser.

  Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

  An agreeable 45 minutes, although some of his decision-making going forward was lacking. Removed at half-time, likely a pre-planned sub.

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  Attack

  Ansu Fati (4/10):

  Handed his second Liga start in a row, but miscued a header from seven yards out, which pretty much encapsulates his struggles this year. Hit the post in the second half. Sacrificed after an hour for a centre-back after Araujo was sent off.

  Ferran Torres (6/10):

  Missed a penalty that should have doubled his team's lead.

  Raphinha (8/10):

  Opened the scoring with a well-taken header. Was Barca's most consistent threat otherwise, picking up the slack with Robert Lewandowski out.

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• Subs & Manager

  Franck Kessie (6/10):

  Won the ball a lot, but wasn't composed enough in possession.

  Marcos Alonso (6/10):

  Centre-back cover for Araujo, not exactly convincing.

  Eric Garcia (6/10):

  Brought on for extra legs as Barca held on.

  Angel Aracon (N/A):

  Only introduced for the final five minutes.

  Xavi (6/10):

  Went with his strongest XI after a tiring Clasico on Thursday. Barca were far from their best, but they picked up an important home win.

Salah's 183rd Reds goal was the difference at Anfield, and moves him level with Robbie Fowler on the club's all-time scoring list.

Liverpool may still be nowhere near as convincing as they would like to be, but boy do they have a special player in Mohamed Salah.

The Reds' Egyptian King, as he has been so often, was decisive at Anfield here, his 70th-minute goal enough to finally see off Nottingham Forest and keep Liverpool's Champions League qualification hopes flickering. It also moves Salah level with Robbie Fowler on the club's all-time scoring list.

With a scoreline of 3-2, this game was as nervy as it sounds. Liverpool led twice through Diogo Jota, whose goalscoring resurgence continues, but Forest twice hit back through deflected strikes, first from ex-Red Neco Williams and then from Morgan Gibbs-White.

But with Anfield tense, up popped Salah, steering home a Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick in front of the Kop. Goal No.183 of a quite remarkable spell on Merseyside, and enough to give his team a precious, and hard-fought, three points.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Anfield…

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  WINNER: Mohamed Salah

  It had to be him. Had to be.

  We've become used to Salah making history at Liverpool. He does it on an almost weekly basis, and now he's busy taking records off another Anfield great, Robbie Fowler.

  At Leeds he became the Premier League's all-time leading scorer of left-footed goals, surpassing Fowler's record of 106, and here he moved level with the former Reds' No.9, the man they call 'God', as the sixth highest goalscorer in the club's history.

  Fowler was a magnificent centre-forward and a clinical finisher, but his 183 strikes came in 369 matches – Salah's have arrived in 298, and been accompanied by 69 assists and every major trophy possible. If that doesn't speak to his greatness, nothing will.

  Most importantly, for Salah and for Liverpool, his goal here delivered three precious points in their push for a top-four finish. The Reds were pretty ordinary for much of this contest, but in Salah they have a quite extraordinary goalscorer, one who has powered their charge for the last six years, and who is showing little sign of slowing down any time soon.

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  LOSER: Liverpool's defence

  At half-time here, you'd have gotten good odds on this game ending up as a five-goal thriller.

  'Sterile dominance' might be the best way of describing the opening 45 minutes, Liverpool boasting more than 80 percent possession but testing Forest only through set-plays, with the visitors seemingly content to sit and sit and sit, waiting for something to fall their way.

  It was different after the break. Jota broke the deadlock – a set-piece, of course – but the goal didn't settle Liverpool. Instead, they lost their composure, and their way, pretty badly. Their centre-backs, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, were unnerved by Taiwo Awoniyi's physical presence, and Forest were able to cause chaos by getting Orel Mangala to launch a series of quite remarkable long-throws into the Liverpool box. Rory Delap eat your heart out.

  Forest got a bit of luck with their goals, deflections off Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold doing for Alisson Becker, but Jurgen Klopp will be concerned, to say the least, at the way in which a struggling side, one that had scored only five away goals all season prior to today, was able to rattle his team on their home turf.

  A dominant defensive display this most certainly was not. Fortunately, the forwards did their job.

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  WINNER: Diogo Jota

  Insert standard line about London Buses here, hey?

  Having waited more than a year for a Liverpool goal, Diogo Jota has four in the space of five days now, following up his brace at Leeds with another here.

  Different goals, too. A striker's goals. There was a poacher's effort to break the deadlock, heading in from close range after Fabinho had nodded the ball goalwards, and then a top-class second, controlling Andy Robertson's free-kick before swivelling to volley home low across Keylor Navas. Fowler-style, that one.

