All Eyes on Manchester 🩵❤️

Hail GFOP! 

I type with fingers buoyed by the magical restorative powers of Bournemouth’s sun and seaside air. It is 4 a.m. English time, but I am buzzing after witnessing the Miracle of the Golden War Cherries with my own eyes. We are here to make a film about this incredible club, which will air on our TV show May 10. This club—with the third-smallest wage bill in the Premier League and an 11,306-capacity home ground (there are 71 high school football stadia in Texas that are bigger), who were slumped in the lowest levels of league football on the brink of bankruptcy in 2008—are somehow within touching distance of Europe. Whatever happens for the rest of the season, watching them shatter tired-pundits’ conventional wisdom in an audacious, footballing front-foot style has been borderline alchemic to witness. Thanks to Virgin Atlantic for getting us there in style.

If you support a team outside of the Top Six, this story has probably inspired you. I have found it as emotionally moving as watching the Ewoks win the Battle of Endor, especially as it is propelled by the visionary ownership of American Bill Foley, and the managerial genius of Murakami-fan, Andoni Iraola, whom I admire so greatly. I interviewed both, and experienced the opening of a brand new $48 million state-of-the-art training center, which will hopefully lay the foundation for this surge to be more than a one-off. 

Above all, it is so unbelievably beautiful down here. An area of England with its own microclimate, in which the sun actually appears. I spent yesterday afternoon on the beach with my friend, Tyler Adams. I spoke to Justin Kluivert, who talked about no-look penalties and marveled at Tyler’s natural leadership. I also ate one of the best meals I’ve had so far in 2025, the haddock and chips at the locally-iconic Chez Fred. The real joy of the trip, however, has been meeting so many American fans who've said how easy it is to fly to London and pop down to the South Coast. This includes Kelly Gelsomino, who traveled from San Diego with her family to experience the team her dad, Tony Powell, played for in the 1970s. A very different team, a very different time, but a profound familial connection that is the best of football. 🍒

ii. Before I left for England, I had the joy of speaking with 18-year-old Arsenal sensation Myles Lewis Skelly, and Declan Rice. The duo were magic and will make you feel good about life. My favorite comment comes from @redheadredemption1573 who wrote, “Step aside, LeBron. THIS is the best father-son duo in sports!” 🔫

iii. My conversation with Ed Sheeran is on Network NBC this weekend: Sunday, 2 p.m. ET after the Manchester Derby. It is legitimately life-affirming as Ed talks about finding the golden moments in a very difficult season. Life truths. 🚜

iv. Here is the Big One: SAM MEWIS AND I ARE DOING A MANNING CAST FOR THE USWNT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 5! 🇺🇸🇧🇷 Join us tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET on TruTV and MAX as we provide alternate commentary for Emma Hayes and Co.’s clash with Brazil. This is a live stream of us watching and discussing the game (which you’ll also be able to see and comment on, and be part of the broadcast), along with some very special guests – like NWSL all-time leading scorer and Good Vibes FC co-host, Lynn Biyendolo. Let’s never take a second of watching football together for granted. 🍺

News from MiB World HQ 📡

It was another loaded week here at MiB HQ and we’ve got even more great conversations across our ever-growing network for you to enjoy at your watching or listening leisure. On the pod, my friend and yours, Rory Smith, who as our live Atlanta crowd found out is much taller than he looks on a laptop screen, enlightened me on what Trent Alexander-Arnold's impending transfer to Real Madrid really means to Liverpool fans, plus the importance of the FA Cup. And over on VAMOS, Presented by Michelob ULTRA, Herc had a brilliant exchange with LAFC fullback, Ryan Hollingshead. They covered both his MLS career and potentially playing in the Club World Cup this summer, so tune into that immediately (or once you’ve finished reading this newsletter). 😏

ii. Never fear, because The Women’s Game is always here, busy and bustling as ever. On top of Good Vibes FC with Becky Sauerbrunn, Sam was also joined by Lili Jones for a Wrexham special. Lili wasn’t only a fan favorite on Welcome To Wrexham, she’s also the scorer of what club owner and GFOP Ryan Reynolds called “one of the best goals ever,” which is something not many of us no one else can say, really. This is very important viewing, because as well as chatting about the rise of Wrexham and the club’s emphasis on women’s football, Lili blows Sam’s mind by speaking in her native tongue, Welsh. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

iii. Last, but never, ever least, is our very own Fabrizio Romano, whose branch on the MiB tree continues to grow with the launch of his new YouTube channel, Here We Go. You can watch the first video episode now, where Fabrizio beautifully guides us through Arsenal’s upcoming “big summer” with the appointment of new sporting director, Andrea Berta. Subscribe because there will be another new episode dropping imminently. 📲

