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Squad depth is key in this day and age, so Goal has taken a close look at just how well stocked the big guns really are

According to Jose Mourinho, four teams are capable of winning the Premier League this season.

"Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City B team," the Portuguese told when asked who could triumph in 2019-20. 

After winning back-to-back Premier League titles, Pep Guardiola's side are strong favourites to add another this campaign, with their squad depth further strengthened over the summer by the arrivals of Rodri and Joao Cancelo.

However, would their reserves really be capable of beating the Big Six's first-choice line-ups?

Taking injuries, potential departures before the close of the European transfer window and form into account, Goal has compiled an A and B team for every top-six club to see how Manchester City's second-string side stacks up…

Manchester City A team

The greatest side in Premier League history? After racking up a record-breaking 100 points in 2017-18, Pep Guardiola's men retained their crown last season by edging Liverpool in one of the greatest title races English football has ever seen.

City are now bidding to make it three in a row with a near-flawless line-up. Vincent Kompany's leadership will be missed at the back but the defence will be held together by the brilliant Aymeric Laporte, while Ederson is one of the game's best sweeper-keepers.

New signing Rodri should reinvigorate the midfield, Kevin De Bruyne is fit again and Raheem Sterling is just going from strength to strength, meaning the champions could actually be even stronger this season – a terrifying thought for the rest of the Premier League.

AdvertisementManchester City B team

What will scare City's rivals most, though, is the fact that their bench will once again be packed with world-class players.

Leroy Sane may be out injured until 2020 but he was by no means a guaranteed starter this season, which only serves to underline the champions' outrageous array of options.

Indeed, the likes of Sane, Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho would be regulars in almost every other side in the league.

Liverpool A team

That Liverpool didn't win the league last year says more about City's sustained excellence than any failing on the part of the Reds.

Jurgen Klopp's troops racked up a whopping 97 points, which would have been sufficient to finish top in all but two top-flight seasons.

Liverpool still ended up claiming a sixth European Cup, though, and their recent success has been founded upon a brilliant, Virgil van Dijk-led backline and the scintillating attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

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Liverpool B team

While it is often argued that Liverpool lack City's strength in depth, it is worth noting that a number of their reserves played a key role in their Champions League triumph, chief among them, Divock Origi.

James Milner is also capable of playing in nearly every position on the field, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez were both flying before suffering injuries, while Naby Keita is still expected to prove himself a world-class midfielder once he settles at Anfield.

A late Rodrygo goal saved Real Madrid after a disappointing performance against city rivals Rayo Vallecano

The Brazilian, playing in the absent Vinicius Jr's position, provided a late moment of magic to snatch a home win, with his 89th-minute strike sealing an underwhelming 2-1 victory.

The home side endured a difficult opening to the game. 11th-placed Rayo Vallecano were aggressive in attack, and forced the usually sturdy duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos into a handful of giveaways. However, they couldn't make their possession count, with Thibaut Courtois called on to make a few neat saves.

And with the pressure soaked up at one end, Madrid struck at the other. Los Blancos started quickly from a drop ball, and cut open the visitors' defence with two swift passes. Karim Benzema was the beneficiary of it all, rounding the keeper and finishing from a tight angle.

He affected the game in other ways, too, pressing diligently and moving in and out of space to allow Madrid to settle into an attacking rhythm. By the time the second half came around, Los Blancos were thoroughly in control. But they couldn't find a crucial second, and were punished for it. Raul de Tomas ghosted past a sleeping Dani Carvajal and received a pass before firing his shot past Courtois with less than ten minutes to play.

Rodrygo played hero, though, dribbling into space and finding the bottom corner with a curled strike in the 89th minute to ensure Madrid ran out deserved winners.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (6/10):

Kept his side in it with a few saves. Will be annoyed not to come away with a clean sheet.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

Handled Rayo's pacy left side reasonably well, although he was a bit shaky in possession at times. Fell asleep for the visitors' goal, though.

Nacho (5/10):

An odd decision to start him at centre-back, and he didn't really impress.

David Alaba (7/10):

Enjoyed one particularly entertaining surge down the right, solid otherwise.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

An odd selection at left-back. He spent 90 minutes proving he doesn't belong in that position.