  Amazing what a goal can do for a player's confidence, isn't it? Jota looked lost for half an hour at Elland Road, but his perseverance has brought rewards, and the standing ovation he got here when substituted said it all.

  Liverpool's No.20 is back, and that should bring a big smile to Klopp's face.

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  LOSER: Newcastle and Spurs

  All eyes on St James' Park Sunday, then.

  Liverpool remain very much outsiders for Champions League qualification, but they have at least kept up the heat on those ahead of them in the race. Back-to-back wins, something of a rarity in this campaign, mean the Reds are up to seventh in the table, and only six points behind fourth-placed Newcastle.

  The Magpies, then, go into their game with Tottenham, fifth, under a little bit of pressure. They know that Liverpool have history when it comes to digging out a strong finish to a league season, and any slip up on Tyneside now could be costly, with only seven games remaining after this weekend.

  For Liverpool, four of those are at Anfield, a significant factor, perhaps, in the run-in? They're chasing again, and you know what happens when Klopp's side get the bit between their teeth…

Paris Saint-Germain's main men delivered as the Ligue 1 leaders comfortably put away Lens at Parc de Princes on Saturday.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe starred in attack, each finding the net, as PSG's trio of first-half strikes lifted them past second-placed Lens – and likely sealed their title hopes with a 3-1 win.

Mbappe opened the scoring for the home side, completing a flowing team move with a guided shot into the bottom corner. Vitinha added a second 10 minutes later, lashing one in from 30 yards.

Messi got involved for the third, latching onto Mbappe's back-heel before finding the bottom corner to put the game beyond sight shortly before half time.

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The duo have now combined for 23 goals this year, and this was perhaps the most important, a decisive third to put a potential title decider well out of sight. This win does not solve the litany of problems the Parisians face. But it should just about wrap up their 11th Ligue 1 crown.

GOAL rates PSG's players from Parc des Princes…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

  Forced into a big save inside two minutes. Sent the wrong way on Lens' penalty. Had little to do otherwise.

  Marquinhos (6/10):

  Forced into some defensive work to deal with the rapid Lois Openda. Much better after a poor showing last week.

  Sergio Ramos (7/10):

  Not the player he once was, but can still thrive in slower-paced games like this.

  Danilo Pereira (6/10):

  Was consistently targeted by the Lens attack – and looked vulnerable.

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  Midfield

  Achraf Hakimi (5/10):

  Went down under a horrific challenge, but carried on. Struggled to impact the game at either end; he's been far short of his best in recent weeks.

  Carlos Soler (5/10):

  Allegedly on the pitch.

  Vitinha (7/10):

  Banged one in from 30 yards out for his first PSG goal. Also assisted Mbappe. An encouraging showing from an oft-criticised player.

  Fabian Ruiz (5/10):

  Gave away a silly penalty with a needless handball. Was mostly tidy in midfield otherwise.

  Nuno Mendes (7/10):

  Almost scored a ridiculous goal after a mazy run downfield. One of PSG's most obvious attacking threats.

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  Attack

  Lionel Messi (8/10):

  Bagged PSG's third after a lovely link-up with Mbappe. Spent the rest of the game dribbling about and doing pretty things.

  Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

  Opened the scoring with a classy finish, becoming PSG's all-time Ligue 1 goalscorer in the process. Assisted Messi. Had a few other chances, and was perhaps unlucky not to grab one or two more.

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  Subs & Manager

  Juan Bernat (6/10):

  Relieved Mendes after 75 minutes. Showed he can still have a role to play as a back-up.

  Warren Zaire-Emery (6/10):

  A brief cameo from an ever-improving teenager.

  Christophe Galtier (7/10):

  Few surprises in the XI ahead for one of the biggest contests of the year. PSG looked in trouble very early, but put the game beyond doubt with three first-half strikes. Galtier celebrated each goal with the vigour of a manager who knows his job is saved – for now.

How to watch and stream Southampton vs Bournemouth in the Premier League on TV and online in the United States.

Southampton and Bournemouth are all set to lock horns in a crucial Premier League clash at St. Mary's Stadium on Thursday.

▶Watch Southampton vs Bournemouth live on BT Sport today!

Rock-bottom side Southampton will seek confidence from their draw against league leaders Arsenal last week. The Saints were on the verge of pulling off a miracle as they had a two-goal lead until the 88th minute of the match, but the Gunners scored two late goals to snatch a point.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are on the back of a shock 4-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham. They will aim to get back to winning ways as they are currently 15th on the league table, five points above the relegation zone.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the U.S., as well as how to stream it live online.