P.S. These are the job postings we have open here at MiB. We are looking to do good things with great people, which we can only assume you are if you’re reading this. Come and join us. 📊

To the Football 🍻

Everton vs. Arsenal (Saturday, 7:30 a.m. ET, USA)

Ex-Blue Mikel Arteta goes again once more at Goodison Park for old times sake. Everton will be shattered in this early kick off following a narrow defeat in Wednesday’s Merseyside derby. Arsenal should take advantage, but this is the best of times, the worst of times, for their fans.

The good: Beautiful Bukayo is back after 101 days out with a hamstring knock. It took him just six minutes and 36 seconds to find the back of the net amidst joyous scenes of delirium. The bad: The backline is devastated by injuries with Gabriel the latest to limp off, he needs season-ending surgery on his hamstring with the Champions League quarter-final dance of death against Real Madrid looming. Here’s a feel-good stat for you Gooners: Arsenal have 102 league wins against Everton, the most wins any team has against an opponent in English league history. 

Rogstradamus 🔮: I see a darkness. Arsenal 2-0. Just putting it out there in the universe to ward off my worst fears. I think this Everton fan mugging off Curtis Jones might just be our biggest win of the season.

Man United vs. Man City (Sunday, 11:30 a.m. ET, Peacock/NBC Sports) 

This 196th Manchester derby pits the two most successful Premier League teams against each other, both looking like a Xerox of a Xerox of themselves. City are attempting to stumble over the Champions League qualifying place-line with Erling Haaland out injured. Ruben Amorim seems ever more like a manager on a brink rather than the savvy young tactical savior he was 154 days ago when he arrived. Is the old platitude that “Form is besides the point when it comes to a derby” relevant when neither team has demonstrated any sustained kind of form at all?  

Rogstradamus 🔮: United fans, they can never take away the memory of that storming come-from-behind 2-1 win in the reverse fixture, with both goals being struck after the 88th minute. United 0 - Marmoush 2.

More: Kevin De Bruyne confirms Manchester City exit in summer after starry decade

Crystal Palace vs. Brighton (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Peacock) 

The oddest derby in English football. Brighton hope for their first league double since 1932-33 in Third Division South. Incredible statistic: Palace had not conceded in seven straight games, but did so the moment U.S. international Chris Richards was out for the last game against Brighton. Indeed Palace gleaned an average 2.03 points per game with Alabama’s finest in the team, compared to only 1.1 without him. He should be back. Roll Tide. 

Rogstradamus 🔮: Up the Palace and mean it. 2-1.

Ipswich Town vs. Wolves (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, USA)

The Relegation Zone Final Countdown. Ipswich were brilliantly ruthless on the Liam Delap-fueled counter-attack to win at Bournemouth midweek and snap a 10-match Premier League winless run. Work out how to emerge victorious here, and they are just six points behind Wolves. Lose, and death is certain. 

Rogstradamus 🔮: I hate this vision. Wolves 2-1. Ipswich suffer the cuddliest relegation season of all-time. Their fans were AMAZING at Bournemouth on Wednesday night, by the way. Huge numbers on a late-night game, despite the long drive home. What a joyous bunch of human beings. 

Aston Villa vs. Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 12:30 a.m. ET, USA)

The redemption of Marcus Rashford goes on. Three goals in the last two games for Marcus has underlined Aston Villa’s January transfer-fueled six-game unbeaten surge, propelling Unai Emery’s boys back towards the Champions League places, with an FA Cup semi-final and Champions League quarter-final clash against PSG already loading. This is the odd Midlands Derby in which both teams are experiencing near ecstasy. Forest continue to thunder back towards Champions League football for the first time in 45 years. A win this weekend would be their 18th in the league this season, equalling their total from the past two campaigns combined. These are days of miracle and wonder.