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Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Back into a defensive-midfield role, where he looks far more settled, but not really as effective.

Luka Modric (7/10):

Started slowly, but impacted play much more in the second half. Classy, as usual.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

Passed with his usual conviction. Freed up by not having to play as a No.6.

Attack

Federico Valverde (5/10):

Not involved much, although he did assist Benzema. He's a big part of this team long-term, but it's been a tricky few months on the pitch for the Uruguayan.

Karim Benzema (8/10):

Clearly playing through an injury, but took his goal well and caused problems with his movement.

Rodrygo (7/10):

Deployed on the left with Vinicius Jr out. Doesn't look as comfortable as he does on the other wing. Still, his late heroics ensured Madrid weren't embarrassed at home.

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Subs & Manager

Dani Ceballos (6/10):

Given 30 minutes to impress with a contract extension potentially on the line.

Marco Asensio (6/10):

Didn't impact the game much.

Aurelien Tchouameni (N/A):

A good run out for a player still learning.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

He didn't get a devastating performance out of his team. But who can blame him when there's so little to play for? Modric and Kroos both enjoyed solid shifts, while Benzema got on the scoresheet. This wasn't pretty, nor was it always easy, but Ancelotti will take the win.

GOAL breaks down what the U.S. could look like when the next major tournament rolls around next summer.

The U.S. men's national team's 2023 summer schedule is now over. They lifted a Nations League trophy, topping Mexico and Canada in memorable wins, but then a heavily-rotated team fell short in the Gold Cup. There's still plenty left to do this year, though, from Gregg Berhalter's first matches back in charge against Uzbekistan and Oman, friendlies against Germany and Ghana and then some Nations League matches to close the year.

There's plenty of soccer to be played this year, of course, and plenty of storylines left to unfold, from Berhalter's initial lineup decisions to a series of major transfers. Still, from the moment Panama's final penalty kick hit the back of the net in the Gold Cup on Wednesday night, all eyes turned towards one thing: the Copa America.

South America's premier tournament is coming stateside in 2024 and, while participants still haven't been confirmed as we await results from the Nations League, it's a safe bet to assume the U.S. will be there.

The Copa America is very much the USMNT's big moment this cycle, the one real chance for this team to get competitive fixtures on the road to 2026. With no World Cup qualifying necessary and big-time friendlies far less common than in years past, the U.S. won't have many big moments to truly prepare for the world's biggest tournament hitting home soil.

Because of that, the Copa America is paramount. Berhalter and co. will get the chance to go against opponents like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and the list goes on. Running the gauntlet of South American teams will be difficult, for sure, but there is confidence that the U.S. can make some sort of run when the tournament gets going next summer.

Picking a squad won't be easy, and much can change over the next year. There's also the added complication of the 2024 Olympics, which could see several of the USMNT's younger stars and seasoned veterans head to Paris rather than compete in the Copa America. It remains to be seen how the USMNT will balance it all, but the team's top stars will no doubt be on full display against South America's finest next summer.

With that said, GOAL takes a look at what the USMNT lineup could look like and which players could jump into the XI by next summer:

(Players with * are also Olympic eligible)

GettyGK: Matt Turner

This one is pretty obvious. Turner is the current USMNT No. 1 and he likely will be this summer.

Part of that is because of his play, as Turner continues to be fantastic every time he puts on a USMNT shirt. The other part is that, at the moment, there really isn't anyone to challenge him, as the rest of the goalkeeping pool isn't really playing at the highest level.

Still, we'll have to see how many games Turner plays between now and next summer as his role at Arsenal may have an impact on this race.

In contention: Zack Steffen, Gaga Slonina*, Sean Johnson, Ethan Horvath

AdvertisementGettyLB: Antonee Robinson

He's recently signed a new contract at Fulham, leaving no doubt about his future. Robinson is clearly comfortable at Craven Cottage, and that's good news as he looks ahead to the Copa America.

The key question, though, has to do with his backup. For some time, the U.S. has looked for someone to fill that role. It appears they have it in DeJuan Jones, who should get another opportunity in the fall.