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  Kick-off time

  Game:	Southampton vs Bournemouth
  Date:	April 27, 2023
  Kick-off:	2:45 pm ET
  Venue:	St. Mary's Stadium

  The game is scheduled for April 27, at Emirates Stadium. It will kick off at 3.45 pm ET in the USA.

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  How to watch Southampton vs Bournemouth on TV & live stream online

  In theUnited States (USA), the game can be live-streamed onPeacock Premium.

  Country	TV Channel	Live stream
  US	N/A	Peacock Premium

  Check out GOAL's Soccer on US TV guide

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  Team news & squads

  Bournemouth team news

  Ryan Fredericks and Junior Stanislas are set to miss the clash due to injuries while Hamed Traore remains doubtful for the game.

  Southampton loanee Jack Stephens is ineligible to face his parent club.

  Bournemouth possible XI: Neto; Smith, Mepham, Senesi, Kelly; Tavernier, Lerma, Rothwell, Ouattara; Billing; Solanke

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Neto, Travers, Randolph
  Defenders	Kelly, Mepham, Vina, Stacey, Smith, Lerma
  Midfielders	Billing, Tavernier, Cook, Rothwell, Christie
  Forwards	Anthony, Ouattara, Solanke, Semenyo, Moore

  Southampton team news

  Southampton will miss the services of Che Adams, Mohammed Salisu, Juan Larios and Valentino Livramento due to injuries while Jan Bednarek remains doubtful for the clash after he suffered a neck injury against Arsenal.

  Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set to return to the matchday squad after missing the Arsenal clash as he was ineligible to play against his parent club.

  Southampton possible XI: Bazunu; Maitland-Niles, Caleta-Car, Bella-Kotchap, Walker-Peters; Ward-Prowse, Lavia; Elyounoussi, Alcaraz, A. Armstrong; Walcott

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers:	Bazunu, McCarthy, Cabellero
  Defenders:	Caleta-Car, Lyanco, Perraud, Bree, Bella-Kotchap
  Midfielders:	Lavia, Diallo, Ward-Prowse, Alcaraz, S. Armstrong, Aribo, Sulemana, Elyounoussi, Djenepo, Edozie, Walcott, Maitland-Niles
  Forwards:	A. Armstrong, Onuachu, Mara

  Head-to-head record

  Date	Result	Competition
  22/10/2022	Bournemouth 0-1 Southampton	Premier League
  20/03/2021	Bournemouth 0-3 Southampton	FA Cup
  17/07/2020	Bournemouth 0-2 Southampton	Premier League
  21/09/2019	Southampton 1-3 Bournemouth	Premier League
  27/04/2019	Southampton 3-3 Bournemouth	Premier League

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  Useful links

  • Bournemouth team page
  • Southampton team page
  • Live soccer on U.S. TV

GOAL takes a look at how the U.S. could line up in the Gold Cup semifinal, with interim coach B.J. Callaghan having some big calls to make.

And we're back. The U.S. men's national team may still be feeling the effects of their Gold Cup quarterfinal win over Canada, a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of action that led to a brawl for the ages. After a week between group stage and knockout games, the U.S. now has less than 72 hours between their quarterfinal and semifinal matches.

What a weird tournament, huh?

Because of that short turnaround, B.J. Callaghan has some decisions to make for Wednesday night's clash with Panama. Does he need to rotate after the energy-sapping Canada game? Does he have one eye on the final, hoping to give a few players a chance to recover? Can the U.S. even afford to think that way?

That's one part of Callaghan's lineup problem. The other is tactics. Indeed, a switch against Canada would've offered a look at what the best possible version of this USMNT could look like, one with both Jesus Ferreira and Brandon Vazquez on the field. It didn't happen. Both have scored plenty in this tournament and earned their spot, but can Callaghan find a way to get them both into the XI?

We've reached the big games of this tournament and, thus far, Callaghan has gotten just about everything right. Now, though, he must strike a difficult balance that could, ultimately, determine the USMNT's place in the final.

GOAL takes a look at how the U.S. could line up against Panama…

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  GK: Matt Turner

  No need to waste time here: the USMNT's shootout hero is starting. He's the No.1, for this team and the main team, and will play every minute going forward, if fit and healthy.

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  RB: Bryan Reynolds

  One of the more difficult calls with the short turnaround, and Callaghan could definitely go with the veteran DeAndre Yedlin here.