Rogstradamus 🔮: Asensio on it. Villa continue to surge. 2-1. 

Tottenham vs. Southampton (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, Peacock)

Southampton could be relegated this weekend—the earliest relegation of all time—but somehow Tottenham feels worse. How long can this 16-defeat-filled tortuous season of Ange Postecoglou suffering go on? In possibly the most Spursy moment of all time, during Thursday night’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, the Tottenham fans sang “You don’t know what you’re doing” at their own manager. Sarr scored and Big Ange cupped his hand to his ear, calling out his own supporters, only for the goal to be VAR’d off. There are fan protests incoming and only the Europa Cup can save Ange. Trouble is, Everton seem about as likely to win that trophy as he does. A season of lost faith, shattered dreams, and a sweet, naive man left exposed as a heat shield to endure the torment in agony. 

Rogstradamus 🔮: Tyler Dibling adds to the torture looking like the most Ange-player on the field in a shock 2-1 Saints win. 

Fulham vs. Liverpool (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, Peacock)

Arne Slot’s season of jeopardy-free title wonder rolls on. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 26 Premier League matches. Slot’s gents need just 13 points from their last eight games to guarantee a title win, after shaking off those dark losing ways with a redemptive but nervy derby victory.  

Rogstradamus 🔮: We’ve seen this movie before. Slot second half adjustments deliver 1-0 victory. Curtis Jones with the goal. Nothing to see here but relentless glory.

📺 Full broadcast schedule here.

📧 Enjoying The Raven? Check out our other Men in Blazers newsletters here.

MiB Mad Libs 📝

This week’s phrase is: “The quickest way to restore Manchester United to former glories will be to _______________”

Email me your entries. Winner gets a coveted MiB Patch. 

Last Week’s Winner: Suze Shirley

“This week’s Merseyside Derby is going to end with Everton fans still cheering about 12 February” 😘

Savor the patch, Suze. Feb 12 is the entirety of my season highlights DVD.

PrizePicks: Best PP Since Pedro Pascal ✅

Charlie Kipp writes: For the first time in 21 days, we dawn on a weekend of Premier League football. Is the relegation race settled? Probably. The title race? Almost certainly. But between the race for the up-to-nine European places and some player picks with PrizePicks, there is unquestionably more than enough to still be excited for. This week, we turn to Crystal Palace, a team which - if we ignored the first 13 matches of the season (a big ask, admittedly) - would be in the Top Four of the table. And key to their form, Eberechi Eze - who we like to hit the MORE in passes attempted department.

Eze, the 26-year-old Londoner, has been the catalyst for much of the success that Palace have experienced since December. Eight goal contributions, and only two FotMob match ratings lower than 7.1 since November, speaks to a player deserving of the first England call-up he received this past international break. If we’re being honest here, in a rivalry vs. Brighton this Saturday at 10am ET on Peackock, you can reasonably feel good about taking the more on Eze in virtually any PrizePicks category - but you know me, I love nothing more than counting some sweet, sweet passes, baby. Eze MORE on Passes Attempted.

If you haven’t joined PrizePicks, CLICK HERE and use code MiB for a first deposit match up to $100.

More Beautiful Football to Make Your Heart Sing 🌍

Wrexham vs. Burton (Saturday, 7.30 a.m. ET, Paramount+) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A 57th-minute goal from Sam Smith (not that one) saved Wrexham from an embarrassing defeat away to lowly Cambridge United midweek. They ride again Saturday against struggling Burton, a draw enough to keep them above Wycombe before the Chairboys play their game in hand on Tuesday. Optimistic stat for Phil Parkinson: In Wrexham’s last seven games, five of their opponents are ranked 12th or lower in the League, while Wycombe are set to meet six opponents still chasing play-off spots. 

AC Milan vs. Fiorentina (Saturday, 2:45 p.m. ET, Paramount+) 🇮🇹

AC Milan face their second challenge this week in their quest for European football next season. Every game feels a must-win at the moment. A draw against rivals Inter in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi finals means that path to Europe just got a lot more challenging. In the league, they remain on the periphery of Serie A’s dwindling number of European spots, one place below Saturday’s opponents – a Fiorentina side now home to former United keeper, David de Gea. With eight games remaining in Serie A, a win for either side could prove invaluable in the race to qualify. 