In contention: DeJuan Jones, John Tolkin*

GettyCB: Tim Ream

We'll have to see if Father Time does ever catch up with him but, if it doesn't, he'll be there next summer.

The Fulham star was fantastic at the World Cup and even better in the Premier League last season, which is why he's still here even at age 35. There are younger options on their way up, of course, but if Ream can continue on at a high level, can the U.S. really move on?

In contention: Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty

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GettyCB: Chris Richards

If the Nations League was any indication, Richards is coming for this spot.

He'll need to kick on at Crystal Palace, for sure, but his performances earlier this summer offered a glimpse into how good he can be. He's been tabbed as a future USMNT star for years, and this may be the season where he proves it.

In contention: Cameron Carter-Vickers,Walker Zimmerman, Jalen Neal*

Warren Zaire-Emery had a bittersweet France debut as he scored and then got injured inside 20 minutes against Gibraltar in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

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Zaire-Emery scores against GibraltarYoungest French scorer in more than a centuryTeenager forced off with injury early onGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 17-year-old started against the European minnows on Saturday night and got on the scoresheet in fine style with a clinical finish after 17 minutes to make it 3-0, following own goals from Ethan Santos and Aymen Mouelhi.

However, his evening was cut short when Santos scythed him down as he swept the ball home. A VAR review followed and the Gibraltar defender was sent off. The Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid, meanwhile, was forced from the field with an ankle injury in the 20th minute.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Zaire-Emery is seen as the next big thing in France. He is already a regular at PSG and now he is a French international at the tender age of 17. He is now the third youngest French scorer for the national side behind Maurice Gastiger (also 17) and Julien Verbrugghe (16) – with the duo playing back in 1914 and 1906 respectively.

Incidentally, PSG will hope the teenager's injury is not a serious one as they try to win Ligue 1 once again and mount a serious challenge in the Champions League.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?

France are next in action on Tuesday when they travel to Greece for their final Euro 2024 qualifier. Zaire-Emery will hope to be fit for that clash, but if not, they host Monaco in Ligue 1 on Friday.

The final super squad has been released for FIFA 18, with players from Europe's big five leagues included after impressing for their clubs in 2017-18

EA Sports1Ciro Immobile – LazioST, 96AdvertisementEA Sports2Edinson Cavani – PSGST, 96EA Sports3Harry Kane – SpursST, 95ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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EA Sports4Luis Suarez – BarcelonaST, 97

Manchester United and Tottenham are reportedly leading the race to sign young Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer window.

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Several European elites interested in BranthwaiteRed Devils & Spurs leading the pack Ratcliffe wants two young centre-backs in the summer GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite interest from several top clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, and the reports that the Red Devils and Spurs are currently at the forefront in their pursuit of the 21-year-old defender. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly keen on adding two young center-backs to their squad in the upcoming transfer window. Branthwaite's profile aligns with their focus on homegrown talent, and his left-sided positioning addresses a specific requirement outlined by manager Erik ten Hag for defensive balance.

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While Branthwaite remains a primary target for Manchester United, the club is also exploring alternative options in the centre-back position. Players like Antonio Silva from Benfica, Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, and Leny Yoro from Lille are also under consideration.

DID YOU KNOW?

The potential transfer fee for Branthwaite could depend on Everton's league status by the end of the season. The Toffees are currently struggling in the Premier League and sit 18th in the table with 19 points. If they go down to the Championship, the Branthwaite could be sold at a discounted rate.

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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT?

United aim to compete at the highest level both in England and in Europe under Ratcliffe and the next summer could see an influx of new faces. Branthwaite could potentially be a replacement for Raphael Varane as the French defender is reportedly considering offers from the Middle East.

There will be some top young talent on show in Australia and New Zealand, and here are the names you should keep an eye on…

This year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand promises to be the biggest yet. More eyes will be on the tournament than ever before as the game continues to grow, making it an incredible stage for a young player to announce themselves on.

What's particularly exciting this summer is that so many of the best up-and-comers that will be on show are already key players in their national teams.