  But what do we learn from that? We know all about Yedlin, but we're still in the learning phase with Reynolds. His legs should be fresh enough to go again, even if that means taking him out for Yedlin later on if necessary.

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  CB: Miles Robinson

  He's not fit to do 120 minutes, but 90 is manageable. The question is, is he fit enough to play twice in just a few days.

  Callaghan has taken it easy with Robinson, and rightfully so considering his injury. If he's up for it, he's a starter but if he isn't quite ready, look for Matt Miazga to slot in here.

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  CB: Jalen Neal

  He survived the win over Canada without a yellow card, which means he's free to play going forward.

  There's still question marks over his involvement, however, with Neal having played a lot of minutes this tournament, perhaps more than anyone could have expected. The good news is he was taken out in the 73rd against Canada, meaning he won't have as many miles in his legs as some of his teammates. Because of that, he could, and probably should, start.

The Blues have found the net just five times in four games this season, with echoes of the goal-scoring woes that plagued them throughout 2022-23

There was an alarming sense of deja vu at Stamford Bridge during and after Chelsea's woeful home defeat to Nottingham Forest before the international break; confronted by an inferior opponent and dominating the ball, the Blues were bereft of creativity and blunt in attack. Their profligacy was encapsulated by an inexplicable and inexcusable miss by striker Nicolas Jackson, who ballooned the ball into row Z from all of four yards out with just seven minutes left on the clock.

Chelsea's struggles in front of goal became infamous throughout a nightmarish 2022-23 season. The campaign was characterised by agonising home losses to relatively weaker opposition, and failing to put the ball in the back of the net was as much to blame as a leaky defence.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has a huge job on his hands to get the attacking formula right, with the pressure already mounting after two defeats in just four league games. GOAL assesses his options before domestic action resumes…

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  Time for a change of shape

  Pochettino has built his reputation on playing a fluid, attacking 4-2-3-1 formation throughout his managerial career to date, but since arriving at Chelsea he has discarded that shape in favour of a defensive 3-4-2-1.

  Although this Chelsea squad will have grown accustomed to playing three at the back under the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, it's a decision that has almost certainly been motivated by an untimely pre-season knee injury to new signing Christopher Nkunku, who would have been earmarked for the No.10 role behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1.

  It's already evident that the west Londoners are sorely missing the Frenchman, who was a goal-contribution machine in his time with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, but the £42.5 million ($53m) capture of Cole Palmer from Manchester City represents a more-than adequate mitigation.

  He looked sharp on his debut floating about between the lines, suggesting a change of shape to a 4-2-3-1 with him in the hole could help to unlock the Chelsea attack.

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  Less caution in the midfield

  A defensive set-up and a lack of creativity from the midfield has been a big part of the problem for the Blues, with Pochettino most recently opting to deploy Enzo Fernandez alongside £115m ($143m) signing Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher – none of whom are known for their attacking output.

  Enzo has started the season in fine form, but he is perhaps better suited to the role of the midfield orchestrator in Pochettino's fluid system, ahead of a defensive midfielder like Caicedo and behind a would-be goal-scoring No.10 such as Palmer.

  A change of personnel would lend itself to that new formation, with Gallagher – who has toiled during Chelsea's early-season struggles – dropping to the bench.

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  Onus on the wingers

  Chelsea rely heavily on their wide players to supply goals and assists, but only Raheem Sterling has looked anything close to his best since the start of the new campaign. Carney Chukwuemeka was getting better with every game, but a knee injury of his own has ruled him out of contention.

  Pochettino will require and demand more, then, of both Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk – both of whom have made somewhat understated starts to the season. The former has been eased back in after a busy but successful summer with England at the Under-21 Euros, while Mudryk still looks bereft of confidence in competitive action despite an encouraging pre-season during which he finally registered his first goal.

  The best course of action may be to launch them into the deep end and let them play their way into form. Chukwuemeka's injury has freed up space on the left-wing, and a formational tweak could be what it takes to get the best out of the pair of tricky wide men.

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  Armando Broja's moment?

  Another option for Pochettino is Chelsea's forgotten man: Armando Broja.

  The young striker has returned to partial full training as he enters the final stages of his recovery from an ACL injury picked up during the World Cup break in late 2022, before which he was getting regular minutes under Tuchel and Potter.

  Although he wasn't prolific in that brief period in and around the first-team, Broja should feel like a new signing when he eventually makes his comeback, and he provides much-needed depth and competition behind Jackson.

  The academy product showed that he can cut it in the Premier League on loan at Southampton in 2021-22, and if he can build some confidence and momentum he could become a very useful weapon.