And: Guardiola to Milan? Gossip: AC Milan want Guardiola as future manager.

Barcelona vs. Real Betis (Saturday, 3 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 🇪🇸

Treble-chasing Barcelona come up against Sam the Eagle’s Manuel Pellegrini's flying Real Betis team, who will feel empowered by their six-match La Liga winning streak and last Sunday’s first league victory in seven years against local rivals, Sevilla. The Man of the Match in “El Grani Derbi” was Betis maestro, Isco, whose absence through suspension will be a massive miss, but luckily they also have USMNT’s Johnny Cardoso, who scored a scorcher on Sunday. League-leaders Barca are in formidable form, and their ageless striker, Robert Lewandowski, refuses to stop scoring. When Betis defeated Real Madrid recently, it gave Barcelona three points of breathing space at the top of the league - can Los Verdiblancos infiltrate the title race again?

Complete a Survey, Win Some Free Stuff

GFOPs - we are hoping for your help in conducting a survey. As a thank you for completing it, you will be entered to win a $150 gift card to World Soccer Shop, and who doesn’t want that? As a head’s up, the winner will receive the gift card via email within two weeks, rather than immediately after completing the survey. Thank you in advance, and courage!

Take the survey ⚽️

Not Football and All the Better for It 📖

• A Japanese artist creates an eraser that turns into a bald man as you use it. I wish there was a Rog one of these, I love them so much (Submitted by long time GFOP Steve Joh.)

• Sound UP: The Family Tree of Music.

• Zadie Smith on Tracy Chapman’s genius. A reminder that Tracy remains the single guest we have not had on that I would do anything to make happen. We all owe her so much. 

• Big year for worms both in and on the brain: The Worm That No Computer Scientist Can Crack.

• This is a book excerpt but it's perfect and so is the headline "On the Best Worst Best Man Speech at My Super Mario Themed Wedding".

• Finland Says It Can Teach Tourists to Be Happy. Challenge Accepted. Finland has clearly never met a Spurs supporter. 

• This Song Helped Me Through the Week: Sufjan Stevens - “Mystery of Love (Demo)” Sufjan, only Sufjan. Always Sufjan.

Dear Rog... GFOPs Write ✍️

Liz writes: Hi Rog, Long time listener, first time emailer... you got me today with dogs and football. 

Please allow me to introduce our to current loves, Luna Schweinsteiger and Mats Tuchel. 

Our lab rescue is called Luna because we have two daughters and thought maybe they should have the opportunity to name a dog. Her middle name, Schweinsteiger, was chosen not only because of the player, but also, because I challenge you to find a more satisfying name to call when you are getting annoyed and require your dog's attention. We lived in Germany for three years and quickly learned that shouting at your children, furry or otherwise, in German was entirely more effective and gratifying than doing so in English.

Our lab-ish rescue is called Mats because we are Dortmund supporters and couldn’t find the name or the player more charming. Tuchel is his middle name, as my husband is a Chelsea supporter and even I as an Arsenal supporter couldn’t help but fall in love with the quirky ways of Thomas Tuchel. 

I’ll take this opportunity to share how much MIB shapes my week. I adore your outlook on life, on football, and now, on giving dogs proper names. When I take Luna Schweinsteiger and Mats Tuchel for one of their many, many walks each day, there’s a good chance you’re right along with us in my earbuds. 

Courage, 

Liz, Luna, and Mats Weisman 

Rog writes: Liz – This email warmed my heart. The idea of you screaming “Schweinsteiger” in the park is such a beautiful one, and probably the closest you will ever get to feeling like Jose Mourinho leading Manchester United training circa 2017. It thrills me that so many of you have dogs and cats named after footballers. The spread is astonishing – Premier League players, European icons, USWNT legends – keep sending them to me. They are the greatest proof yet that we are becoming a Proper Footballing Nation™, and after the Nations League debacle, we all need that validation right now. 

Keep sending your stories and questions to [email protected].

To Better Days Ahead for All.

Let’s not take a moment watching football together for granted and make great memories,

Big Love.

Courage,

ROG