Four years ago, we saw players like Lena Oberdorf, the women's NXGN 2020 winner, Giulia Gwinn, winner of the Young Player of the Tournament award, and Mallory Swanson, now a star name for the U.S. women's national team, announce themselves to the world.

There are plenty of excellent youngsters who appear primed to follow in their footsteps and shine in the 2023 edition.

So, who should you be keeping an eye on? Let NXGN introduce you to some of the stand-out names, born in 2002 or later…

GettyHanna Bennison (Sweden)

The NXGN 2021 winner, Bennison has been an integral member of Sweden's senior national team for a while now.

She made her debut in late 2019, aged 17, and has since been to an Olympic Games and a Euros. She'll complete the set with a World Cup this summer.

The Everton midfielder moved to England from Rosengard in the summer of 2021 and has become a key part of what head coach Brian Sorensen is trying to do. Bennison's next task is to become a regular in her country's starting XI, though she has proven a very important substitute for Peter Gerhardsson.

AdvertisementGettyJule Brand (Germany)

After starting the Euros final last year at the age of 19, Brand will follow that up with a trip to her first senior World Cup this summer. In the 12 months between the two milestones, she's only grown as a player.

The winger completed a move to Wolfsburg before the 2022-23 season, and the environment the two-time European champions can provide, with its competitiveness and the influence of so many winners, is only benefiting her.

GettyJody Brown (Jamaica)

Brown was only 16 years old when she made her senior international debut and, later that year, she was the youngest player on show at the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship.

Still in college, at Florida State University, the young forward has an excellent goalscoring record for her country and has already been to a World Cup, when the Reggae Girlz qualified in 2019. She's now set for another, at the age of 21.

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GettyEsmee Brugts (Netherlands)

A member of the Netherlands' Euro 2022 squad, it was Brugts' goal that actually secured her country's place at this summer's World Cup. Had the teenager not netted in the 93rd minute to beat Iceland in September, the 2019 runners-up would've had to go through further qualifying and might not have made it.

That is a moment that perfectly illustrates the impact the PSV forward has been having on her national team already, and she will not just be a great impact sub in Australia and New Zealand, but also a player competing for a starting berth.

Mikel Arteta has some big decisions to make when the Gunners host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday

Premier League leaders Arsenal return to action against Brentford on Saturday looking to put their defeat at Everton behind them.

That 1-0 loss at Goodison Park was the first Mikel Arteta’s side have suffered in the league since they were beaten 3-1 at Manchester United in September.

But Manchester City’s defeat at Tottenham on Sunday ensured the Gunners maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table, an advantage they would stretch to eight points should they beat Brentford this weekend.

So how are things shaping up at Arsenal ahead of the game? GOAL takes a look.

GettyArsenal team news

Gabriel Jesus has returned to Arsenal’s training ground this week to step up his recovery plan following knee surgery, but the Brazil International is still some way off being able to return to action.

Emile Smith Rowe has missed Arsenal’s last two games due to a thigh problem and is not expected to be fit to face Brentford this weekend. Reiss Nelson is fully fit and available again after his hamstring issue, but Mohamed Elneny is sidelined for the season due to a knee problem.

Thomas Partey was replaced after an hour against Everton last weekend, but that substitution was not believed to be injury related.

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Martin Odegaard: Arsenal’s captain had an off day by his high standards against Everton last weekend and the side suffered as a result.

When Odegaard plays well, Arsenal play well, so the Gunners will be looking to their skipper to inspire them to a much-improved performance to the one they produced at Goodison Park.

If Odegaard gets on the ball and finds space in the final third, it could be a long afternoon for the Brentford defence.

GettyTalking point

There is plenty of debate ahead of the game about whether Saturday is the time for Mikel Arteta to shake things up a bit.

The likes of Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli have been slightly off it in the past couple of weeks and could benefit from a rest, especially with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard pushing hard for a place in the starting XI.

Arsenal have their huge clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night looming large so if Arteta is ever going to rotate his starting XI, Saturday seems like the moment he will do it.

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Getty ImagesWhat has Arteta said?

The Arsenal manager knew his side under-performed against Everton, but was quick to offer his players support ahead of this weekend’s crucial clash at the Emirates.