  Speaking recently, Pochettino said of the striker: "He’s close but sometimes you are close but still the last step is always difficult after the injury that he suffered. He is training well, we have hope also."

Gabriel Martinelli is “not ruled out” of the north London derby, with Arsenal still hoping to have him at their disposal against Tottenham.

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• Brazilian winger forced off against Everton
• Sat out Champions League clash with PSV
• Could return to action in Spurs meeting

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian winger was considered to be a major doubt for a grudge match against Spurs at Emirates Stadium on Sunday after being forced off against Everton after just 24 minutes. He then played no part in a 4-0 Champions League win over PSV.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Martinelli has been nursing a hamstring complaint, but Mikel Arteta told reporters when asked for a fitness update on his squad ahead of a crunch clash with local rivals: “Thomas Partey is still out. The rest are available but there aren't any other big issues. Gabi [Martinelli], we are still assessing him. He is not ruled out at this stage.”

• WHAT THEY SAID

  While facing a big selection call on Martinelli, Arsenal have another to make between the sticks. David Raya has been favoured as first-choice goalkeeper in the club’s last two games, with Arteta saying of how England international Aaron Ramsdale has reacted to that decision: “I care about every player that isn't playing, but it's my job to make a decision in the best possible way for the team. He's been supportive and great around the place, that's what I expect from my players. So far he has been really good. Am I comfortable [making the decision]? I'm not sure. In your stomach it's hard. When players don't play it's difficult. You want them to feel wanted but it's tough. We have seen how important it is for everybody to feature over the season.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Arsenal have made an impressive start to the 2023-24 campaign, taking 13 points from their opening five Premier League games, and have been boosted by the news that talismanic club captain Martin Odegaard has signed a new contract.

Gio Reyna was left on the bench for the second straight game as Borussia Dortmund narrowly defeated Wolfsburg 1-0.

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• Dortmund win 1-0 courtesy of Reus goal
• Gio Reyna left on bench once again
• USMNT star yet to appear this season

Reyna was named on the bench for the second time this season, with the U.S. international also an unused sub in his side's defeat to PSG in the Champions League on September 19. There was hope that this time around we would see the attacker come off the bench and make his 2023-24 Bundesliga debut, but the wait goes on as he was unable to play a part in the 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg.

The 20-year-old has missed the start of the season, as well as the September international friendlies, after picking up a leg injury over the summer while on USMNT duty. With six days until Dortmund are back in action, there's now even more time for Reyna to prepare for what will surely be his first competitive minutes of the season.

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After a bleak first 45 minutes that saw the two sides go into the half-time break goalless, Dortmund legend Marco Reus came up big for the Black and Yellow with his second goal of the season. At 34 years old, the German has yet to slow down, putting up a massive midfield performance Saturday afternoon. Indeed, the strike proved to be the difference that earned his side all three points.

  Wolfsburg failed to really trouble the hosts, with Dortmund super-sub Donyell Malen arriving in the 63rd minute to lift the tempo. Workhorse Julian Brandt nearly scored a second in stoppage time and although it was unconvincing, they got the job done.

  The result marked their third win of the campaign and they have yet to fall in the Bundesliga this season.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dortmund have struggled to look like the dominant side that nearly won the Bundesliga last campaign so far this season, with the Wolfsburg game adding to to the list of unconvincing performances. Regardless, the Black and Yellow took all three points and have their third win of the league season under their belt.

  Gio Reyna was left as an unused substitute for the second straight match this week, with the USMNT star also on the bench against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

  After falling out of the starting XI last campaign, Reyna struggled with injuries but still ended as Dortmund's fifth-highest scorer. His pending return is a massive positive for Edin Terzic's side.

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  USMNT IMPACT

  Reyna's return to the pitch is obviously going to be a win for Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT, especially with two October friendlies against Germany and Ghana on the horizon. Considering the 20-year-old's last competitive match was way back in June, a 2-0 win over Canada, he's surely buzzing to get back out there and prove himself. It also presents an opportunity for Berhalter to rekindle his relationship with Reyna.

  However, Gio needs game time before anything else at the moment. In a match where Dortmund held a narrow 1-0 lead to close out the second-half, he was disappointingly left unused on the bench.

  Essentially, though, as he returns to fitness and the more minutes Reyna plays, the happier U.S. Soccer will be.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  One would hope that Reyna would now be in contention to get minutes against Hoffenheim on September 29 before the Black and Yellow have a midweek Champions League clash against AC Milan on October 4.