“This is the moment I love my players more,” he said. “Now we stick together. This journey is going to be difficult and challenging, and there’s going to be bigger stones in the middle that we’re going to have to overcome that. And now we’re going to prepare really well in the week to get to Saturday in the right emotional level and right spirit to be perfect.”

Thomas Tuchel believes Erik ten Hag faces a great deal of pressure at Manchester United because there is "always a lot of noise" around the club.

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United on two game losing streakFace Bayern in Champions LeagueTuchel expects "dangerous" teamWHAT HAPPENED?

United have lost three of their last four matches, last going down 3-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have just six points from their first five matches, leaving them nine points behind leaders Manchester City.

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Tuchel believes there is extra pressure on Ten Hag and his United players because so many pundits in the media are former Red Devils stars. Despite their struggles, the Bayern Munich coach says United will pose a big threat when they visit the German giants in the Champions League on Wednesday.

WHAT THEY SAID?

"Your start to the season doesn't say much. They were never really out of the game against Brighton either. They have a lot of individual quality and are extremely dangerous," he told reporters.

He added: "I felt with Man United there was always a lot of noise, a lot of pundits are ex-players from Man United, you have this legacy from Sir Alex Ferguson, which creates a lot of pressure. It tells you you work at a big club, big expectations."

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

United face Bayern at the Allianz Arena in Munich in their opening Champions League match on Wednesday.

Brighton are refusing to budge on their nine-figure valuation of the Ecuador dynamo, so the Blues may need to look elsewhere

Chelsea have a significant decision to make in the final month of the transfer window; with a gaping void in their midfield following the departures of N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, among others, they must choose whether or not to cough up £100 million ($128.5m) for Moises Caicedo or, finally, concede defeat in the pursuit of their primary target for another window.

The Blues' latest offer of £80m ($102.5m) was immediately knocked back by Brighton, who have remained firm on their valuation since the outset in negotiations and will command at least £20m more for the outstanding 21-year-old.

If Chelsea are unwilling to stretch that little bit further, the quandary facing them is whether the alternative options would elevate the midfield to anything like the same extent as Caicedo, who seems destined to become a top-level No.6.

Nevertheless, here are the defensive midfielders Chelsea could turn to if Brighton's dynamo drifts out of their reach…

Getty ImagesRomeo Lavia (Southampton)

If Caicedo moves out of reach, the man who will likely move to the top of Chelsea's defensive midfield shortlist is Romeo Lavia. The Belgian was outstanding despite relegation with Southampton last season, and is certain to move on this summer.

His ability to evade the press, ball-carrying ability and progressive passing make him the archetypal modern No.6, but competition from Liverpool and a steep £50m ($64m) price tag could prove to be stumbling blocks.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAmadou Onana (Everton)

Everton's Amadou Onana was among the hoard of players linked with Chelsea during the January transfer window after just half a season at Goodison Park, but that chatter has since fallen silent. Should Chelsea remain at loggerheads with Brighton over their valuation of Caicedo, then Onana will likely come back into consideration in the final month of the transfer window.

The 21-year-old would likely cost about half as much, and he has demonstrated that he possesses the technical ability and physicality to succeed in the Premier League.

Getty ImagesKhephren Thuram (Nice)

The embodiment of the old adage 'good feet for a big man', Khephren Thuram – son of France great Lilian – has been heavily linked with a move away from Nice the summer following a breakout campaign in Ligue 1.

Although his passing isn't quite at Caicedo's level, Thuram is adept with the ball at his feet and progressing play, and his rangy 6'4 frame means he is able to cover plenty of ground, and fast. Though he would be a less defensive option, he excels at reading the game and making timely interventions.

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Getty ImagesManu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Another young Frenchman who shone in 2022-23, Thuram's Under-21 international team-mate has become a key figure for Borussia Monchengladbach over the past two seasons.

The 22-year-old Frenchman is similarly adept in possession and is very comfortable carrying the ball of trouble and picking a pass. He also has that added physicality that would serve him well in the Premier League, often using his 6'1 frame to protect the ball. player who is also linked with Liverpool, a knee injury suffered at the U21 Euros could also be problematic.